Britain 'regrets' Falklands deaths

323 Argentinean service personnel died when the ARA Belgrano sank on May 2nd 1982

Sunday, 01, Apr 2007 12:00

The government has said that deaths on both sides in the Falklands war are a "source of continuing regret".

Ahead of tomorrow's 25th anniversary of the Argentinean invasion, Margaret Beckett has announced special arrangements to allow families of those who died in the 1982 conflict to travel to cemeteries on the south Atlantic ocean islands.

The foreign secretary said that commemorative events planned in Britain and the Falklands themselves would be a "fitting and respectful tribute" to those who fought in the war.

"The UK remains keen to foster a constructive relationship with Argentina, and to promote practical co-operation both in the south Atlantic and on broader issues of international co-operation," Ms Beckett said.

"We have now, with the agreement of the Falkland Islands government, offered members of families of the Argentine armed forces who fell in 1982 the opportunity to travel to the islands towards the end of 2007 to hold a private commemorative event at the Argentine cemetery in Darwin.

"The principles of freedom, democracy and self-determination remain as important to us today as they did in 1982.

"The Falkland Islands today are dynamic and forward-looking. The islanders have actively pursued efforts to diversify the economy, including through the development of the fishing industry and tourism, and to safeguard the rich and varied environment of the islands," the foreign secretary added.

More than 900 people died during the Falklands war, which lasted from April 2nd in 1982 to June 14th.