Chile prepares closed meeting on the Strait of Magellan — MercoPress
Chile’s Chamber of Deputies Defense Committee plans to hold a closed meeting in Punta Arenas on the defense budget, the capabilities of the armed forces, and sovereignty over the Strait of Magellan. According to MercoPress, the meeting is to take place on September 25 at the Austral Naval Command.
Participants and meeting topics
Defense Minister Fernando Barros, members of Congress involved in international relations issues, commanders of the branches of the armed forces, heads of regional units, and representatives of the Austral Command are expected to take part in the meeting.
Sources in the lower house of parliament told the publication that the session will be closed due to the sensitivity of strategic defense issues. The topics named include procurement for the navy and sovereignty in the country’s southern areas.
Anniversary of Ancud’s arrival
The meeting was linked to the 183rd anniversary of the schooner Ancud’s arrival in the Strait of Magellan on September 21, 1843. Vice President and Interior Minister Claudio Alvarado stated that the vessel’s crew raised the Chilean flag in Santa Ana and founded Fort Bulnes.
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According to him, settlers later moved north, and Punta Arenas was founded in December 1848. On September 21, Alvarado, together with a delegation of senators from different political forces, took part in commemorative events and reaffirmed Chile’s position on full sovereignty over the Strait of Magellan.
Statements on treaties
Committee member and independent lawmaker Daniel Valenzuela stated that there is a need to seriously assess the regional strategic situation, including Argentina’s growing military spending directed at Patagonia and Peru’s defense procurement.
Answering journalists’ questions about the possible repeal in Argentina of a decree that called sovereignty over the strait into question, Alvarado stated that the 1881 and 1984 treaties signed by the two countries must be observed. He also promised to discuss with President Antonio Kast the possibility of declaring September 21 a regional holiday in Magallanes.
