Argentina has officially protested Britain’s recentannouncement of increased military spending for theFalklands, a group of islands in the southern AtlanticOcean. The two countries have disputed ownership of the territory, which Argentina calls Las Malvinas, formany years.
Last week, British defense minister Michael Falloncalled Argentina a “very live threat” to the islands. Heannounced a 10-year, $268 million budget to increasesecurity in the Falklands. He said military and civilianpersonnel levels on the islands would remain thesame.
Argentina immediately denounced the move asprovocative and political. An Argentine foreign ministryofficial told reporters that the British government took the action to gainsupport in upcoming elections.
Now, Argentina’s Foreign Affairs Minister Hector Timerman has sent protestletters to several international organizations including the United Nations'Decolonization Committee and the Organization of American States.
Mr. Timerman described the increase in British military spending as “unjustified.” He wrote that the move shows Britain is depending on “gunsand aggression” to find a solution to the territorial dispute. The letter also said that Argentina would only settle such problems by negotiations and international law.
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In this April 2, 2014 file photo, activists sing the national anthem during a ceremony marking the 32th anniversary of the start of the Falkland conflict, in Buenos Aires, Argentina. (AP Photo/Victor R. Caivano) |
The island group is less than 500 kilometers fromArgentina and almost 13,000 kilometers from Britain. But, Britain has ruled the territory for almost twohundred years. Most of the 3,000 people who live on the islands are of British descent. In 2013, almost 100percent of Falklanders voted to remain a Britishterritory.
In 1982, Argentina seized control of the islands. Britaindeployed military forces to recapture the territory. It was successful. But, more than 900 people were killedin the 74 days of fighting.
The war helped then British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher win re-election.However, last week, Argentine Foreign Ministry official for the Malvinas,Daniel Filmus, said that the situation would not be repeated. He said hiscountry would not be drawn into war again.
I’m Caty Weaver.
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Words in This Story
personnel – n. the people who work for a particular company or organization
provocative – adj. causing discussion, thought, argument, etc.
justify – v. to provide or be a good reason for (something): to prove or show(something) to be just, right, or reasonable
descent – n. the people in your family who lived before you were born: your ancestors
Who should control the Falklands, in your opinion? How should the dispute besettled? We want to know what you think. Post your thoughts in the comment section.
