GREENPEACE activists yesterday proclaimed the establishment of the first "embassy" for their newly-formed Waveland state on the remote Atlantic outcrop of Rockall.

Campaigners from the environmental protection group read out a declaration of independence and issued passports to passers-by at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in London.

They were demonstrating their support for three Greenpeace activists who landed on the island last week in protest at oil activity in the Atlantic. The trio claimed sovereignty over the 70 foot high rock, 289 miles from the Scottish coast, hoisting a flag and calling it the new global state of Waveland.

Greenpeace oil campaigner Robbie Kelman said yesterday: "Today has seen the opening of the first embassy of Waveland. More will follow. We are urging everyone concerned about the global environment to show their concern by becoming a citizen of Waveland."

The first person to receive a new "passport" was the Liberal Democrats' environment spokesman, Matthew Taylor. He said: "This is a good way of raising an important issue. If governments are serious about decreasing global warming and pollution they have got to think about alternative sources of fuel and stop planning future oil exploration."

Ambassadors for the new "state", dressed in gold and purple regalia, read out an independence declaration.

The group also delivered a letter to Robin Cook, the Foreign Secretary, outlining their concerns about oil exploration and inviting him to become an honorary citizen.

The Greenpeace activists who were landed on the island by helicopter last week plan to stay "indefinitely", taking refuge in a purpose-built survival capsule. Four campaigners will occupy Rockall, with one always off-duty on the support vessel MV Greenpeace which is stationed nearby.