Press Release
FIG STATEMENT ON THE NEW CONSTITUTION
7 November 2008
Falkland Islands Government welcomes strengthening of democracy and self-determination rights in new Constitution
The Falkland Islands Government (FIG) today welcomed the new Constitution for the Islands which provides enhanced local democracy and internal self-government and enshrines the right of self-determination.
Speaking on behalf of the Falkland Islands Government, Councillor Mike Summers OBE said that the Islanders' right to determine their own future was now embedded in the main body of the Constitution:
"Our inalienable right to self-determination is in line with the European Convention on Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. Furthermore it was endorsed by the United Nations Fourth Committee (Special Political and Decolonisation) on 20 October this year.
"This is a post-colonial Constitution which the Falkland Islands Government initiated and on which the Falkland Island people were consulted. It recognises the reality of the modern world in which the rights of free peoples are paramount and the assertion of territorial rights, irrespective of the wishes of those who live there, has no place.
"Falkland Islanders have freely exercised their right of self-determination on numerous occasions by clearly indicating their wish to remain British. This new Constitution re-states our right to decide our own future and enhances our powers of self-government. Surely no one who supports democracy and civil rights can oppose this?"
Note for Editors
For further information and interview requests please contact:
Tony Richards or Katie Liddell: 020 7839 2140, tony@keenepa.co.uk or katie@keenepa.co.uk. For out of office enquiries call Tony Richards on 07860 677 662.
Sukey Cameron, FIG UK Representative: 0207 222 2542 or 07850 405040 (out of office).
Councillor Mike Summers OBE, FIG Spokesperson: 00 500 21542 or 00 500 54211.
Councillors' Office, Stanley, Falkland Islands: 00 500 27451 or email clerkofcouncils@sec.gov.fk.
Visit www.falklands.gov.fk/legco/constitution.php.