Argentina launches naval campaign to isolate Falkland Islands

[olp1fan]

Wasn't Oil found around those islands too? Argentina doesn't want a war with NATO...it probably should stop

Aren't illegal blockades an act of war?

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/southamerica/falklandislands/8936750/Argentina-launches-naval-campaign-to-isolate-Falkland-Islands.html

Argentine patrol vessels have boarded 12 Spanish boats, operating under fishing licences issued by the Falkland Islands, for operating “illegally” in disputed waters in recent weeks.

Argentine patrol commanders carrying out interceptions near the South American coast told Spanish captains they were in violation of Argentina’s “legal” blockade of sea channels to the Falklands.

The warning has been backed up in a letter to Aetinape, the Spanish fishing vessels association from the Argentine embassy in Madrid warning boats in the area that “Falklands, South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands and adjoining maritime spaces are an integral part of the Argentine territory.”

The confrontation strategy targetting foreign boats marks an escalation of tensions in seas that Duke of Cambridge, a Flight Lieutenant with the RAF, is set to patrol during a tour of duty last year.

The Duke is to be deployed to the Falklands next February as part of a routine training duties. Commanders would face the dilemma of despatching the Royal to take part in an operations to monitor or contain the Argentine challenge

President Cristina Kirchner has adopted a steadily more beligerent stance towards Britain’s South Atlantic possessions.

A newly formed gathering of South American nations meeting in Venezeula backed Argentina’s sovereignty demands at the weekend.

Argentina’s claim over the Falklands was backed by a newly formed block of South American and Caribbean countries, CELAC, on Saturday with unanimous approval. Mrs Kirchner used the last UN General Assembly meeting to put Argentina’s claims of sovereignty over the Falklands on a par with Palestinian claims to statehood.

But it is the Falklands economic lifeline that has been most affected by Argentinian manoeurving.

It announced permits were required by all ships using Argentine waters en route to the Falklands, South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands, all of which are UK controlled.

Argentina declared vessels were “operating illegally” in the South Atlantic if they did not request permission to enter Argentine waters. The authorities declared their willingness “to put an end to all those illegal fishing activities”.

The vessels, from Galicia, were boarded as they were making their way across the huge Rio de la Plata estuary, which separates Argentina and Uruguay, before off-loading their catches in Montevideo, Uruguay.

Mrs Kirchner, 58, has also threatened to suspend a vital Falklands air link — the only one off the islands — which was established in a 1999 deal between the UK and Argentina unless Britain entered into talks leading to sovereignty negotiations.

A Foreign Office spokesman said Britain had lodged an official complaint about the Argentine action. “We are aware that Argentina has recently challenged vessels transiting between the Falklands and the port of Montevideo,” the spokesman said. “The UK has protested to Argentina. We consider that it is not compliant with international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

Mike Summers, a member of the Falkland Islands legislative assembly, said Argentina was trying to cut the Islands off from the South American mainland. “The Falkland Islands Government has no doubt about its right to issue licenses to foreign companies to fish in its waters,” he said. “There have been other difficulties in recent months with Falklands flagged vessels seeking to use South American ports; Argentina seeks to prevail on its neighbours to implement its foreign policy for it, by denying access to their ports for vessels doing business in the Falklands.”

Edited December 7, 2011 by olp1fan

[Guest Derek L]

Wasn't Oil found around those islands too? Argentina doesn't want a war with NATO...it probably should stop

Aren't illegal blockades an act of war?

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/southamerica/falklandislands/8936750/Argentina-launches-naval-campaign-to-isolate-Falkland-Islands.html

Argentine patrol vessels have boarded 12 Spanish boats, operating under fishing licences issued by the Falkland Islands, for operating “illegally” in disputed waters in recent weeks.

Argentine patrol commanders carrying out interceptions near the South American coast told Spanish captains they were in violation of Argentina’s “legal” blockade of sea channels to the Falklands.

The warning has been backed up in a letter to Aetinape, the Spanish fishing vessels association from the Argentine embassy in Madrid warning boats in the area that “Falklands, South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands and adjoining maritime spaces are an integral part of the Argentine territory.”

The confrontation strategy targetting foreign boats marks an escalation of tensions in seas that Duke of Cambridge, a Flight Lieutenant with the RAF, is set to patrol during a tour of duty last year.

The Duke is to be deployed to the Falklands next February as part of a routine training duties. Commanders would face the dilemma of despatching the Royal to take part in an operations to monitor or contain the Argentine challenge

President Cristina Kirchner has adopted a steadily more beligerent stance towards Britain’s South Atlantic possessions.

