As Falkland Islanders mark end of conflict, expert says referendum is important step

Professor Mark Connelly, a military historian at the University of Kent and a leading expert on the Falklands conflict, has emphasised the importance of the move to give Falkland Islanders a referendum on their relationship with Britain.

He commented: ‘The Falklands conflict ended thirty years ago today. After seventy-four days of occupation, Falkland Islanders were liberated by British forces allowing them to return to their preferred form of government.

‘In recent years Argentinean governments have stressed their claim and have tried to isolate the islands from the mainland of South America. It is in this atmosphere that the Falkland Islands government has recently announced its decision to demonstrate the wishes of the islanders through a referendum on their relationship with Britain.

‘This will be an important sign to the whole world that the principles of self-determination protecting the rights of a free and peaceful people should be respected.’

These themes - among many others - were explored in an international conference at Kent in April, organised by Professor Connelly of the University’s School of History, in conjunction with its Centre for Journalism.

Contact: pressoffice@kent.ac.uk

Story published at 11:59am 14 June 2012