Falkland Islands Assembly responds to Argentina’s statements — MercoPress
In the Falkland Islands, Legislative Assembly Chair Jack Ford said there was nothing new in Argentina’s claims, and that the assembly remains calm and defends the right of the archipelago’s residents to determine their own future. As MercoPress reports, he made the statement during a meeting of the body on Thursday.
Statements following Milei’s address at the UN
Ford’s comment came after Argentine President Javier Milei called on the UN General Assembly to respond to what he described as unilateral actions by the United Kingdom. The Argentine president said that the principle of self-determination does not apply to the archipelago because, in his government’s view, its population was artificially resettled there. The United Kingdom submitted a written statement entered into the organization’s official record.
Ford thanked the UK prime minister, foreign secretary, minister for overseas territories and representatives of various political forces in the country for their support. According to him, Westminster demonstrates an unwavering commitment to the islanders’ right to self-determination and to the development of the archipelago’s natural resources. He also mentioned the extension of offshore hydrocarbon extraction licences announced this month with Britain’s support.
More current news is available on the UA.News Telegram channel Telegram.
Reference to the 2013 referendum
The assembly chair stressed that the islands’ confidence is based not only on external support but also on the democratic choice of local residents. He referred to the 2013 referendum, when, with turnout at 92%, 99.8% of participants voted to retain the status of a self-governing British Overseas Territory. Ford described the vote as having taken place under independent observation and as beyond doubt.
Argentina claims sovereignty over the archipelago, does not recognize the validity of licences issued by local authorities, and believes that the referendum does not resolve the issue. According to the publication, Argentina has 60 administrative proceedings without imposed fines, as well as three criminal complaints concerning ten companies and their directors. Last week, a sovereignty bill was also submitted to Argentina’s Congress that extends prohibitions to all natural resources of the continental shelf. The publication notes that none of these allegations has been proven.
