Falklands : FCO MINISTER REAFFIRMS SUPPORT FOR FALKLAND ISLANDS
Submitted by Falkland Islands News Network (Juanita Brock) 18.02.2010 (Article Archived on 04.03.2010)
FCO Minister, Chris Bryant has reassured Falkland Islanders about the recent declaration signed by President Christina Kirchner restricting shipping between her country and the Falklands.“We have no doubt about our sovereignty over the Falkland Islands and we're clear that the Falkland Islands Government is entitled to develop a hydrocarbons industry within its waters.”
FCO MINISTER REAFFIRMS SUPPORT FOR FALKLAND ISLANDS
By J. Brock (FINN)
FCO Minister, Chris Bryant has reassured Falkland Islanders about the recent declaration signed by President Christina Kirchner restricting shipping between her country and the Falklands.“We have no doubt about our sovereignty over the Falkland Islands and we're clear that the Falkland Islands Government is entitled to develop a hydrocarbons industry within its waters.”
The Argentine policy is that all ships leaving Argentine ports for the Falkland Islands must seek permission. However, the British view is firm. “The Falkland Islands territorial waters are controlled by the Islands' authorities.”said Chris Bryant in a statement issued by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.
Most of the current storm has been whipped up by the media who are unclear about how far Argentine authority extends. Their product reflects this mainly in the negative vein. Mr Bryant said, “We're monitoring the situation closely, but we're not going to react to every development in Argentina.”
This current flap has been caused by the immediate start of exploratory drilling in the North Falkland Basin. Islanders feel they have every right to have an oil industry in their waters.“We remain focussed on supporting the Falkland Islands Government in developing legitimate business in its territory,”said Mr Bryant.
Regardless of problems with shipping, Argentina and Britain have a working relationship. “We mustn't lose sight of the fact that Argentina and the UK are important partners: We have a close and productive relationship on a range of issues: in the G20, on climate change, sustainable development and counter-proliferation,” said the Minister.
“We would like to add South Atlantic issues to that list and will work to develop the relationship further. If that could be made to work, it would be good for all concerned,” he concluded.
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