The Prime Minister Tony Blair has pledged to Falkland Islanders that he is committed to ensuring their security and freedom while at the same time seeking to improve relations with Argentina.

In his first broadcast to the Falkland Islands since taking office, he told listeners in a New Year's message: "You have my absolute and firm promise that I will not pursue any relations or development with Argentina at the expense of the Falkland Islands.

"I am committed to protecting your right to choose your own way of life. I am also fully committed to ensuring your security."

Excerpt from Tony Blair's radio message to the Falkland Islanders (30").

Speaking on the twice-weekly BBC World Service programme Calling the Falklands, he said that in 1982, when Argentina's invasion of the islands led to war, Britain had demonstrated "unequivocally" its backing for the islanders' right to self-determination.

In turn, the islanders had shown the world "what you were made of during that period of crisis. "I would like to pay my personal tribute to your resolve. The new Labour government will be equally resolute."

Extending ties

At the same time, he wanted to develop an "open and constructive" relationship with Argentina, which was an important country and a trading partner of the UK.

President Carlos Menem was invited in November to become the first Argentine President to visit the UK since the Falklands War, and his trip, this year, was part of that process, said Mr Blair.

Tony Blair: personal tribute to the islanders' resolve

Other British and Argentinian ministers were sure to meet over the year: "I believe that such contacts will benefit both the Falkland Islands and the UK. "I hope they will improve your economic situation and your security." Mr Blair added that this was a time of year when thoughts turned to peace, forgiveness and reconciliation "whether it be in Northern Ireland or the South Atlantic.

"You have been generous in your own gestures towards the Argentines. I know that the recent next-of-kin visit was a great success and your readiness to allow such visits is a great tribute to you."

Argentinian overtures

Earlier this week, President Menem said he would suggest sharing the Falkland Islands - to which Argentina has laid claim since 1833 and calls the Malvinas - when he met Mr Blair. "Perhaps we could talk about shared sovereignty, which would be a significant step. And, why not, about the possibility of the Argentine flag waving next to the British one before the year 2000," he was reported to have said.

He also predicted discussion with Mr Blair of British business investment in Argentina, oil drilling in the South Atlantic and future fishing regulations.

About 1,000 servicemen, mostly Argentine, were killed in the 10-week Falklands War after the invasion ordered by the then military dictatorship.
 

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