HOME PAGE

Press Release
Ministerial Statement
29 March 2004


"On 15 and 16 March 2004 the Argentine naval Icebreaker Almirante Irizar sailed through the Falklands Outer Conservation Zone and the Falklands Interim Conservation Zone. These are areas for which the Falkland Islands Government issues fishing licences. During the time that it was inside these zones, the Argentine vessel was challenging other vessels to identify themselves. While transit of the conservation zones is permissible, the policing of the zones by a foreign vessel contravenes the Falkland Islands exclusive jurisdiction.

"We asked the Argentine government for an explanation of the vessel's actions. Their response was not satisfactory. We have therefore made a formal protest to the Argentine government concerning the actions of the Almirante Irizar, underlining the need to ensure that this type of incident does not happen again. This note also reiterated that HMG has no doubts about UK sovereignty over the Falkland Islands.

"I have spoken to Falkland Island Councillors about this incident. I share their concerns and I have briefed them on our response. I assured them of our continued firm support."

Rt Hon Bill Rammell, MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary, Foreign and Commonwealth Office.



ENDS

Contacts:

Sam Allanson-Bailey, Falkland Islands Government Office, London Contact tel +44 (0) 20 7222 2542. E-mail admin@falklands.gov.fk



© Falkland Islands Government 2004
Feedback to : Falkland Islands Government Office
Created and Maintained by: Cyberpoint Limited