AB
+ B+ Ċ ᅥ
3.
DSR 11C
#
In the case of our -Dependent Territories-which are claimed by other powers we shall seek to negotiate settlements which take full account of the principle-of self-determination. In the particular case§of the Falkland Islands, to which the Hon. Member has referred, the House will recall that the Islanders accepted earlier in the year, that we should try to set up negotiations with the Argentines that would cover both economic co-operation and future political relations, including sovereignty. As the terms of reference state the major objective of the negotiations will be to achieve a stable, prosperous and politically durable future for the Islands. We held the first round of negotiations with Argentina in Rome from 13 to 15 July, in accordance with the terms of reference given to the House by my Rt. Hon. Friend on 26 April. This round was devoted to an examination of each side's views about the nature of the dispute and the best method of making progress in future meetings. We left the Argentines in no doubt at the Rome talks that any eventual settlement would have to be fully acceptable to the Falkland Islanders themselves and to Parliament As my Hon. Friend the Minister of State for Foreign & Commonwealth Affairs said in the House on 13 July, the Government would not even bring
proposals to the House unless they were fully acceptable
to the Islanders.
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