Minister of State Lord Ahmad spoke during the 54th
regular session of the OAS general assembly in Asunción,
Paraguay.
Secretary General, Assistant Secretary General, ministers,
delegates – friends.
I am glad to join you today.
The UK places huge value on our relationships across the
Americas.
Indeed, we are working closely together on the great global
issues, including security, climate change and sustainable
development.
With so many areas of shared interest and endeavour, this
Assembly is an opportunity to forge even stronger ties.
When it comes to Argentina in particular, the Foreign Secretary
and President Milei enjoyed a warm and cordial meeting at Davos
earlier this year.
They set out their support for a more constructive relationship
between our countries, with greater cooperation on areas of
shared interest including trade and education.
We particularly welcome efforts to lower tensions in the South
Atlantic and have been working` with Argentina to re-establish
sensible, practical cooperation in that region to the benefit of
all.
However, and President Milei agreed to
disagree – politely – when it comes to the future of the Falkland
Islands.
Our resolute support for the Falkland Islanders' right of
self-determination, remains unchanged.
Only they should decide their future – and in the referendum they
held in 2013, they overwhelmingly chose to retain their status as
a self-governing UK Overseas Territory.
Five of the six international observers of that referendum came
from OAS Member States, with their report noting that it was free
and fair, reflecting the democratic will of voters.
The Foreign Secretary visited the Falkland Islands in February,
and my Ministerial colleague, , has twice visited.
They saw for themselves the thriving democracy the community has
built with their own constitution, laws and traditions.
Quite rightly, the elected representatives of the Falkland
Islands make the decisions that affect their community.
Reference has been made to resolutions and to certain regional
statements of support for sovereignty negotiations.
None of these modify or dilute the obligation of nations to
respect the legally binding principle of self-determination,
enshrined in the UN Charter and UN Covenants on human rights.
The UK has no doubt about its sovereignty over the Falkland
Islands, South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands, and the
surrounding maritime areas.
We also have no doubt about the principle and the right of
self-determination enshrined in the UN Charter and in article one
of the 2 UN Covenants on human rights. A right by virtue of which
Falkland Islanders can freely determine their political status
and freely pursue their economic, social and cultural
development.
The UK asks that the General Assembly takes note of the
Islanders' right of self-determination and that this statement is
read into the record of this meeting.
