Argentine President Javier Milei reaffirmed the country’s claim over the Falkland Islands, noting that he hopes islanders will choose Argentine nationality. His remarks during Malvinas Day criticized past administrations and promised to utilize diplomatic efforts. Veteran Juan Carlos Parodi expressed concerns about considering the islanders’ opinion for sovereignty decisions. The ongoing tension over the islands remains evident, accompanied by Milei’s recognition of Malvinas veterans.
Argentine President Javier Milei has asserted his government’s claim over the Falkland Islands, also referred to as the Malvinas, during the commemoration of Malvinas Day, which honors soldiers lost in the 1982 war. He expressed his ambition to strengthen Argentina to the extent that the islanders might willingly choose Argentine nationality. Milei stated, “We hope that one of the Malvinas residents will vote with their feet and choose us.”
He stressed the importance of Argentina’s “non-negotiable” claim over the islands, promising to utilize all diplomatic avenues available to restore sovereignty. Furthermore, he criticized previous administrations for their failure to progress in this regard, attributing it to corruption. His remarks were delivered at a ceremony attended by prominent government officials, including Security Minister Patricia Bullrich and Defense Minister Luis Petri.
In response, Juan Carlos Parodi, head of the Malvinas War Veterans’ Center, rejected the notion that the islanders should influence sovereignty claims, stating that listening to them is akin to misapplying the principle of self-determination. He emphasized that the islanders do not constitute an indigenous population and questioned Milei’s potential for reversing decades of diplomatic failures.
The Falklands War commenced on April 2, 1982, when Argentina invaded the islands, resulting in a military confrontation with the United Kingdom, which culminated in a British victory by June 14, 1982. Since then, Argentina has maintained its claim, despite a 2013 referendum showing that 99.8% of the islanders wish to remain a British Overseas Territory. The UK government insists that the islanders’ wishes must be respected, while Argentina labels this control as colonialism.
Milei has also enacted a decree recognizing former Malvinas reservists as official lieutenants, identifying this as a means to settle a debt with the veterans. It is reported that during the Malvinas War, approximately 649 Argentine soldiers perished, including 323 in a single incident involving the British submarine’s sinking of the ARA General Belgrano.
In conclusion, President Javier Milei has reiterated Argentina’s claim over the Falkland Islands, emphasizing the desire for islanders to willingly choose Argentine affiliation. Despite Milei’s assertive stance and plans to enhance Argentina’s diplomatic position, opposition from veterans complicates the narrative surrounding sovereignty. The historical context of the conflict and the conflicting perspectives on the islanders’ self-determination continue to influence this longstanding dispute.
Original Source: efe.com
