§ 2.53 p.m.
§ Lord Morris asked Her Majesty's Government:
§ Whether they have noted the observations of the ambassador-designate of the Argentine Republic, Senor Rogelio Pfirter, concerning the Falkland Islands.
§ The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Baroness Chalker of Wallasey)My Lords, we noted the observations on the Falklands made by Ambassador Pfirter to the press in Buenos Aires on 6th February which we find 1304 objectionable. We have made our views on the matter very clear to Ambassador Pfirter and to the Argentine Government.
Lord MorrisMy Lords, I am most grateful to my noble friend the Minister for her response. While I appreciate the difficulty that Ambassador Pfirter faced in that he had to answer questions from the press while standing shoulder to shoulder with his employer—namely, the President of the Argentine Republic —does my noble friend agree that it is, really most unhelpful to make such remarks in that context?
§ Baroness Chalker of WallaseyIndeed, my Lords; we agree. However, from the exchanges between the new Argentinian Ambassador and our Permanent Under-Secretary in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, I know that the Ambassador clearly regrets the exchanges with the press which led to the reported observations.
§ Baroness BlackstoneMy Lords, in the light of the importance of a political settlement with Argentina, both from the point of view of a long-term relationship with Argentina and the long-term interests of the Falkland Islanders, can the Minister give the House an assurance that such a political settlement will be pursued with some urgency, despite the unfortunate and unhelpful remarks made by the Argentinian Ambassador?
§ Baroness Chalker of WallaseyMy Lords, as I told the House last week, we have regular high level exchanges with the Argentine Government on a wide range of issues. I believe that the Argentinian Government have shared our desire to maintain a real improvement in our bilateral relationship over the past few years. From the visits of members of Her Majesty's Government, and, indeed, from the activity of British investors, it is quite clear that good relationships are developing. However, I believe that we must hasten slowly in the matter and ensure that the preparations for better relations are most thoroughly prepared.