A newly formed gathering of South American nations meeting in Venezeula backed Argentina’s sovereignty demands at the weekend.

Argentina’s claim over the Falklands was backed by a newly formed block of South American and Caribbean countries, CELAC, on Saturday with unanimous approval. Mrs Kirchner used the last UN General Assembly meeting to put Argentina’s claims of sovereignty over the Falklands on a par with Palestinian claims to statehood.

But it is the Falklands economic lifeline that has been most affected by Argentinian manoeurving.

It announced permits were required by all ships using Argentine waters en route to the Falklands, South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands, all of which are UK controlled.

Argentina declared vessels were “operating illegally” in the South Atlantic if they did not request permission to enter Argentine waters. The authorities declared their willingness “to put an end to all those illegal fishing activities”.

The vessels, from Galicia, were boarded as they were making their way across the huge Rio de la Plata estuary, which separates Argentina and Uruguay, before off-loading their catches in Montevideo, Uruguay.

Mrs Kirchner, 58, has also threatened to suspend a vital Falklands air link — the only one off the islands — which was established in a 1999 deal between the UK and Argentina unless Britain entered into talks leading to sovereignty negotiations.

A Foreign Office spokesman said Britain had lodged an official complaint about the Argentine action. “We are aware that Argentina has recently challenged vessels transiting between the Falklands and the port of Montevideo,” the spokesman said. “The UK has protested to Argentina. We consider that it is not compliant with international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

Mike Summers, a member of the Falkland Islands legislative assembly, said Argentina was trying to cut the Islands off from the South American mainland. “The Falkland Islands Government has no doubt about its right to issue licenses to foreign companies to fish in its waters,” he said. “There have been other difficulties in recent months with Falklands flagged vessels seeking to use South American ports; Argentina seeks to prevail on its neighbours to implement its foreign policy for it, by denying access to their ports for vessels doing business in the Falklands.”

The article is factually wrong.....LanChile has scheduled weekly flights, as does the RAF.....As for CELAC itself, 12 of the nations are part of the Commonwealth itself, then there's Chile which has had strong relations & ties with the UK since it’s Independence......

Argentina isn't a threat to the United Kingdom, or the Falklands.

[olp1fan]

The Guardian is a more credible source than you Derek, these nations don't have to be on the side of the commonwealth...these nations will stick together because its in their best interests

[Guest Derek L]

The Guardian is a more credible source than you Derek, these nations don't have to be on the side of the commonwealth...these nations will stick together because its in their best interests

You're quoting An article from the Torygraph

FALKLAND ISLANDS FLIGHTS

At present there are two ways to fly to the Falkland Islands.

Via the RAF

The UK Royal Air Force operate three flights per fortnight. The flight leaves from RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire. Space is very limited and it has to be remembered that this isn't a commercial flight and therefore times can change at very short notice.

The Flight lands in Ascension Island and you can break your trip either northbound or southbound till the next flight if you wish.

Via LanChile

The national Air carrier of Chile flies once a week from Santiago Chile to the Falkland Islands, this is by far the best way to travel to the Falklands in both cost and service, though it will take you longer as you would normally need to stay overnight in Santiago both ways. However this isn't a hardship as Santiago is a very pleasant city to explore. Please read the press release about flights from South America.

You have any evidence that these nations will “stick together”?

[olp1fan]

Do you have any evidence that suggests they won't stick together?

[Guest Derek L]

Do you have any evidence that suggests they won't stick together?

Yes, the historic ties associated by the Commonwealth nations, and the continued positive relations between the United Kingdom and Chile……..

[wyly]

argentina imperialism vs british imperialism, nato won't get involved neither will argentina south american friends...argentina took a beating last time and the same will happen again, this won't escalate...

[Wild Bill]

argentina imperialism vs british imperialism, nato won't get involved neither will argentina south american friends...argentina took a beating last time and the same will happen again, this won't escalate...

I think you may be right, Wyly. Unless Britain elects a PM perceived as weak enough to "wuss out".

I find it interesting that when debating this dispute between Argentina and GB few folks ever mention the wishes of the Falklanders themselves, as if their wants are irrelevant!

They have lived on that island for generations! There's been a permanent British colony since 1833. The islands were first discovered by the British and then later by Spain. There were some brief visits by both nations and the USA but nobody settled a colony until Britain. The Islanders have been British for about 180 years!

