British Embassy asserts Falkland Islanders’ right of self determination in Honduras
The British Embassy in Guatemala undertook one day of meetings in the Honduran capital, Tegucigalpa, aimed at defending the Falkland Islanders right of self-determination.
Falkland Islands event in Honduras
It was also an opportunity to present the highlights of a study prepared by Guatemalan academics on the economics, politics and the rule of law in the Islands.
The visit included meetings with journalists, decision makers and academics. A highlight of the visit was the presentation made at the Honduran National Defence (CDN) College of a study prepared by professors from the University Francisco Marroquín of Guatemala, who visited the Islands in 2014.
Professor Eduardo Calderon from Guatemala presented the economic potential of the Islands from hydrocarbons, fisheries, and tourism as well praised its political and social stability. The discussions derive in an exchange of ideas on how Honduras could learn from the successful economic and political experiences in the Islands.
The visitors also explained that under the UN Charter the people of the Falkland Islands had the right of self determination and they had exercised this right in their referendum in 2013 when 99.8% out of a 92% turnout had voted in favour of remaining a UK Overseas Territory.
The visit also encouraged Hondurans to see the Islands from a different perspective, and where sovereignty is not an issue, as the UK is clear about the Islanders wishes. Instead, the Islanders would like to know better their neighbours in Latin America and build bridges to a peaceful and cooperative coexistence, despite Argentina’s attempts to block this dialogue.
To mark the visit to Honduras, the British Ambassador, Sarah Dickson, said:
The UK Government reiterates its absolute commitment to preserve and protect the Islanders right of self-determination. Britain will not negotiate the sovereignty of the Islands unless and until the people who inhabit them so desire. However, there are many areas of opportunity to enhance the relations between the Islands and Latin America, including Honduras. I invite you to take advantage of them.