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Subscribe to RSSArgentina is slamming Prince William's deployment to the Falklands. Some Argentine veterans say the move is aggressive and arrogant, but most residents on the islands are preparing to welcome the Prince. ITN's Bill Neely reports.
British officials accuse Argentina of attempting to blockade the Falkland Islands by stopping the only air link to the chain of isles from South America, according to a UK media report.
Argentina's president, Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner, in the past has threatened to stop the weekly flight from Punta Arenas, Chile, to Port Stanley, the only city in the Falkland Islands. The flight is run by Chilean airline LAN and is a vital economic link to Britons living on the Falklands.
An unnamed senior British diplomat told the Guardian in a story published on Wednesday that the move to stop the flight is likely to come soon. Even if the airline resisted Argentine pressure to ground the flights, Argentina would prohibit use of its airspace, officials said.
Argentina to UK: Prince arriving dressed as 'conquistador'
"If the LAN Chile flight is cancelled, it would be pretty difficult to resist the already credible thesis that there is an economic blockade of the civilian population of the Falklands," the diplomat told the Guardian.
Buenos Aires and London have been locked in a war of words on the eve of the 30th anniversary of the war between Argentina and Britain. In that conflict, Argentina's invasion of the island ended with more than 600 Argentine soldiers killed and 200 British dead.
Britain sending advanced warship to Falklands
Earlier this week, it was announced one of the most sophisticated destroyers in the Royal Navy, the HMS Dauntless, would be deployed to the Falklands. And a training mission on the disputed South Atlantic islands by Prince William was criticized by Argentina's foreign ministry this week as the second-in-line to the throne "arriving on sovereign soil dressed in the uniform of a conquistador."
In a speech to the UN last September, Fernandez threatened to block the Chile flights if Britain refused to negotiate sovereignty of the islands. Argentina calls the archipegalo the Las Malvinas.
British Prime Minister David Cameron has refused to hold talks.
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Just short of a bald-faced threat. If Argentina wants to play hardball, it should be prepared to get spanked yet again...and this is a bald-faced fact. The UK still has a very strong Air Force and Navy, while Argentina hasn't shown any improvement in the military department. Furthermore, this kind of saber rattling is disturbingly similar to the military dictatorship that had such a chokehold on the country. To keep picking on the Falklands scab is to endanger a still fragile democracy, and open the door to another national disaster.
Hopefully cooler heads will at least try to prevail on both sides, but the fact is that the Falklands are British Territory...they won the right to maintain sovereignty over them, and crying and threatening after the fact wont change things for the better. It would be like our country demanding Vietnam re-partition itself into North and South again...and on it's face, Argentina's argument is just as ludicrous. And involving Chile into its problems wont exactly endear themselves in the international community.
When did Great Britain become some gem? And why would I care about Britain or Argentina at all in this matter?
I had this discussion on another thread. There's no reason anyone should care outside of Argentina or Great Britain. I will agree that cooler heads should prevail, just out of the world being a generally smarter place.
That's probably what folks like you said about Poland in 1939, or the Spanish Civil War that preceded it...or that Gulf of Tonken thing. The fact it is in our same hemisphere should at least merit some attention. You can ignore the world at your own peril, but it's a small one, and a butterfly's flap today may equal a tsunami tomorrow.
The British government, struggling with high unemployment and sluggish economy is spending $1 billion on the destroyer's deployment?
Last month, Argentina persuaded Brazil, Uruguay and Chile to join a Mercosur trade group resolution to turn away any ship flying the Falklands' flag.
The Dauntless, armed with anti-aircraft and anti-ballistic capability, could "take out all of South America's fighter aircraft let alone Argentina's,"
Wonder what the British have in mind by spending so much money going to the Malvinas Islands? And the USA with 17 army bases in Colombia?
South American countries better get some nuclear weapons!
