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Press Release
FALKLAND ISLANDS GOVERNMENT GRATITUDE
TO BRITISH FORCES IS “UNDIMINISHED”
14th June 2007
On the 25th Anniversary of the Liberation of the Falkland Islands the Government’s UK Representative, Ms Sukey Cameron MBE, conveyed the “undiminished gratitude” of the Falkland Islands people to the British Task Force which liberated them.
Speaking at the Falkland Islands Government annual reception in London, Ms Cameron said “this evening we should pay tribute to their courage, celebrate the liberation that their valour brought about, and consider what has been, and must be achieved, so that their sacrifice is not in vain.
“In commemorating those who gave their lives, we may not long remember what is said. But we can never forget what they did.
“As we celebrate our liberation, let us strive anew to match their sacrifice with our resolve to preserve what they fought for:-
“The right to self-determination, now enshrined in our status as an Overseas Territory of the United Kingdom;
“The internal self-government we enjoy, soon to be underpinned by a new constitution;
“The progress we have made in achieving economic self-sufficiency in everything but defence;
“Our determination to follow the path of sustainable development, and protect our unspoilt environment and wildlife;
“And our resolve that we will never submit to those who wish to take from us by economic sanctions what they failed to take by military force.
“As we consider the future, we rejoice in our identity as Falkland Islanders, and the self confidence that our progress over twenty five years has brought.
“We re-dedicate ourselves to seeking peaceful co-operation with our neighbours, as a full participating member of the South Atlantic community.
“And, as United Kingdom citizens, we look forward to playing our part in the wider world.
“Together, let us ensure that never again will the tragedy of 1982 be repeated.
“Those who made the supreme sacrifice would expect nothing less of us.”
HRH the Countess of Wessex and the Rt Hon Baroness Thatcher LG OM attended the Falkland Islands Government annual reception, at Lincoln’s Inn, London, on 14 June 2007. HRH the Earl of Wessex is representing Her Majesty the Queen at commemorations in the Falkland Islands.
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