Argentinian war dead memorial offer

Relatives of Argentinian soldiers killed in the Falklands War are being invited to hold a private memorial ceremony on the Islands later this year, Foreign Secretary Margaret Beckett has announced.

Mrs Beckett said they were being offered the opportunity to travel to Darwin - a settlement in Lafonia on East Falkland - for a ceremony at the Argentine Military Cemetery.

The move comes after an earlier offer by the UK Government to hold a joint commemorative event in London was snubbed by Argentina.

Speaking on the eve of the 25th anniversary of the invasion, Mrs Beckett said: "The resulting loss of life on both sides is a source of continuing regret. The commemorative events this year, planned in the UK and on the Islands, will be a fitting and respectful tribute to all those who fought in the 1982 conflict."

She added: "The UK remains keen to foster a constructive relationship with Argentina, and to promote practical co-operation both in the South Atlantic and on broader issues of international co-operation."

Mrs Beckett said the UK had offered to host a joint commemoration in London "in the spirit of reconciliation, and with a genuine desire to recognise the loss of life on both sides".

But this was rejected in February by Argentinian foreign minister Jorge Taiana who claimed it was being given "the character of a victory celebration".

In a statement, Mrs Beckett said: "We have now, with the agreement of the Falkland Islands Government, offered members of families of the Argentine armed forces who fell in 1982 the opportunity to travel to the Islands towards the end of 2007 to hold a private commemorative event at the Argentine cemetery in Darwin."

She continued: "The principles of freedom, democracy and self-determination remain as important to us today as they did in 1982."

Mrs Beckett hailed the islanders as "dynamic and forward-looking", adding: "I congratulate them on the achievements of the past 25 years, and wish them every success for the future."