The Falkland Islands

Falkland Islanders are preparing to vote in a referendum on the archipelago's political status. The issue has long been a point of contention, as Buenos Aires contests London's rule over the self-governed British Overseas Territory. Britain and Argentina fought a 74-day war over the islands in 1982 in which 904 people died. VIDEOGRAPHIC

[Quidzyn]

Argentina has no legitimate claim on the Falkland Islands.

I rather enjoyed the response one Falklander gave on hearing the Argentine Foreign Minister claiming that "the islands would be Argentine within 20 years".

The Falklander replied "They've got more chance of putting their flag up on the moon than they have of flying it here!"

;-D

[Quidzyn]

Argentina's claim is bollocks. It has no legal basis under International Law.

If Argentina had a solid legal claim they would take it to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) - the judicial branch of the United Nations.

Argentina is no stranger to the ICJ and has taken disputes before the Court before - most recently the "Paper Mill" case against Uruguay (which Argentina lost 14-1).

The reason Argentina will not take the Falklands issue before the ICJ is because they know they would lose.

[ToonandBBfan]

1. Britain was on those islands LONG before 1816 so thats a moot point.
2. Britain did NOT kill hundreds of civilians because there werent any!
3. The Argentine "garrison" consisted of a miltary officer and a band of merceneries (some of whom were British)

[ToonandBBfan]

The islands have NEVER belonged to Argentina. They think because they are the closest country they "own" them. Going by that logic, Canada could help itself to Alaska!
The islanders wish to be British and we will defend them until they think otherwise.
End of story

[iWearLacoste]

I don't like how this tried to make it seem like Britain wants the islands because of oil. That's a false overtone, probably by some colonial-phobic reporter. The reason Britain defends the island is because the people on the island don't want to be part of Argentina.

[Quidzyn]

UK Prime Minister David Cameron's Christmas message to the Falkland Islands.

"2013 will be remembered as a momentous year in the history of the Falkland Islands.
The referendum in March offered a clear choice: whether or not to remain a British Overseas Territory. It was not a decision for me. It was not a decision for Argentina. It was a decision for you, the people of the Falkland Islands. This was a question of self-determination – and you could not have sent a clearer message: the Falkland Islands are British through and through. And that is how you want them to stay.
The rest of the world has a fundamental duty to respect and honour what you have said so clearly.
So as we look to 2014, you can count on the British government’s continued support in countering the Argentine government’s campaign to claim the Islands’ resources and to inflict damage on your economy. Most recently, this has involved shameful attempts to discourage hydrocarbons exploration in your waters. My message on this is clear: you have every right to explore your natural resources. The Argentine government’s attempts to deter you from doing so will not succeed.
The British government will continue to support economic development in the Falkland Islands. I was pleased, in particular, that 2 Members of your Legislative Assembly were able to attend this year’s Joint Ministerial Conference, to work in partnership with other UK Overseas Territories in promoting economic diversification, and creating the jobs and growth so vital to our future prosperity.
The British government will remain steadfast in its commitment to your sovereignty and security. The Argentine government will never succeed in any attempt to misrepresent the history of your Islands or question your right to self-determination. Britain will always be ready to defend the Falkland Islands.
Alongside the referendum, 2013 will also be remembered as the year in which we lost Baroness Thatcher. I know she will hold a special place in many of your hearts. I believe it was fitting that her resolute leadership in defending the Falkland Islands was honoured at her funeral service. I know that you are planning your own memorial to her with a statue in Stanley. Her contribution to the security and future of these islands will never be forgotten.
More than 30 years on, my message to you this Christmas is simple: the Falkland Islands is one of Britain’s most important overseas communities. And our commitment to your prosperity, security and sovereignty remains as strong as ever.
Samantha and I wish you all a great Christmas and a happy and successful 2014."

[aspiringdrummer]

Britain first claimed the islands in 1774 before Argentina even existed as a country in its own right

[Quidzyn]

BBC News 30 December 2013

Public sector workers in the Argentine capital of Buenos Aires have been told not to come to work today in an effort to save electricity.
The city has been experiencing power shortages as air conditioning use has soared as residents try to keep cool during a severe heatwave.
Some neighbourhoods have been without power for two weeks, with temperatures rising well over 35 degrees Celsius.
Argentina's ageing power grid has been struggling to keep up with demand.
Public sector workers in the city were asked to stay at home all day Monday, while those in Buenos Aires province were told to leave work at noon.
On Sunday night, electricity demand reached a record high for a non-working day, as residents turned on fans and air conditioning units in an attempt to cool down homes.
City officials held emergency meetings with federal officials on Sunday in an effort to co-ordinate assistance to those left without power for days.
An estimated 11.000 people still had no electricity over the weekend. Hundreds of thousands had suffered power cuts over the preceding weeks.
In some Buenos Aires neighbourhoods residents took to the streets in protest, banging pots and pans to demand that city officials do more to restore power supply to their areas.

Wonder why the Falklanders don't want to be annexed by Argentina?

Stupid Argies couldn't run a bath never mind a modern economy.

[meroxyersox]

Argentina's all talk, they can't afford to send a rubber duck to the falklands

[Severin]

Remember 1982?
"Don't cry for me Argentina...."

[Quidzyn]

You had more aircraft than the UK (42 Harriers).

Much of the UK equipment was very old (the Mark VIII torpedos HMS Conqueror fired at the Belgrano were nearly 50 years old).

The "geographic proximity" argument is bogus....the UK is "connected" to France which is only 33 km away.

If Argentina had a genuine case it would take it to the International Court of Justice (as the UK has been requesting since 1946).

The reason Argentina refuses to go to the ICJ is because they know they would lose.

[ToonandBBfan]

If it was up to me I would do a N.Ireland referendum.
Argentina claiming the Falklands is like Britain saying "we were in the USA prior to 1776 and therefore it should be ours"

[leeaandrews]

British and proud and ready to fight for BRITSH land .

[MrBritishGentleman]

400 million barrel.

God save the queen.

[Tulaenelorto]

tell me more about your wikipedia sources..

[aspiringdrummer]

You're right, we're getting way off track here. You were saying something about the 1774 claim being illegal. How so in your opinion?

[rainerschanegger]

USA must return the American territory to the apaches and New Zealand and Australia his islands to the Maories ?, i this you agreed what a

[aspiringdrummer]

So you're saying that no Nazis ever did flee to Argentina? Am I prejudice for simply stating facts?

[OverlyRudeBoy]

Don't worry Argentina, we will sell you some. How does 50c higher than the going rate sound?

[Quidzyn]

I have friends who were there.




Your men had weeks to prepare their defensive positions. You had more men and more ammunition.





From the landing at Bluff Cove on 21st of May to your surrender on 14th of June it took our men 24 days to sweep you off the islands.




I spoke to a Royal Marine who told me if it was the other way around and they had time to dig defensive positions and as much men and ammunition as your troops had it would have taken months to get them off those mountains.