Denis MacShane has today welcomed the news from the Foreign Office in London that Brazil is not supporting Argentina’s efforts to persuade South American countries to join its blockade of shipping from the Falkland Islands.
In a parliamentary reply to the former FCO minister, Denis MacShane, the Foreign Office states that Foreign Secretary William Hague was assured during his recent visit to Brazil that “Brazil had no intention of participating in any Argentine attempts to blockade the people of the Falkland Islands. All Falklands-related shipping flying the British Red Ensign will continue to enjoy access to Brazilian ports.”
Commenting on this announcement, MacShane said, “This is good news that Brazil is not participating in the efforts by Argentina to disrupt trade and communications with the Falklands. As the biggest most powerful state in South America the decision of Brazil to support the UK position on the Falklands is welcome. I hope Argentina now lowers the temperature.”
“At a time of world crisis over economics, access to resources, and tension in countries like Iran, Syria, and Nigeria it is pointless stirring up a disagreement that goes back more than two centuries and which will not change as long as the inhabitants of the islands chose to stay British just as the inhabitants of parts of the world attached to Spain, France, the United States or the Netherlands decide they wish to remain attached to the mother country. The EuroAtalntic region from north to south needs more cooperation, more trade, more common diplomatic activity,” he added.
