HOME PAGE Falkland Focus News from the Falkland Islands Government Number: 67 - June/July 1999	PRINCE CHARLES ON SEALION ISLAND
THIS PAGE - Falkland Islands Councillors in talks with Argentina - Prince Charles Calls For a "Spirit of Mutual Understanding and Respect" - Falklands Fishery Protection Vessel Fires On Taiwanese Poachers - British MPs Visit the Falkland Islands
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Falkland Islands Councillors in talks with Argentina

Falkland Islands Councillors formed part of the British delegation, which met the Argentine Government in London on 26 and 27 May. The talks, initiated by the Falkland Islands Councillors, covered the conservation and management of fisheries, hydrocarbon exploration and air-links to the Islands, following the suspension of flights from Chile in protest at the arrest of General Pinochet in Britain. Sovereignty of the Islands was not discussed. The Councillors, Jan Cheek, Norma Edwards, Sharon Halford and Bill Luxton, who represented the democratically elected Government of the Falkland Islands at the talks, said afterwards: "Our purpose was to discuss areas of mutual interest and concern. No decisions were taken, or agreements made and we shall be reporting back to our fellow Councillors and the people of the Falkland Islands."

A joint statement from the British and Argentine delegations said that the talks were held "in a friendly, open and constructive atmosphere building on the new spirit in the relationship." Both delegations agreed to continue to work together to "make progress over a range of South Atlantic issues of common interest".

The Councillors said: "We hope we can find ways of cooperating for our mutual benefit and learn to live alongside each other as friendly neighbours in an atmosphere of mutual respect."

Press release

Cllr Jan Cheek

Cllr Norma Edwards

Cllr Sharon Halford

Cllr Bill Luxton

Prince Charles Calls For a "Spirit of Mutual Understanding and Respect"

In a speech in Argentina, before travelling to the Falkland Islands, the Prince made reference to the legitimate rights of the Falkland Islands' people saying: "My hope is that the people of modern, democratic Argentina, with their passionate attachment to their national traditions, will in the future be able to live amicably alongside the people of another modern, if rather smaller democracy, lying a few hundred miles off your coast, a people just as passionately attached to their traditions, and be able to do so in a spirit of mutual understanding and respect, so that neither will again need to feel any fear from, or hostility towards, the other. Such an understanding can only reinforce our own friendships. Today so many old friendships are being rebuilt."

The Falkland Islands was the last stop for Prince Charles on his weeklong South American tour in March, following visits to Argentina and Uruguay. The Prince was based in Stanley, but travelled extensively all over the Islands to meet communities in Camp and visited 1982 memorials. The Prince's love of wildlife is well known and his visit to Sea Lion Island, where the Prince found himself surrounded by penguins and magnificent elephant seals, was considered by many to be the highlight of the trip.

On his last evening the Prince called the Islands a "remarkable and very precious asset" and said he was keen to bring Prince William and Prince Harry to the Islands, particularly as William was born "seven days after the Islands were liberated so it holds a very special place in my heart."


Falklands Fishery Protection Vessel Fires On Taiwanese Poachers

Dorada, the Falkland Islands Fishery Protection Vessel, is now armed to combat the poaching problem Press release

For the first time since it was armed on 12 May, the Falkland Islands Fishery Protection Vessel Dorada had been in action against a Taiwanese vessel fishing illegally in Falkland waters. The incident happened on Saturday 15 May. The Shan Fu 8 was repeatedly asked to stop by radio, flag and other internationally recognised signals before warning shots were fired across its bows. As it continued to flee northwards the Dorada was given permission to fire directly at it and shots were seen to hit the Shan Fu 8 causing some damage. However, the vessel continued northwards and as night fell the pursuit was discontinued. The Falkland Islands Fisheries Department said: "Although the action did not result in the detention of the Shan Fu 8, the fact that the gun had been used to fire directly on the illegally fishing vessel should provide a useful deterrent for the future. The Falkland Islands Government is determined to enforce the law applicable to its Fisheries zone and ensure that conservation objectives are upheld."

British MPs Visit the Falkland Islands

Three British MPs visited the Islands in February on a familiarisation trip, sponsored by the Falkland Islands Government. Ben Chapman MP, Lindsay Hoyle MP, from the Labour Party, and Paul Keetch MP, a Liberal Democrat, spent time in Stanley and Camp to gain an impression of life in the Islands.

At a press conference, Paul Keetch MP acknowledged the "Britishness" of the Islands, but felt that the Falkland Islands and Argentina should engage in "more dialogue". Lindsay Hoyle MP said he was concerned at what he called "unacceptable behaviour" on the part of the Argentine Government. "Not only do they need to drop the sovereignty claim" he said "but they should also withdraw the threat of sanctions against British companies who have been involved in contracts down here in the Falklands."

The MPs unanimously praised the quality of the education and the facilities at the Falkland Islands Community School, which "would be the envy of any local authority in the UK" and Ben Chapman MP noted the "Feel Good Factor" evident in the Islands.

L to R: Tim Miller, Manager, Hydroponic Market Garden, Paul Keetch MP, Ben Chapman MP, and Lindsay Hoyle MP

PAGE 2 Falkland Islands Welcomes New Governor - South American Airlink Suspended - £5000 Gift to Hurricane Mitch Victims - Oil Update - Kosovo Appeal Raised £21,200 - Images of the Falkland Islands - Yee Ha! Cowboys Play in the Islands

PAGE 3 Focus on Education - TES Newspaper Day - GAP Students - GCSE Results Success - Falklands' Students in the UK Study to Return - Education Facts




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