Letter: Falklands freedom

Sir: The assertion by Vice-President Carlos Ruckauf of Argentina that the Falkland Islanders have "no right to self-determination" is incorrect (report, 11 March). The United Nations Covenant on Political Rights asserts the right of all people to self-determination. Of our own free will, we have determined to remain British and, to its credit, the UK government is guaranteeing that right. For that, we are eternally grateful.

We believe that, given time, peaceful and neighbourly co-existence is achievable in the South Atlantic, based on trust and mutual respect. From our side this excludes the use of coercion or threat and includes recognition of the historic, cultural and linguistic origins which form the basis of our right to self-determination. We welcome the efforts of Prince Charles to create the atmosphere within which we can all live in peace under the government of our own choosing. This, after all, is the very essence of the democracy which Mr Ruckauf's government espouses.

JAN CHEEK

RICHARD COCKWELL

SHARON HALFORD

Members of the Executive Coucil

Falkland Islands Government

Stanley

Falkland Islands