Cristina Kirchner attacks UK decision to fly Falklands flag on 30th anniversary of surrender

Mrs Kirchner compared the act with flying flags above Downing Street to
celebrate the German surrender in the Second World War or above the White
House to celebrate the Japanese surrender in the same conflict.

She added: “Why are they doing this to us? We had nothing to do with that
dictatorship. We were victims.”

Mr Cameron had previously accused the Argentinians of issuing threats. While
delegates from the Falkland Islands said Argentina was bullying its people.
Addressing these suggestions Mrs Kirchner added: “How can anyone paint us
that way when since 1983 we have only been part of military missions in
peace keeping.”

Once again appearing to take aim at Britain, she added: “They will not find us
in Iraq or Afghanistan and if we are talking about referendums, let’s have a
referendum in Iraq or Afghanistan and see what they think.”

Earlier Mr Cameron delivered a rebuke to Argentina in which he said there
would be “no negotiation” over the future of the islands.

Mr Cameron said he had no wish to stoke a row with Argentina, but added: “When
it comes to the sovereignty of the Falkland Islands, there will be
absolutely no negotiation.

“This is not some game of global Monopoly – with nations passing a territory
between them. It’s about the islanders determining their own future. This
has been their home for almost 180 years. There are children whose ancestors
have lived there for generations. The roots go deep — and they will not be
ripped out.

“So my message to the government of Argentina is this. The UK has no
aggressive intentions towards you. Accusations of militarisation and nuclear
threats are hyperbole and propaganda.

“But do not underestimate our resolve. Threats will not work. Attempts to
intimidate the islanders will not succeed. Because Britain stands ready and
willing to stand up for the Falkland Islanders at any time. As long as they
wish to remain a British territory, that is the way it will stay.”

At the UN committee meeting, before Mrs Kirchner’s comments, delegates from
the Falkland Islands Government accused the Argentine president of ignoring
the human rights of the islanders by renewing attempts to have the country
brought under Argentine rule.

Mrs Kirchner’s attendance at the UN committee is thought to be the first time
a head of state has addressed such a low-level committee.

In what appeared to be another swipe at the British, Mrs Kirchner finished her
statement by saying: “We are just asking to sit down at a table to
talk. Can someone in the modern world deny that possibility and say they are
leaders of the civilised world and defenders of human rights. No, the truth
is one cannot do both.”

At the meeting she was addressed by a committee from the Falkland Islands. It
is believed to be the first time representatives from the islands have been
in the same room as the Argentine premier.

Roger Edwards, a member of the legislative assembly of the Falkland Islands
Government said: “This Argentine Government claims to fight against
colonialism, yet wishes to take away our people’s rights, annex our islands
and subject our people to alien subjugation and domination – the very
definition of colonialism.

“This Argentine Government claims to fight for human rights. What about
the human rights of Falkland Islanders? Or do human beings not have human
rights if they reside on a piece of land that Argentina wants?”

Mrs Kirchner said she was “not going to say anything about those who have
spoken defending their position,” adding: “Our dispute is with the
UK.”

Yesterday the Foreign Office Minister Jeremy Browne visited the capital
Stanley as part of a series of commemorative services. He said: “Their
sacrifice will not be forgotten. It is the reason that the people of the
Falkland Islands are able to choose their own future today.”

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