Argentina 2016 Joint Communiqué on the Falklands 2023-03-14
2023-03-14
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Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
Argentina has withdrawn from the 2016 joint communiqué concerning the Falkland Islands, leading to concerns about its implications for UK policies and bilateral cooperation.
What assessment he has made of the implications for his policies of Argentina's decision to withdraw from the 2016 joint communiqué on the Falklands?
The Argentine Government's decision is disappointing for the Falkland Islands, for the UK and for Argentina. There are many areas in which our countries stand to gain from working together positively, including on the humanitarian effort to identify fallen Argentine service personnel from the 1982 conflict. The joint communiqué covers all these areas and more. The Argentine Government's decision hurts our mutually beneficial bilateral co-operation, and it further damages the Falkland islanders' confidence in their intentions, which is why Argentina should reconsider its decision. We are working closely with the Falkland islanders to identify next steps.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific policy commitments or actions addressing Argentina's withdrawal beyond general statements about cooperation and bilateral relations.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The questioner visited the Falklands recently and noted that local people strongly support the referendum result from 10 years ago, where more than 90% voted to remain a British overseas territory. He is concerned about Argentina's unilateral decision to abandon the joint communiqué.
I was lucky enough to visit the Falkland Islands a few weeks ago with the armed forces parliamentary scheme, and from meeting local people there it was clear that they powerfully and passionately stand by the referendum result of exactly 10 years ago, when more than 90% voted for the Falklands to remain a British overseas territory. That makes Argentina's recent unilateral decision to abandon the joint communiqué all the more outrageous. What are the Government doing to make it clear to the Argentines that the Falkland Islanders have the unequivocal right to self-determination and how the UK will protect that in practice?
It would be remiss of me not to welcome the 10th anniversary of the referendum on the future of the Falkland Islands. It is only for the people of the Falkland Islands to decide their own future. We consistently make clear to Argentina and to international partners our unbending support for the Falkland Islanders and their self-determination rights.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific actions or measures taken by the government to protect the right of self-determination, only general statements affirming it.
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
Some constituents are concerned about the delay in publishing full papers related to the board of inquiry into the Falklands War, particularly regarding the Sir Galahad incident.
The Falklands are British and that is the end of the story. Santiago Cafiero is undoubtedly engaging in a bit of electioneering during a general election, and we should just—[Interruption.] Exactly as the Foreign Secretary just indicated, we should not be surprised when these things are said. Many of my constituents lost loved ones killed on the Sir Galahad in the defence of the Falklands many years ago and some of them are worried that some papers have not been published yet and will not be until 2065. They would like to see the full papers that were provided to the board of inquiry, so will the Minister investigate whether those can now be published?
I thank the hon. Gentleman for making those points in his original remarks. There are usual processes to go through, but I will take those points away and discuss them with the Minister for overseas territories.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide any substantive information or commitment regarding the publication of papers, only stated an intention to discuss the matter.
Response accuracy