Britain expresses 'regret' over war dead

LONDON, April 1 (UPI) -- British Foreign Secretary Margaret Beckett Sunday expressed her nation's "regret" over the 900 lives lost in the 74-day Falkland Islands War of 1982.

Beckett said families of Argentine personnel who died in the conflict could hold a commemorative ceremony on the islands this year, the BBC reported. She said such events in Britain and the Falklands would be a "fitting and respectful tribute."

Her statement came on the eve of the 25th anniversary of the Argentine invasion of the Falklands in which 255 Britons and 655 Argentines died.

"The U.K. remains keen to foster a constructive relationship with Argentina, and to promote practical cooperation both in the South Atlantic and on broader issues of international cooperation," she said.

While expressing regret for those killed, British Prime Minister Tony Blair has said the conflict -- war was never officially declared by either side -- took "political courage" and was "the right thing to do" because there was a "principle at stake." Argentina had long laid claim to the islands while Britain regarded them as under its authority.