Falklanders to hold referendum on sovereignty next year

Wednesday, 13 June 2012 09:48

Written by Editor

According to the Falklands Government on Tuesday afternoon, the Falkland Islands are to hold a referendum on their "political status" in 2013.. .... in a bid to end the continuing dispute with Argentina over their sovereignty. Increasing tensions between Argentina, Great Britain and the Falkland Islands have been building over the sovreignty of the Falklands, known by Argentina as The Malvinas .

UK Foreign Secretary William Hague said: "The British Government has been consistent in its view that the future of the Falklands can only be determined by the people who live there. So the Prime Minister and I support this initiative to demonstrate – without doubt – the definitive view of the Falkland Islands’ people. In a region that rightly prizes democracy and human rights, it is entirely appropriate that the islanders can express this fundamental right. The principle of self-determination is a key part of the United Nations charter. The voice of the Falkland Islands people should be heard. I hope very much that Argentina, and indeed the whole of the international community, joins the UK in listening carefully to what they have to say."