Err, so most of the Falkland Islanders want to remain British. The Argentines aren't having it. Err, full scale war on the horizon?

Err, yeh, so I think the Argies will invade with the help of their South American neighbours. Ugh, what a mess. Hope they don't nuke South America on account of a few islands.

Britain today bluntly told Argentina to stop its “bullying” tactics after Falkland Islanders voted almost unanimously to remain British.

David Cameron led calls for Buenos Aires to “respect and revere” a historic referendum which saw 99.8 per cent of the electorate voting to retain the Falklands as an overseas British territory.

“It is the clearest possible result there could be,” said Mr Cameron. “The Falkland Islands may be thousands of miles away, but they are British through and through, and that is how they want to stay.”

In a clear warning to Argentina, he added: “People should know we will always be there to defend them. We believe in self-determination and the Falkland Islanders have spoken so clearly about their future.” Falklands hero and former navy chief Admiral Lord West said: “At the moment, there’s no doubt that we are in a position to defend the Falkland Islands.”

Celebrating the result, a crowd in the capital Port Stanley sang “God Save the Queen” last night.

Just three out of 1,517 valid votes were cast against the referendum question: “Do you wish the Falkland Islands to retain their current political status as an Overseas Territory of the United Kingdom?”

Turnout was 92 per cent and the poll was ratified as “free and fair” by international observers. Foreign Office minister Hugo Swire said: “For the first time, the people of the Falkland Islands have expressed their right to self-determination. Argentina should look again at its relations with the Falkland Islanders and cease this harassment and bullying in recent months and years and have a proper engagement with them.”

The poll came against a backdrop of heightened Argentine pressure for negotiations with London over the sovereignty of the islands.

President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner claimed the referendum was illegal and “pointless” and that the islanders were an “ implanted people” who should have no voice. But Nigel Haywood, governor of the Falkland Islands, said: “It is a major principle of the United Nations that a people have their right to self-determination, and you don’t get a much clearer expression of the people’s self-determination than such a large turnout and such a large yes vote.”


[link to www.standard.co.uk]