Full statement of Malvinas Legislative Assembly member

We were very disappointed this morning to see the advert from the Argentine Presidential Office, attempting to politicise the Olympics in service of their territorial ambitions.  This video was filmed without the knowledge of the Falkland Islands authorities.

It is deeply sad to see Mr Zylberberg clambering over a war memorial, especially in this anniversary year.  Sadly, this illustrates the disrespect the Argentine authorities have for our home and our people.  Unsurprisingly, at no stage does the video feature any Falkland Islanders – a clear reflection of Argentina’s policy, which is to pretend that the people of the Falkland Islands do not exist.  It is time the world took note – we do exist, and as with all people we have rights, which the Argentine Government is trying to deny us.  We are our own people, who through nine generations have lived and worked in these islands for nearly 200 years.

We determine our own future, and we will not be bullied by the Argentine Government, neither by their attempts to undermine our economy, nor by their constant misrepresentation of the truth, nor by pieces of cheap and disrespectful propaganda such as this.  It is hugely disappointing to see sport abused in this way, when it is so often seen as a vehicle for unity.  It seems an act of desperation to sink to this."

Hon. Ian Hansen

Member of the Legislative Assembly

Falkland Islands