§ 4. Mr. David EvansTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the current state of relations between the United Kingdom and Argentina.
§ Mr. SainsburyI described the successful outcome of the talks in Madrid in a written reply to a question from my hon. Friend the Member for Gravesham (Mr. Arnold) on 16 February.
Both Governments reopened their embassies on 26 February and appointed charges d'affaires, pending the arrival of ambassadors.
§ Mr. EvansI thank my hon. Friend for that reply. I am pleased that both sides of the House recognise that we have restored diplomatic relations, but is he aware that many families lost loved ones in the fight for freedom and sovereignty? Will he assure the House and British people that sovereignty is not on the political agenda?
§ Mr. SainsburyI am happy to be able to give my hon. Friend that assurance. Our position on sovereignty has not changed, nor will it, and I am glad to say that the Argentines appreciate that. The resumption of relations was made possible only because the Argentine Government agreed to talks about practical measures without prejudice to either side's position on sovereignty.
§ Mr. DalyellIs there any sign of certain Falkland islanders trying to sabotage the better relations?
§ Mr. SainsburyI am not aware of any such signs.