Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

Margaret Thatcher leaves 10 Downing Street during the Falklands crisis. PA Archive

Big win for Argentina as UN rules Falklands Islands lie in its waters

There was no immediate comment from Britain after a UN commission sided with Argentine claims in the decades-long territorial dispute.

ARGENTINA’S GOVERNMENT is celebrating a decision by a UN commission expanding its maritime territory in the South Atlantic Ocean by 35% to include the disputed Falkland Islands and beyond.

The Argentine foreign ministry said that its waters had increased by 0.66 million square miles (1.7 million square kilometers) and the decision will be key in its dispute with Britain over the Islands.

Argentina lost a brief, bloody 1982 war with Britain after Argentine troops seized the South Atlantic archipelago that Latin Americans call the Malvinas.

The UN Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf sided with Argentina earlier this month, ratifying the country’s 2009 report fixing the limit of its territory at 200 to 350 miles from its coast.

“This is a historic occasion for Argentina because we’ve made a huge leap in the demarcation of the exterior limit of our continental shelf,” Foreign Minister Susana Malcorra said.

This reaffirms our sovereignty rights over the resources of our continental shelf.

Caveat

Oil exploration is already pumping millions of dollars into the Falkland Islands economy. Many islanders remain concerned about Argentina’s claim as well as the potential for problems from rapid change brought by the new industry.

The UN commission’s finding included the caveat that there is an unresolved diplomatic dispute between Argentina and Britain over the islands.

The Falklands are internally self-governing, but Britain is responsible for its defence and foreign affairs. The British government says islanders cannot be forced to accept Argentine sovereignty against their will.

The Falkland Islands government said yesterday that it is seeking clarification from the British government on “what, if any, decisions have been made, and what implications there may be” for the territory in relation to the UN ruling.

“As soon as we have any firm information we will make it available,” Mike Summers, chairman of the Legislative Assembly of the Falkland Islands, said.

Our understanding has always been that the UN would not make any determination on applications for continental shelf extension in areas where there are competing claims.

There was no immediate comment from Britain’s government.

Read: Man shot by US police after drawing weapon on Capitol Hill

Read: Korean War veterans want their brothers-in-arms found, identified and brought home

Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone...
A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

Close
206 Comments
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Michael Campbell
    Favourite Michael Campbell
    Report
    Sep 15th 2011, 5:21 PM

    What a horrible lot don’t blame the USA for trying to keep them out

    64
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Des Fortune
    Favourite Des Fortune
    Report
    Sep 15th 2011, 5:38 PM

    Michael, drug cartels are so powerful because of US drug use, US war on drugs is a joke, calling Mexicans ‘a horrible lot’ is rather simplistic view

    161
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Dave Bruce
    Favourite Dave Bruce
    Report
    Sep 17th 2011, 9:34 AM

    Micheal two young mexicans are dead because of the illegal drugs industry, because they may have used their rights to freedom of speech (a right upheld in the constitutions of many countries) to speak out against drug cartels. Are they part of the horrible lot too?The drugs industry is an international one it doesn’t follow borders, it just follows supply and demand.

    4
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Brian Carroll
    Favourite Brian Carroll
    Report
    Sep 15th 2011, 6:19 PM

    Michael, try educating yourself before you make idiotic comments in future.

    61
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Unitedpeople Ireland
    Favourite Unitedpeople Ireland
    Report
    Sep 15th 2011, 5:53 PM

    Dear drug cartels,
    You can’t stop the signal!
    Sooner you learn that, the better!

    44
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Michelle Geraghty
    Favourite Michelle Geraghty
    Report
    Sep 15th 2011, 10:12 PM

    I’ve been meeting so many people facing these kinds of threats every day at the Frontline Human Rights Defenders Platform in Dublin Castle this week. 130 incredibly brave people from 85 countries being threatened for standing up for their basic rights. Its shocking to hear stories like this one. Can you imagine actually facing that fear every day but continuing to fight for the right thing despite it? And what if you had kids? Massive respect to the journalists who fight back. Rant over. If you guys interested in reading more about them, visit http://www.frontlinehumanrights.org

    27
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Adam Magari
    Favourite Adam Magari
    Report
    Sep 15th 2011, 9:12 PM

    Mexico, a failed state now. Imagine the situation in ten years time.

    13
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Eagle eye
    Favourite Eagle eye
    Report
    Sep 15th 2011, 8:10 PM

    There was a great show on last week where that sas guy chris Ryan teamed up with the special police there ‘bope’. Incredible stuff seeing the conditions in the favelas. The place is overrun with drugs and crime. Remember last year when hundreds of cops raided the place and arrested hundreds?
    Scary stuff if they are turning to killing those using social media and reporters

    9
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Mad Durdu
    Favourite Mad Durdu
    Report
    Sep 15th 2011, 8:40 PM

    Thats brazil you clown. And BOPE are a bunch of murderers and torturers

    21
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Eagle eye
    Favourite Eagle eye
    Report
    Sep 15th 2011, 11:31 PM

    My bad mad durdu. I made a mistake.
    I ain’t a clown though. I wouldn’t say murderers, they are going in dealing with serious criminals and drug cartels.

    7
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute grass Eye
    Favourite grass Eye
    Report
    Sep 15th 2011, 8:29 PM

    This was a mad story. On Monday.

    6
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Gavin Hoey
    Favourite Gavin Hoey
    Report
    Sep 15th 2011, 8:35 PM

    : )

    1
Submit a report
Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
Thank you for the feedback
Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.
JournalTv
News in 60 seconds