Philip Thomas analyses the military situation in the Falklands.
The Argentinean government has accused the United Kingdom of “militarising” the seas surrounding the disputed Falkland Islands, and last week issued a formal complaint to the United Nations Security Council and General Assembly. The protest was prompted when a Royal Navy type 45 Destroyer was deployed to the region.
Argentinean President, Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner remarked that the presence of HMS Dauntless was evidence of militarisation, alleging that it posed a “grave danger to international security ... We cannot interpret in any other way the deployment of an ultra-modern destroyer”. A Downing Street spokesperson denied her claims, stating: “we are not militarising the South Atlantic, our military posture remains the same”. The Ministry of Defence confirmed that the warship will perform routine operations as part of the Royal Navy’s obligations to maintain a constant patrol around the islands.
Argentinean Foreign minister Hector Timerman appealed to the UN last Friday, declaring Argentina’s official objections. The recent disagreements between Argentina and the UK have a long and complex history.
The sovereignty of the Falkland Islands (known as Islas Malvinas in Argentina) have been in dispute since becoming a British overseas territory in 1833, and remain a sensitive political issue today. In 1982, the military dictatorship of Argentina ordered the invasion of the islands, and following a brief occupation they were recaptured by a British task force.
In December, the South American trading bloc Mercosur closed its ports to Falklands vessels, provoking the present tensions which come amid the approaching anniversary of the war. Ms. Kirchner’s comments angered Falklands residents who uphold their right to self-determination. Additionally, she criticised the uniformed presence of Prince William on the islands, who is currently on a tour of duty with the RAF.
Following Argentina’s delegation to the UN, Secretary-general Ban Ki-moon voiced his hope “that the governments of Argentina and the United Kingdom will avoid an escalation of this dispute and resolve differences peacefully and through dialogue”.