'Fitting tribute'

Argentina's invasion, on 2 April 1982, followed friction between the two countries dating back to 1833, when Britain claimed the islands in the south Atlantic.

Argentine forces surrendered on June 14, 1982.

Mrs Beckett said commemorative events in the UK and Falklands would be a "fitting and respectful tribute" to those killed.

The statement added: "The UK remains keen to foster a constructive relationship with Argentina, and to promote practical co-operation both in the South Atlantic and on broader issues of international co-operation."

"We have now, with the agreement of the Falkland Islands Government, offered members of families of the Argentine armed forces who fell in 1982 the opportunity to travel to the Islands towards the end of 2007 to hold a private commemorative event at the Argentine cemetery in Darwin."

Tony Blair has said going to war over the Falklands took "political courage" and was "the right thing to do".

Interviewed for the Downing Street website last month he said there had been a "principle at stake".

Shadow foreign secretary William Hague welcomed arrangements for relatives of the Argentine dead to visit the Falklands.

He said: "It is absolutely right to work for improved co-operation with Argentina.

But he said it was important to remember the war "was the result of an unprovoked act of aggression."

"It was the heroism of the gallant British armed services that ensured the right to self determination of the Falkland islanders and the maintenance of international law", he said.