@WM Sanders: WHAT?! Are you freaking kidding? Poland in 1939 vs. Falkland Islands? I suppose you are worrying about Argentina sweeping through South American and inflicting a facist regime there? That's the most ridiculous analogy I have ever heard.
And if I am kind, your point is still invalid. You just extrapolated that I wouldn't care about some serious world event because I don't care about the Falkland Islands. Very, very silly, and completely on you. If I am wrong, feel free to correct me, but I really don't see your point as anything but alarmist
From UKessays.com
The strategic importance of the Falkland Islands is very easy to assess, a simple glance at a map is enough. The islands were one of the very few bases for the British in the Southern Atlantic; from the islands the British could maintain a vigil upon activity throughout most of the southern part of South America. For this reason too, it was of vital (probably even greater) importance to Britain’s key ally, the United States. The importance of the islands in friendly hands can be suggested by the unofficial assistance provided to the British task force by the American navy. Thus Britain’s policy objectives were inseparably bound within strategic considerations.
That was decades ago so unless the have submarine detection or resupply post, its probably not very important. They could also have other hidden assets there as well.
@Derek-381097
I think history is on my side in that argument...big shooting wars always start from "little" shooting wars. And I'm not blowing smoke...we ignore the world at our peril. If my point were so invalid, where is the proof? If a tornado siren sounded, would you head for shelter or keep watching the tube? Say what you will about my arguments, but at least they are founded on solid evidence, not thin air.
Does Argentina really want to try this a second time...?
Apparently they didn't learn from getting their tails kicked the last time.
Why are "more than 600 Argentine soldiers killed and 200 British dead." Interesting choice of words. Just a comment on journalism. I would have said "600 Argentine and 200 British soldiers were killed in the fighting".
Argentina's claim to the Falklands is nonsense anyway, the Argentine nation didn't exist in 1600 when the islands were discovered. If anyone has a prior claim it would be the Dutch. The Argentine "claim" comes from a settlement which was little more than a pirate village used to extort payments from whalers and seal hunters that fished the waters around the island... and it was the US Navy, not the British, who shut it down. Other countries have clear prior claim, and the people who live there now are British and want desperately to remain so. Tha
Argentina's claim on the Falklands in nonsense anyway, the Argentine nation didn't exist in 1600 when the islands were discovered. If anyone has a prior claim it would be the Dutch. The Argentine "claim" stems solely from a much later settlement that was little more than a pirate village formed to extort money from the whalers and sealers that fished the waters there... and it was the US Navy, not the British, who put an end to that. The people who live there now are British and want to remain so. Argentina should respect that, and not commit the sin of colonialism themselves.
Everyone calm down. It belongs to Chapo Guzman. The king of Mexico...LOL
Ah...the British. The notorious theives who have stolen so much from the world. Have they ever let any country live in peace. Thank God for their poor economy and state of affairs. Wonder what all they would do if they had the military of the US.
Josh
The British government, struggling with high unemployment and sluggish economy is spending $1 billion on the destroyer's deployment?
Last month, Argentina persuaded Brazil, Uruguay and Chile to join a Mercosur trade group resolution to turn away any ship flying the Falklands' flag.
The Dauntless, armed with anti-aircraft and anti-ballistic capability, could "take out all of South America's fighter aircraft let alone Argentina's,"
Wonder what the British have in mind by spending so much money going to the Malvinas Islands? And the USA with 17 army bases in Colombia?
South American countries better get some nuclear weapons!
The ship cost a billion dollars. Not the deployment.
That would seem like an affront to the EU...
Maybe its time for the EU to show Argentina that it is still an insignificant entity...
Uhh...are there any chihuahuas in South America?
The Argies seem to be becoming feisty again...bow,wow,wow...yap, yap, yap...
Anyway....any political scientist would realize that when Argentina starts yapping about the Falklands its because they have some internal problems that they want to deflect..
.soo, chicos, que les pasa?
