Argentina asserts sovereignty over Falklands

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.