11 March 2013 Last updated at 22:30 ET
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The announcement of the referendum result
Continue reading the main story[h=2]Falklands referendum[/h]
The people of the Falkland Islands have voted overwhelmingly in favour of remaining a UK overseas territory.
Of 1,517 votes cast in the two-day referendum, 1,513 were in favour of keeping the current status, while just three votes were against.
There was a turnout of more than 90% from 1,672 British citizens eligible to vote in a population of about 2,900.
It follows pressure from Argentina over its claims to the islands, more than 30 years after the Falklands War.
Dick Sawle, a member of the island's legislative assembly, said: "To get a 99% result on the 'yes' vote, with only three voting 'no', I think is an absolutely phenomenal result which will send out the strongest possible message to the rest of the world about our right to self-determination - a right that was fought for in 1982, and which we have honoured tonight."
Welcoming the result, UK Foreign Secretary William Hague said: "We have always been clear that we believe in the rights of the Falklands people to determine their own futures and to decide on the path they wish to take. It is only right that, in the 21st Century, these rights are respected.
"All countries should accept the results of this referendum and support the Falkland islanders as they continue to develop their home and their economy. I wish them every success in doing so."
Ahead of the referendum, Argentine President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner had said the inhabitants' wishes were not relevant in what is a territorial issue.
Most Argentines regard the islands, which they call Las Malvinas, as Argentine and their recovery is enshrined in the national constitution.
Continue reading the main story[h=2]Two sides to a story[/h]
Election observers from different countries oversaw the vote, including representatives of Chile and Mexico - despite an Argentine request for Latin American countries not to take part.
Argentine forces invaded the Falkland Islands on 2 April 1982. The garrison of Royal Marines was overwhelmed and other British South Atlantic territories including South Georgia were also seized.
In two months of fighting, 255 British and about 650 Argentine servicemen were killed, along with three Falklands civilians, before Argentine forces surrendered.
The Falkland Islands and South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands are British Overseas Territories
The announcement of the referendum result
Continue reading the main story[h=2]Falklands referendum[/h]
- Falklanders prepare for referendum vote
- Falklanders 'must decide own future'
- Argentina vows to control Falklands
- Q&A: Falkland islanders referendum
The people of the Falkland Islands have voted overwhelmingly in favour of remaining a UK overseas territory.
Of 1,517 votes cast in the two-day referendum, 1,513 were in favour of keeping the current status, while just three votes were against.
There was a turnout of more than 90% from 1,672 British citizens eligible to vote in a population of about 2,900.
It follows pressure from Argentina over its claims to the islands, more than 30 years after the Falklands War.
Dick Sawle, a member of the island's legislative assembly, said: "To get a 99% result on the 'yes' vote, with only three voting 'no', I think is an absolutely phenomenal result which will send out the strongest possible message to the rest of the world about our right to self-determination - a right that was fought for in 1982, and which we have honoured tonight."
Welcoming the result, UK Foreign Secretary William Hague said: "We have always been clear that we believe in the rights of the Falklands people to determine their own futures and to decide on the path they wish to take. It is only right that, in the 21st Century, these rights are respected.
"All countries should accept the results of this referendum and support the Falkland islanders as they continue to develop their home and their economy. I wish them every success in doing so."
Ahead of the referendum, Argentine President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner had said the inhabitants' wishes were not relevant in what is a territorial issue.
Most Argentines regard the islands, which they call Las Malvinas, as Argentine and their recovery is enshrined in the national constitution.
Continue reading the main story[h=2]Two sides to a story[/h]
- Argentina says it inherited the islands from the Spanish crown in 1767 and the islands were seized by Britain in 1833
- But Britain says it had long previously established a settlement there and never relinquished sovereignty
- It says it has continuously inhabited and administered the islands since 1833
Election observers from different countries oversaw the vote, including representatives of Chile and Mexico - despite an Argentine request for Latin American countries not to take part.
Argentine forces invaded the Falkland Islands on 2 April 1982. The garrison of Royal Marines was overwhelmed and other British South Atlantic territories including South Georgia were also seized.
In two months of fighting, 255 British and about 650 Argentine servicemen were killed, along with three Falklands civilians, before Argentine forces surrendered.