I'm surprised they didn't do this already as they are so uptight about it, why would they allow a flight to cross their airspace.
As keep's being said if the islanders choose they can vote to join Argentina, if they choose not to then potentially it's going to be made difficult for them.
I would expect that we would keep check with the Argentinian's and disallow any aircraft or ship to enter UK airspace or territorial waters ( including the Falklands ).
The important thing is no one on either side should die over this.
Leave the Falklands alone Argentina.
People have a right to self determination and Falklanders have decided to be British, 99% as a matter of fact!
Recent polls attest to that!!
The British have been there for at least 180 years ++ Falklanders consider themselves members of the British Empire as they call it. Additionally, the Argentinean government is one of the most interventionist in the world with a very low economic freedom index. Under their rule, islanders would get the shaft and their US$38 thousand per capita income would probably plummet even below Argentina´s US$ 5 thousand per capita income. If Argentina rules the Falklands all the islanders´ hard gained riches through sheep farming would be lost. Just look a the history of their currency:
The pound is the currency of the Falkland Islands, a British Overseas Territory in the South Atlantic Ocean. The symbol is the pound sign, £, or alternatively FK£, to distinguish it from other pound-denominated currencies. The ISO 4217 currency code is FKP. The Falklands pound has always been pegged to the pound sterling at par and banknotes of both currencies are used interchangeably on the islands (although only notes issued by banks in the United Kingdom are generally accepted in Britain itself).
History
The pound was introduced following the reassertion of sovereignty in the Falklands Islands by the British in 1833. Initially, the British currency circulated, with the pound subdivided into 20 shillings, each of 12 pence. Specific issues of banknotes have been made for the Falkland Islands since 1899. In 1971, the pound was decimalized and subdivided into 100 pence. Coins have been minted specifically for the Falklands since 1974. During the earlier Argentine occupation, the peso circulated.
For a more general history of currency in the South Atlantic region, see The Sterling Currency in the South Atlantic and the Antarctic.
Coins
In 1974, ½, 1, 2, 5 and 10 pence coins were introduced. 50 pence coins were introduced in 1980, followed by 20 pence in 1982, 1 pound in 1987 and a circulating 2 pounds in 2004. The ½ penny coin was last issued in 1983 and was demonetized shortly after. Smaller versions of the 5p, 10p and 50p, corresponding to the current UK issues, were issued in 1998, replacing the larger versions (which for the 5p was eight years after its introduction in the UK). The introduction of the circulation £2 coin in 2004 was six years after the same coin was issued in the UK. All the coins have the same composition and size as the corresponding British coins.
Banknotes
Between 1899 and 1901, the government introduced notes for 5 and 10 shillings, 1 and 5 pounds. The 5 shilling notes were issued until 1916. In 1969, in preparation for decimalization, the 10 shilling note was replaced by a 50 pence note. 10 pound notes were introduced in 1975, followed by 20 pounds in 1984 and 50 pounds in 1990. Banknotes in circulation are:
Falklands' banknotes feature the same images, differing only in their respective denominations and corresponding colors. On the front side, all notes contain a portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, the Falklands' coat of arms, a small map of the islands, and images of two of the islands' main animals, penguins and sea lions. On the back, notes feature pictures of Christ Church Cathedral in Stanley and Government House, the official residence of the Governor of the Falkland Islands. Source: Exchange rate.com.
How more British can you get??
Finally, it´s funny to assume that Argentina can reclaim islands they never owned. Before Britain it was Spanish, before Spain it was French, before France it was Dutch. The Falklands have never belonged to Argentina. These islands were uninhabited that made a good emergency port for whalers, pirates, and ships transiting the Cape. The only permanent residents to ever desire living there have been British for almost 200 years. Argentina claims are based on a gift of the Islands from Spain when they achieved their independence. But could Spain give something they didn't own? In any case, the population of the Falklands is British and wishes to remain so.
