Falklands : Strengthening of democracy and self-determination rights welcomed by FIG
Submitted by Falkland Islands News Network (Juanita Brock) 07.11.2008 (Article Archived on 21.11.2008)
According to a press release the Falkland Islands Government (FIG) today welcomed the new Constitution for the Islands which provides enhanced local democracy and internal self-government and enshrines the right of self-determination.
Strengthening of democracy and self-determination rights welcomed by FIG
By J. Brock (FINN)
According to a press release the Falkland Islands Government (FIG) today welcomed the new Constitution for the Islands which provides enhanced local democracy and internal self-government and enshrines the right of self-determination.
Councillor Mike Summers OBE, speaking for FIG said that the Islanders’ right to determine their own future was now embedded in the main body of the Constitution:
“Our inalienable right to self-determination is in line with the European Convention on Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. Furthermore it was endorsed by the United Nations Fourth Committee (Special Political and Decolonisation) on 20 October this year.”
Describing it as a post-colonial Constitution which the Falkland Islands Government initiated and on which the Falkland Island people were consulted, Cllr Summers added “ It recognises the reality of the modern world in which the rights of free peoples are paramount and the assertion of territorial rights, irrespective of the wishes of those who live there, has no place.”
Needless to say, Falkland Islanders have freely exercised their right of self-determination on numerous occasions by clearly indicating their wish to remain British.
“This new Constitution re-states our right to decide our own future and enhances our powers of self-government” said Cllr Summers. “Surely no one who supports democracy and civil rights can oppose this?”
The Argentine Foreign Ministry have complained about the new Falklands Constitution to UK Authorities.
|
