Britain warns South America against new Falklands folly
by The Canadian Press
Argentina is again attempting to exert its influence over the once-contested Falkland Islands.
LONDON—Britain’s Foreign Secretary William Hague says he’s warned South American countries not to collude with Argentina over a ban on Falkland Islands-flagged ships docking in certain ports.
Britain has ruled the Falklands, some 460 kilometres east of Argentina’s coast, for more than 180 years. However, Argentina also claims sovereignty and the two countries fought a brief war over the islands in 1982.
Last month, Argentina and its neighbours agreed to turn away some Falklands-flagged ships.
Hague said that following talks with British officials Uruguay, Chile and Brazil have now agreed not to participate.
He said Tuesday that the port ban was illegal, and urged others not to join Argentina’s attempt “to intimidate an innocent civilian population through economic pressure.”