Therefore, it follows that the Falklands are British territory, and England might have to enforce this with her naval, aerial, and infantry forces.
Falklanders consider themselves members of the British Empire? wow...these people still think they have an empire! This territory was Spanish and given to Argentina after the independence. Just because it was used by British pirats and thieves in the 19th century does not give them the right to call it part of the Brith Empire...Please.!...and they still have pirats and bandits running The Malvinas are Argentine territory and the Brits have to business being there. OUT.
The people of the Falklands are British and want to remain that way. Argentina's attitude towards this issue is stupid. They care less about the territory and the people. They do care about the oil that may be available. The Falklands issue in Argentina seems to surface when the economy is in trouble as it was in 1982. The Falklands were never part of Argentina, so why the issue??
I think its the other war around. The British economy is the one in trouble. Argentina is doing fine, thank you! Hope the Brazilians and Chileans join the Argentinians in not allowing any flights over their territories! The Brits still think they are an Empire. Those days are long gone! and sending that bastard to the Malvines was a stupid mistake. (All brit royals are bastards, since they are married by a 'sect' called the church of England)
The British government, struggling with high unemployment and sluggish economy is spending $1 billion on the destroyer's deployment?
Last month, Argentina persuaded Brazil, Uruguay and Chile to join a Mercosur trade group resolution to turn away any ship flying the Falklands' flag.
The Dauntless, armed with anti-aircraft and anti-ballistic capability, could "take out all of South America's fighter aircraft let alone Argentina's,"
Wonder what the British have in mind by spending so much money going to the Malvinas Islands? And the USA with 17 army bases in Colombia?
South American countries better get some nuclear weapons!
Don't the Argentines have enough problems without barking at the Brits? Are the Canadians claiming Washington and Oregon? Do the Russkis think they still have a claim on Alaska? Does Mexico want Arizona? I hope so.
What if in response the Royal Navy blocks all flights and shipping to Argentina? Maybe they are not at the peak of RN might (that was probably WW1 era), but a few guided missile destroyers, strategically placed around Argentine coast, will be more than enough to intercept anyone trying to fly or sail to Argentine destinations. RN still is a force to reckon with.
Argentina should go to war with them. Call their bluff. Watch how quickly the"prince" is pulled out of active duty. Their economy can't support it either. Every member of the Windsor family is a coward, fraud, and pretender to the throne.
"In the uniform of a Conquistador", perhaps Argentina has had a lapse of memory regarding from whom they themselves are decended from. Also Prince Andrew served during the war as a helicopter pilot.
In 2012 the British still bulling small countries, still having princes and queens. I hope their big boat sinks like a Titanic in the coast of Argentina.
thomas.................GET A LIFE
Interesting..... If Argentina had 25 or 30 Exocet missiles the last time, England would not have a Navy.
I don't think Argentine strategy is very good here. They should first make an offer to the Islaners before any attempt to increase economic presure. $1,000,000 US for each Islander which would be exempt from both Argentine and UK taxes seems about right. If accepted this would cost about $2.5-3 billion. The Falkland/Malvinas Islanders could then either stay and have dual UK/Argentine citizenship or move to Britain.
I almost said return but many of them have probably never been to Britain. That's Britains strongest argument.
Argentina's strongest argument is that they did establish a small outpost on these Islands in the 1820-30's and were wrongly kicked off the Islands by Britain. Not only Argentina but more importantly Brazil is definitely against any US/UK bases in or near South America. I'm sure over time the countries of South America will make maintaining them as expensive as possible short of actual war.
why do the brits even have claim to territory in the americas in the first place ? they need to also get expelled from belize, and that oil spill on the gulf of mexico was a beauty , what if a foriegn country had done the samething to the english channel ?
I wish all Latin American countries should stop diplomatic relations with the British over the Maldives. They still think there are an empire! Out....leave Latin America alone. Go back to your little island and stop this stupid nonsense about being a British territory. You pirats!