What the hell ever happened to one of the most basic founding principles of the United Nations, that of a people's self-determination?

The Islanders have said many times they have absolutely no desire to be governed by Argentina! They want to stay British, which was the whole reason Margaret Thatcher took Britain to war to protect them!

Seems to me the Islanders have a far, far better claim to be British than the Argentines have to take the Islands from them, on the basis of a few minor historical entries.

This is a much more straight forward case than perhaps any other in the world, especially and including the Palestinians!

Yet nobody ever seems to defend the poor Falklanders!

[wyly]

I think you may be right, Wyly. Unless Britain elects a PM perceived as weak enough to "wuss out".

I find it interesting that when debating this dispute between Argentina and GB few folks ever mention the wishes of the Falklanders themselves, as if their wants are irrelevant!

They have lived on that island for generations! There's been a permanent British colony since 1833. The islands were first discovered by the British and then later by Spain. There were some brief visits by both nations and the USA but nobody settled a colony until Britain. The Islanders have been British for about 180 years!

the falklanders have always had a say it's the reason for the war, had they wanted to join argentina britain would likely give up it's claim...

argentina does have claim to the islands they were at one time forced out by the brits...if it were not for the islanders wishes I would say the islands should go to the argies...

What the hell ever happened to one of the most basic founding principles of the United Nations, that of a people's self-determination?

This is a much more straight forward case than perhaps any other in the world, especially and including the Palestinians!

the palestinians living in the same region for thousands of years have less claim to self determination than the islanders?...serious double standard there wild bill, thats why we have wars and people flying planes into buildings...

[Guest American Woman]

The Islanders have said many times they have absolutely no desire to be governed by Argentina! They want to stay British, which was the whole reason Margaret Thatcher took Britain to war to protect them!

When I was in the Falkland Islands, I was told that their constitution allows them to choose between being governed by Great Britain or Argentina - so as it stands, the possibility of being ruled by Argentina will always be open to them.

Argentina made a show of standing up to Great Britain earlier this year too, by declaring a blockade - but ships simply went into the Falklands same as ever, and of course nothing happened; and to hear tell, did nothing to endear Argentina to the the Falkland Islanders.

[Wild Bill]

When I was in the Falkland Islands, I was told that their constitution allows them to choose between being governed by Great Britain or Argentina - so as it stands, the possibility of being ruled by Argentina will always be open to them.

Argentina made a show of standing up to Great Britain earlier this year too, by declaring a blockade - but ships simply went into the Falklands same as ever, and of course nothing happened; and to hear tell, did nothing to endear Argentina to the the Falkland Islanders.

Exactly, AW! Argentina can make any noises it wishes but the only way they will ever take the Falklands is as a military aggressor!

If they do they will then deserve to be treated as such by all other nations!

[Guest American Woman]

Exactly, AW! Argentina can make any noises it wishes but the only way they will ever take the Falklands is as a military aggressor!

If they do they will then deserve to be treated as such by all other nations!

A vote by the Falkland Islanders could do it, too - it's not an impossibility, but aggression will likely ensure that it never happens.

[Jack Weber]

Where's a Fascist idiot like President Galtieri when you need him???

[Guest Derek L]

Where's a Fascist idiot like President Galtieri when you need him???

They don’t need him…..Current President Kirchner has been proven to be more than capable enough to use the Islas Malvinas as a trumped up distraction for domestic consumption…….Ultimately, the Islanders, who 70% are of British decent (And all citizens), have the right to self-determination and I’d think would choose full independence rather than being governed by the Argentineans………

Ultimately the Argies pose no threat to the Islands:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ZE5rQNLXlM

Edited December 8, 2011 by Derek L

[Wild Bill]

A vote by the Falkland Islanders could do it, too - it's not an impossibility, but aggression will likely ensure that it never happens.

Not an impossibility? Perhaps, but hardly likely! They're British! Their fathers were British, their grandfathers were British and their great-grandfathers back over 180 years were British!

How long has your family been Americans, AW? How likely is it they would vote to become Norwegians?

Also, the Falklands War is still fresh in their minds. It will take many more years to die down. Argentina has not seemed that good an alternative since long before that conflict, if ever.

Can you suggest even one reason the islanders would vote for Argentine rule? I can't think of a single blessed reason, myself!

[msj]

Sounds like two bald men fighting over a comb....

[wyly]

Sounds like two bald men fighting over a comb....

but the comb is potentially made of gold... or at least oil...

