Falkland Islands

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent representations the US administration has made to his Department on the subject of the UK’s sovereignty in respect of the Falkland Islands; and if he will make a statement. (322388)

None.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will issue a demarche to the US administration about the US Secretary of State’s call for talks on sovereignty in respect of the Falkland Islands during her recent visit to Buenos Aires; and if he will make a statement. (322389)

We are in regular touch with the US on this issue. The US continues to recognise the UK’s administration of the Falkland Islands and their wider position remains unchanged. We have consistently made clear that there is no need for any discussions or negotiations on the issue of the sovereignty of the Falkland Islands and surrounding maritime areas, about which we have no doubts. The principle of self-determination, enshrined in the UN charter, underlies our position.