The UK Goverment has just launched a new strategy paper for Latin America. The paper was set out by Lord Triesman on 28th March in Canning House, London. It contains the rather embarassing insinuations that there`s a chance Latin America can be saved from ill by becoming a partner of the UK...
"I believe there are four realistic scenarios for Latin America in 2020:
- First, a secure, prosperous continent working in partnership with the UK on global issues;
- Second, a continent where democratic progress stalls, replaced by a new form of caudillo;
- Third, a continent unable to compete with either Asia in the manufacturing sector or Europe and the US on services, leaving it dependent on its raw materials;
- Fourth, a continent with a dividing line between prosperous and economically under performing states - with all the political instability that entails."
Not sure if Lord Triesman has any idea how pompous that kind of statement sounds. Here`s the deal: Latin America let`s us exploit it natural resources and in return gets a pat on the head. Triesman`s words come at the same time tension has again surfaced with the Argentina- as the UK has been sniffing around the Falkland Islands for oil. Hey Triesman- let`s not try to kid the UK public that we`re interested in real partnership.
And the UK Government`s not even that bothered about the rights of islanders- the case of the Chagos Islands clarified that little misrepresentation of the Falklands war. Hey- and let`s not even mention Belize! Nuff said. Triesman please put a diplomatic sock in it.
