Falkland Islands votes to stay part of UK territory

(Vatican Radio) The people of the Falkland Islands have rejected would be Argentine soverignty by overwhelmingly voting to remain a British Overseas Territory. James Blears with the details.

Only three out of 1,517 votes cast were againt the proposal to stick with Britain and to reject Argentina's overtures. Memories are still fresh of the regime of dictator Leopoldo Glatieri, which launched the Argentine military invastion of the Islands back in 1982 And the British Task Force which sailed more than 14,000 kms to resoundingly defeat them in a two month war. Falklands Legislator Dick Sawle, who helped to coordinate the referendum says it's clear that the Islands will NEVER belong to Argentina.

The current democratically elected Argentine Goverment, which has ruled out using military force, disagrees. It's refusing to recognize this result. It's Foreign Minister Hecor Timerman declares the Islands will be in Argentina's possession in less than 20 years. Not if the Falklanders have got anything to do with it. They've just made their opinion plain. Their collective voice has been heard loud and clear! Listen to this report by James Blears