Falklands/Argentina
13. Interest has remained high, inside and outside this House, in our
policy over the future of the Falkland Islands and our attitude towards the
new Government in Argentina.
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I am
14. As regards Argentina, the Government have welcomed - as I know the
House will welcome the restoration of democracy. The return to
legitimate government and to the rule of law has served to emphasise how
much we in Britain and the Islanders have in common with Argentina.
confident that the coming months will show that we share a real interest in
re-establishing practical and sensible arrangements for our relations - and
share too a deep commitment to progress through peaceful means. We shall
stand by our commitment to defend the Islands. But that is all it is:
defence. We have made it clear to President Alfonsin that our wish is to
normalise our relations with his Government. Better relations would be in
our interests, and in the interests of Argentina.
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