Argentina has launched a fresh bid to take over the Falkland Islands after its President Javier Milei referred to Britain’s overseas territory as “illegally occupied”.
Speaking at the UN General Assembly in New York on Wednesday, the Argentine leader described his country’s claim to the South Atlantic island as “legitimate” and “unrenouncable”.
Mr Milei said he wanted to raise some “sensitive and crucially important issues” over the so-called “Islas Malvinas”.
He went on to say: “I wish to reiterate our legitimate claim in terms of sovereignty over the Malvinas and the surrounding maritime areas that continue to be illegally occupied”, he says.
“In spite of the fact that 80 years have elapsed since the creation of [the UN], colonial situations such as this one remain unresolved.
“For this reason, we call on the United Kingdom to resume bilateral negotiations,” he added.
Politicians from the South American nation were further emboldened in claims to the British archipelago after comments made by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s son Yair.
Mr Netanyahu, who has been living in a Miami penthouse as his country remains at war, wrote on social media: “I recognise the Falkland Islands as part of Argentina!” on Tuesday.
The comments came after Sir Keir Starmer announced Britain’s recognition of a Palestinian state.
President Javier Milei (pictured) referred to Britain’s overseas territory as ‘illegally occupied’
|
GETTY
And his remarks proved popular in Buenos Aires, with senior officials in Mr Milei’s libertarian government publicly speaking out in support.
Argentina’s Secretary of Worship Nahuel Sotelo labelled the remarks on social media “historic”.
The head of Mr Milei’s party bloc in the country’s legislature, Agustin Romo, wrote: “The son of the Prime Minister of Israel announces he recognises the Malvinas as Argentine. Thank you, Yair.”
Mr Netanyahu later replied to the post with a heart, coupled with Israeli and Argentine flag emojis.
Speaking at the UN General Assembly in New York on Wednesday, the Argentine leader described his country’s claim to the South Atlantic island as ‘legitimate’
|
GETTY
The Argentine President said he hoped Falkland Islanders would wish to join them at a ceremony commemorating the country’s humiliating defeat after invading the territory in 1982
He said: “We hope for the Malvinenses (Falkland Islanders) to one day decide to vote for us with their feet.
“That’s why we seek to be a power, to the point that (the islanders) prefer to be Argentine.”
Mr Milei was criticised for the comments by his political opponents in Buenos Aires, who argued that Falkland Islanders had no right to self-determination.
The inhabitants sent a clear message to London and Buenos Aires, voting 99.8 per cent in favour of keeping their status
|
GETTYArgentine forces invaded and occupied the British overseas territory in April 1982.
After suffering almost three times the casualties as the British, they surrendered in June after just 72 days.
In 2013, Falkland Islanders took to the polls to express their opinion on whether to remain a British overseas territory after Argentina called for negotiations.
The inhabitants sent a clear message to London and Buenos Aires, voting 99.8 per cent in favour of keeping their status.
