ARGENTINA
The Falklands Islands Government (FIG) is content for relations between Britain and Argentina to strengthen, on the basis that its right of self-determination is not compromised, and that improved relations work to benefit the region and help co-operation in areas of mutual interest.
Britain remains committed to the fundamental principle and right of self-determination and it is clear in its support of the Islanders' wishes, for the Falkland Islands to remain an Overseas Territory of the United Kingdom.
However, despite political and cultural differences, offshore resources - fish and potential hydrocarbons - are the most obvious examples where co-operation is desirable, and where a framework of consultation has been built up over the years.
Co-operation is not simply a matter of maximising economic resources. Conservation of the marine and shoreline environment, and health and safety issues are share concerns that require a co-ordinated approach.
CO-OPERATION IN FISHERIES
On 28 November 1990, following a meeting in Madrid to discuss conservation concerns, Argentine and British delegations adopted a Joint Statement which resulted in the creation of The South Atlantic Fisheries Commission (SAFC). One of its primary aims is to find ways of improving conservation of migratory and straddling stocks.
The creation of the Falklands Outer Conservation Zone (FOCZ) was announced at the same meeting. This borders the Falkland Islands Interim Conservation and Management Zone (FICZ) set up in 1986, extending the fishing zone to a maximum of 200 miles from the coastal baselines.
By mid-2005 there had been 27 meetings of the SAFC and 23 meetings of its scientific sub-committee (SSC). Much useful joint scientific work involving British, Argentine and Falklands scientists has been done in the SSC. Fisheries data has been routinely exchanged and there have been joint assessments of shared stocks. There has been a programme of joint research cruises with Falkland and Argentine research vessels operating with joint scientific teams in both zones. Since late 2005 a number of SAFC meetings have been suspended due to Argentine insistence on linking fisheries conservation to talks on sovereignty. This is not acceptable to the UK Government nor to the Falkland Islands.
Despite the previous progress, much remains to be done to improve the prospects for some species. The Joint Statement in July 1999 gave impetus to the negotiation of a multilateral fisheries arrangement to extend conservation measures to the high seas. Such an arrangement is still viewed in the Falklands as being essential to secure the sustainability of some straddling fish stocks and the Illex squid in particular. However there has been little progress on this issue.
| THE JULY 1999 JOINT STATEMENT |
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In May 1999 the British Government, at the request of the Falkland Islands Councillors, initiated talks with Argentina to further aid co-operation over areas such as conservation of fish stocks and mineral resources. A Joint Statement, formally witnessed by two Falkland Islands Councillors, was signed in July 1999. The Statement also provided for the resumption of flights from South America, including stopovers in Argentina and for the admission of Argentine passport holders to the Falkland Islands. Items can be summarised as follows:
*1 It should be noted that the ban did not include next of kin, who have been able to visit the Islands since 1991. |
CHILE AND URUGUAY
Traditionally, the Falkland Islands have enjoyed good relations with both Chile and Uruguay. Before the British Government brokered the 'Communications Agreement' in 1971, which forced the Islands to become reliant upon Argentina for all external communications, critical medical care and further educational facilities were all available in Uruguay. A monthly passenger cargo ship operated the route between Stanley and Montevideo until 1972.
Since the Conflict in 1982 and the July 1999 Joint Statement, the Island relationship with Chile has strengthened considerably. There is a local Falkland Islands coastal vessel that visits Punta Arenas and there have been various visits to the Islands by delegations from the Chilean Parliament, Chambers of Commerce and farming groups. There are an increasing number of Chilean citizens working in the Falkland Islands too, particularly in the fishery and tourist industries.
The air link operated by LAN is opening up opportunities for trade and tourism development. A number of tour operators who specialise in holidays to Chile are expanding their programmes to include 'add on' packages to the Falkland Islands. Trade with Chile is growing steadily with building materials, livestock, fresh fruit and vegetables and wines being imported to the Islands.
DEFENCE
Since the Argentine invasion, the Islands have been defended by Her Majesty's Forces, who also make use of the excellent training ground the Islands provide. The garrison is based at Mount Pleasant, 35 miles from Stanley.
Local support is provided by the Falkland Islands Defence Force, whose history dates back to 1892. Funded by the Falkland Islands Government, the Defence Force is recognised as a skilled and effective Territorial Army unit, not only forming an integral part of the Islands' defence operation, but also carrying out search and rescue operations.
