§ Mr. DavidsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions the Government have had with the new Argentine administration about the Falkland Islands. [113340]
§ Mr. BattleWe have established a good working relationship with the new Argentine Government. The Prime Minister has met President De la Rua twice. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has met Rodriguez Giavarini. I attended the Argentine Presidential inauguration and the Secretary of State for Defence has met the Argentine President and Defence Minister.
On these and other occasions both sides have reaffirmed their commitment to the Joint Statement of July 1999 and to continue our dialogue on issues of common interest.
This does not affect our sovereignty over the Falkland Islands or our commitment to the Islanders' right to determine their own future.