Falklands : Cllr Summers Nixes Illegal Argentine Charter Flights to the Falklands
Submitted by Falkland Islands News Network (Juanita Brock) 06.03.2008 (Article Archived on 20.03.2008)
Cllr Mike Summers has thrown cold water on an Argentine plea for a charter flight from Argentina carrying next of kin to the Falklands.
CLLR SUMMERS NIXES ILLEGAL ARGENTINE CHARTER FLIGHTS TO THE FALKLANDS
By J. Brock (FINN)
Cllr Mike Summers (MS)has thrown cold water on a charter flight from Argentina to the Falklands carrying next of kin. This is due to the ban being enshrined in Argentine law and having been in force for several years now. Argentine President, Christina Kirchner made a plea to Britain before the Argentine Congress to allow the mercy flight to the Falklands rather than to allow the visit to go forward by sea. He told Stacy Bragger (SB)of FIRS:
“Our position is the same as it has been. The problem, as far as they see it, is all of their making. The only reason that the Next of Kin and the Families Commission are unable to organise a visit by air is because the Argentine Government has banned charter flights to the Falklands using its airspace.
So, we have this almost comical situation, if it weren’t so sad for the people involved, that the Argentine Government has caused a problem, which is now pleading with the British Government to fix for it. And she (President Christina Kirchner) has the solution in her own hands. It’s a slightly bizarre situation.
But I hope when Christina Kirchner talks to either the (British) Embassy in Buenos Aires or others in the UK when she visits that they will point out to her that the solution is entirely in her hands.
SB: Do you feel it’s all a political move?
MS: I think it is all a political move on her Government’s part. They are trying to squeeze a concession from us through the British Government. And I think it’s a rouse, probably, to try to create some division between the UK and the Falkland Islands Government.
We have been very conscious of this in the past and made sure that there is absolutely no space between us and the UK on issues to do with Argentina and we must continue along that routs. And, I am sure the British Government will have the wit to see that that is the case. And to tell them so.
SB: The Overseas Territories Minister, Meg Munn was discussing the idea of a charter flight. So you are 100% convinced that the next of kin will not come via charter flight?
MS: Look. There has been no change in our policy. We have received no further communications from the UK Government since the Minister left. And we are satisfied that the UK Government regards this as a local Government matter for us to deal with and accepts the position that we have put, which is that this problem is caused by the Argentine Government and if they want it resolved, they must resolve it.
SB: Cllr Summers says that he sees no change in policy by the new Argentine President
MS: It’s still quite difficult to tell and various commentators have different takes on her. Of course we have no direct knowledge. She does seem to be taking more interest in foreign affairs but in terms of her approach to the Falklands, it seems to be very much the same and there are no indications at this time, at least, that she is going to change the policy from her husband.
(100X Transcription Service)
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