MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

FIBS News Direct.

LegCo Press Release

The story of the Mila, the Falklands registered fishing vessel alleged to have been caught fishing without a licence in Australian waters, has taken a new turn today. According to a press release issued by the Councillors Office today, the vessel has been instructed by the Director of the Falklands Fisheries to return to Stanley so that the allegations can be investigated. Signed by the councillor with responsibility for the fisheries, Richard Cockwell, the press release adds that no further information will be forthcoming until after the investigation has been completed. It is understood that the Mila escaped arrest inside Australian waters because the Austral Leader, the fishing trawler that was ordered to pursue the Mila when she was observed fishing near Heard Island, had no powers of detention and there were no official patrol vessels in the immediate vicinity. The Mila is owned by Prion Limited, a Falklands registered company. Director Mike Summers has laid the blame for any wrong-doing firmly on the crew of the vessel, but also said the allegations have yet to be proved and any action his company may take depends on the forthcoming investigation.

Argentine Film

The Argentine film shot secretly in the Islands opened in cinemas in Buenos Aires to savage criticism from the critics and lacklustre interest from the public. The film, subtitled "The Reconquest of the Malvinas ? Making Love Not War" has been described variously as rampant political incorrectness and as 84 minutes of jerky footage that makes audiences wince. Director Jose Luis Marques attempted to defend his film by insisting it wasn't meant to be aggressive. He said the point of the film was to mock Argentine accents and the way they "mangle" English vowels. He is also now considering re-naming the movie for foreign distribution, admitting it is probably too crude for English speakers.

One Way System Behind Schedule

The introduction of a one-way system, due to be implemented in Stanley on Sunday 1 October will almost certainly be delayed. Councillor Jan Cheek reported that the Public Works Department may not have the road signs necessary for the scheme ready in time, however