Buenos Aires: The Argentine Senate on
Wednesday unanimously passed a measure known as the "Ushuaia
declaration" that asserts sovereignty over the Falkland
Islands, disputed with Britain.
The draft document made February 25 in the southern city
of Ushuaia reaffirms "the legitimate" sovereignty of Argentina
"over the Malvinas," as they are known here, "South Georgia,
South Sandwich and the surrounding maritime areas."
The text was adopted ahead of the 30th anniversary of the
war fought by the two countries over the remote island chain
approaches, and states a rejection of "the persistent
colonialist and militarist attitude of the United Kingdom."
It also included warning to the international community on
what it derided as Britain`s attempted at "militarization" of
the islands.
Tensions have been building in recent months over the
South Atlantic islands claimed by Argentina since 1833 but
controlled by Britain.
Argentine troops seized the islands on April 2, 1982, only
to be routed by British forces 74 days later. In all, 649
Argentine troops, 255 British troops and three Falkland
Islanders were killed in the conflict.
Tensions have flared anew since 2010 when Britain
authorized oil companies to explore for oil in Falklands
waters, and have sharpened with the deployment of a British
warship to the islands.
In late February Argentina refused permission to two
British cruise ships seeking to dock on southern Argentina
after visiting the Falklands.
The United Nations has called on Britain to discuss
decolonization. It has refused. (AFP)
PTI
