By J. Brock (FINN)
Six Chevening Scholars from Argentina have completed a visit to the Falkland Islands on a fact finding mission for their disciplines of Economics, Political Science, Law, International Relations and Journalism.
The British Embassy in Argentina organised the visit under the Chevening Scholars Programme for the six, who are members of an Argentine scholastic society.
Prior to coming the scholars were told the Falklands would be like the UK and found it true in Stanley. Camp life, however, had many similarities to camp life in Patagonia. They had visited Little Chartres, Carcass Island and Sea Lion Island and mentioned there were similar phrases and techniques used in both places.
The scholars said that they appreciated the welcome they received from a wide variety of people and expressed satisfaction with the amount of information they gathered for their individual projects. They are, however, going to write a joint report about their experiences in the Falklands.
Each member of the group spoke using their own personal view about the situation between the Falkland Islands and Argentina. They class the standard Argentine line about the Islands as propaganda but agree with some aspects of the policy. Most importantly, the group feel that there will be no invasion of the Falkland Islands while Argentina has a democratic government. They understand that there will be economic ramifications but feel that it is better to co-operate with each other than to be antagonistic.
“It is difficult to be neighbours if you don’t get along,” said Sonia Jalfin.
“We need windows for communications on a personal level,” added Franco Fugazza.