[Wilber]

but the comb is potentially made of gold... or at least oil...

Quite so. Britain and Argentina have overlapping claims on Antarctica. Possession of the Falklands, South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands are integral with those claims.

Doesn't surprise me that Lan Chile would fly into the Falklands. Chileans have never liked Argentinians and would be happy to stick one in their eye.

[Guest American Woman]

Not an impossibility? Perhaps, but hardly likely! They're British! Their fathers were British, their grandfathers were British and their great-grandfathers back over 180 years were British!

How long has your family been Americans, AW? How likely is it they would vote to become Norwegians?

Actually, my Grandma remained a Norwegian all her life.

At any rate, full British citizenship wasn't granted to the Falkland Islanders until 1983. The way I see it, they are granted British citizenship, just as Puerto Ricans are granted American citizenship, but I'm guessing they identify as Puerto Ricans - just as Islanders identify with the Falklands. They have their own flag, they have their own currency, and I'm guessing they have their own identity. At any rate, I don't think the vote would be to change who they are, but rather change the other citizenship that they are granted.

Also, the Falklands War is still fresh in their minds. It will take many more years to die down. Argentina has not seemed that good an alternative since long before that conflict, if ever.

Can you suggest even one reason the islanders would vote for Argentine rule? I can't think of a single blessed reason, myself!

One advantage, from what I've read, is that travel to Argentina would be easier with an Argentine passport than with a British passport - the Islands are pretty isolated and the UK is really far away.

I'm not saying it's likely to happen, but the people I talked to didn't dismiss it for the most part. They could also decide to become completely sovereign, but for the time being they do most definitely choose to remain a British territory - and aggression on the part of Argentina is not likely to help its cause.

[olp1fan]

BTW there is only 1 country in South America that is in the commonwealth so you can't make the argument that there will never be hostilities between

this new major South American bloc and the British Commonwealth

http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2011/dec/21/falklands-boat-ban-row-argentina

A South American trading bloc is to ban boats with a Falkland Islands flag from docking at its ports.

Mercosur, which includes Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay, reached the decision at a summit in the Uruguayan capital, Montevideo.

The dispute involves a vast area of potentially mineral-rich South Atlantic waters and has created a fresh diplomatic headache for Britain, which controls the islands.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2011/dec/21/falklands-boat-ban-row-argentina

The Argentinian president has accused Britain of taking her country's resources and ignoring UN resolutions, as the Foreign Office condemned a move

by a South American trading bloc to ban from its ports ships flying the Falkland Islands flag.

But the Argentinian president, Cristina Fernández de Kirchner, welcomed the ban, thanking her regional allies for their solidarity and criticising Britain.

Although refraining from calling for the islands to be declared Argentinian, she asked for fresh talks on the status of the islands.

http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/standard/article-24023548-call-to-send-n-sub-after-ban-on-falklands-ships.do

A nuclear submarine should be used to show Britain's determination to protect the Falklands following "aggressive" moves by Argentina, a former head of the Navy urged today.

[olp1fan]

then there's Chile which has had strong relations & ties with the UK since it’s Independence......

Since when do strong relations and ties matter? If Canada had to choose between Britain or U.S Canada would choose the U.S even though we have very strong relations and ties to Britain .. same would happen with Chile

Going against the new Bloc would not be in Chiles best interests since they are major trading partners and neighbours with the other countries in South America.. just like Canada would side with the U.S since they are our largest trading partner and our neighbour and Britain is not

you really do not have this all figured out Derek

[Guest Derek L]

HMS Dauntless destroyer deployed to Falklands by navy

And

Navy 'sends submarine to Falklands'

That ought to do it…….

[Sa'adoni]

Prince William is station there right now, so perhaps UK will just nuke South America and hit Iran as a side show just because they are going in all or nothing anyway.

[Guest Peeves]

Not an impossibility? Perhaps, but hardly likely! They're British! Their fathers were British, their grandfathers were British and their great-grandfathers back over 180 years were British!

You're purposely avoiding the sheep and uncle Percival involvement.

Ok it's ancient history, but check out the one branch with the lovely wavy hair.

Edited February 9, 2012 by Peeves

[jbg]

Exactly, AW! Argentina can make any noises it wishes but the only way they will ever take the Falklands is as a military aggressor!

If they do they will then deserve to be treated as such by all other nations!

And the consequences of that are....being sneezed on at a cocktail party in the U.N. Building?