Falklands mark invasion anniversary

Falkland Islanders are marking the 25th anniversary of the invasion of their country with quiet reflection.

While a high-profile programme of events across five time-zones are planned for the anniversary of the British victory in June, for residents of the islands, April 2 is a day most would rather forget.

No official commemorations are planned either on the islands or in Britain to mark the anniversary of the Argentinian invasion of 1982.

But for islanders and those who served in the war to liberate them, the events of April 2, 1982 will still be to the fore.

"It is just a normal day, but people do tend to get together and exchange a few thoughts on it quite often," said Major Peter Biggs, who commands the volunteer Falkland Island Defence Force (FIDF). "But it is certainly not a day for celebration."

By contrast, in Argentina April 2 is a public holiday known as Malvinas Day to remember the country's estimated 655 killed in the 1982 conflict.

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

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."