Menu
15/06/2012
Argentina's President Demands Talks Over Sovereignty
In an escalating situation Argentina's President, Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner, has demanded that Britain enter negotiations over the sovereignty of the Falkland Islands.
Addressing the UN Committee on Decolonisation on the 30th anniversary of the UK territory's liberation from Argentine occupation, President Fernandez said history and geography backed Argentina's claim. But an islander told the committee Argentina was "bullying".
UK Prime Minister David Cameron has said there would be "no negotiation".
Earlier on Thursday, the Falklands marked the end of Argentina's 74-day 1982 occupation with a service at Port Stanley's Christ Church cathedral.
Veterans of the war then led a military parade to the Liberation Monument for an act of remembrance, paying tribute to the 255 UK servicemen and three Falklands civilians who died in the war.
An estimated 650 Argentines were also killed during the conflict.
President Fernandez said during her address that the Malvinas - as Argentina refers to the islands - formed part of the South American continental plate.
"How can it be claimed that, 14,000 kilometres away [8,700 miles], that it can be part of the British territory?" she asked.
"The UK is benefiting from its privileged position as a permanent member of the security council of the United Nations," she said.
"The issue of the Malvinas is a challenge to see whether or not we are capable of overcoming prejudice and cliches that are outdated, because the world has changed and there are new players."
President Fernandez said Argentina was "just asking to talk" about the islands' sovereignty and the fact they were still under British rule was "an affront to the world which we all dream of".
In a speech at the Falkland Islands Government reception on Thursday evening, David Cameron spoke of "aggression from over the water".
"My message to the government of Argentina is this: the UK has no aggressive intentions towards you.
"Accusations of militarisation and nuclear threats are hyperbole and propaganda.
"But do not under-estimate our resolve," he added.
"Threats will not work, attempts to intimidate the islanders will not succeed, because Britain stands ready and willing to stand up for the Falkland Islanders at any time.
"As long as they wish to remain a British territory, that is the way it will stay."
(H)
Addressing the UN Committee on Decolonisation on the 30th anniversary of the UK territory's liberation from Argentine occupation, President Fernandez said history and geography backed Argentina's claim. But an islander told the committee Argentina was "bullying".
UK Prime Minister David Cameron has said there would be "no negotiation".
Earlier on Thursday, the Falklands marked the end of Argentina's 74-day 1982 occupation with a service at Port Stanley's Christ Church cathedral.
Veterans of the war then led a military parade to the Liberation Monument for an act of remembrance, paying tribute to the 255 UK servicemen and three Falklands civilians who died in the war.
An estimated 650 Argentines were also killed during the conflict.
President Fernandez said during her address that the Malvinas - as Argentina refers to the islands - formed part of the South American continental plate.
"How can it be claimed that, 14,000 kilometres away [8,700 miles], that it can be part of the British territory?" she asked.
"The UK is benefiting from its privileged position as a permanent member of the security council of the United Nations," she said.
"The issue of the Malvinas is a challenge to see whether or not we are capable of overcoming prejudice and cliches that are outdated, because the world has changed and there are new players."
President Fernandez said Argentina was "just asking to talk" about the islands' sovereignty and the fact they were still under British rule was "an affront to the world which we all dream of".
In a speech at the Falkland Islands Government reception on Thursday evening, David Cameron spoke of "aggression from over the water".
"My message to the government of Argentina is this: the UK has no aggressive intentions towards you.
"Accusations of militarisation and nuclear threats are hyperbole and propaganda.
"But do not under-estimate our resolve," he added.
"Threats will not work, attempts to intimidate the islanders will not succeed, because Britain stands ready and willing to stand up for the Falkland Islanders at any time.
"As long as they wish to remain a British territory, that is the way it will stay."
(H)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
03 January 2013
Argentina Repeat Call For Return Of Falkland Islands
Argentina’s president has again called on the UK to return the Falkland Islands, a call strongly rebuffed by Downing St. Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner had urged UK Prime Minister David Cameron to abide by a 1965 UN resolution to "negotiate a solution" to the dispute.
Argentina Repeat Call For Return Of Falkland Islands
Argentina’s president has again called on the UK to return the Falkland Islands, a call strongly rebuffed by Downing St. Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner had urged UK Prime Minister David Cameron to abide by a 1965 UN resolution to "negotiate a solution" to the dispute.
01 February 2013
Argentina Reject Invite To Talks With Falklands
A Foreign Office invitation for Argentina to meet with members of the Falkland Islands government in London next week, has been turned down. "The international community does not recognise a third party in this dispute," the country’s foreign minister, Hector Timerman said, rejecting the offer.
Argentina Reject Invite To Talks With Falklands
A Foreign Office invitation for Argentina to meet with members of the Falkland Islands government in London next week, has been turned down. "The international community does not recognise a third party in this dispute," the country’s foreign minister, Hector Timerman said, rejecting the offer.
21 June 2011
All Island Approach To Open Up Renewables Opportunities
Ministers from the UK, Republic of Ireland, The Channel Islands and the Isle of Man have signed up to a historic deal to cooperate on exploiting the major wind and marine resource in and around the islands. The states involved agreed to co-operate in the All Islands Approach to energy at this afternoon's British Irish Council in London.
All Island Approach To Open Up Renewables Opportunities
Ministers from the UK, Republic of Ireland, The Channel Islands and the Isle of Man have signed up to a historic deal to cooperate on exploiting the major wind and marine resource in and around the islands. The states involved agreed to co-operate in the All Islands Approach to energy at this afternoon's British Irish Council in London.
18 February 2010
Falkland's Oil Operation Being 'Monitored'
The UK Foreign Office has said it is 'closely monitoring' hydrocarbons explorations off the Falkland Islands. Europe and Asia Minster Chris Bryant said the British Government remains focused on supporting the Falkland's authorities in developing legitimate business in its territory.
Falkland's Oil Operation Being 'Monitored'
The UK Foreign Office has said it is 'closely monitoring' hydrocarbons explorations off the Falkland Islands. Europe and Asia Minster Chris Bryant said the British Government remains focused on supporting the Falkland's authorities in developing legitimate business in its territory.
04 January 2013
The Sun Runs Ad In Argentinian Newspaper
The Sun has taken out an advertisement in an Argentinian newspaper reasserting British sovereignty over the Falklands. The ad comes just days after Argentina's president, Cristina Fernández de Kirchner, published an advert in the UK press accusing Britain of colonialism.
The Sun Runs Ad In Argentinian Newspaper
The Sun has taken out an advertisement in an Argentinian newspaper reasserting British sovereignty over the Falklands. The ad comes just days after Argentina's president, Cristina Fernández de Kirchner, published an advert in the UK press accusing Britain of colonialism.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
