12/03/2013

Cameron Urges Argentine To Respect Referendum

Argentina have been urged to ‘respect the wishes of the people of the Falkland Islands’ after they voted overwhelmingly for the territory to stay British.

The historical referendum aimed to send a defiant message to Argentina and the outside world.

David Cameron said Argentina should take "careful note" of the referendum result, adding that Britain would always be there to defend the Falkland Islanders.

The vote saw a 92% turnout, from an electorate of 1,650, despite near zero temperatures and flurries of snow and rain.

It is understood that just three ‘no’ votes were cast.

The question posed on the ballots read: "Do you wish the Falkland Islands to retain their current political status as an overseas territory of the United Kingdom?"

However, the Argentinian government has dismissed the referendum as illegal.

(H)


Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

03 January 2013
Argentina Repeat Call For Return Of Falkland Islands
Argentina’s president has again called on the UK to return the Falkland Islands, a call strongly rebuffed by Downing St. Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner had urged UK Prime Minister David Cameron to abide by a 1965 UN resolution to "negotiate a solution" to the dispute.
15 June 2012
Argentina's President Demands Talks Over Sovereignty
In an escalating situation Argentina's President, Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner, has demanded that Britain enter negotiations over the sovereignty of the Falkland Islands.
02 April 2012
PM Marks Falklands Anniversary
Prime minister David Cameron has spoken of the UK's commitment to the Falklands on the 30th anniversary of the conflict. "Thirty years ago today the people of the Falkland Islands suffered an act of aggression that sought to rob them of their freedom and their way of life.
02 July 2010
PR On Way For Westminster Elections?
Proportional Representation (PR) could be on the way for parliamentary elections. MPs have voted to allow a referendum that could herald the end of Westminster's traditional first-past-the-post system of electing MPs.
18 February 2010
Falkland's Oil Operation Being 'Monitored'
The UK Foreign Office has said it is 'closely monitoring' hydrocarbons explorations off the Falkland Islands. Europe and Asia Minster Chris Bryant said the British Government remains focused on supporting the Falkland's authorities in developing legitimate business in its territory.