Milei Affirms Argentina’s Claim over the Falkland Islands on War Anniversary

Argentine President Javier Milei has reiterated the country’s claim to the Falkland Islands, expressing his goal for the islanders to voluntarily choose to be Argentine. He emphasized the importance of strengthening Argentina and criticized previous governments for failures linked to corruption. Veterans have pushed back against his approach, asserting that islanders’ opinions should not dictate sovereignty, amidst ongoing discussions about the historical conflict and current diplomatic relations.

On the 43rd anniversary of the Falklands War, Argentine President Javier Milei asserted Argentina’s claim over the Falkland Islands, also known as the Malvinas. He expressed his ambition to fortify Argentina to the extent that the residents of the islands would voluntarily choose to align with Argentina. During a nationally televised address in Buenos Aires, Milei stated, “We hope that one of the Malvinas residents will vote with their feet and choose us.”

Commemorating Malvinas Day, which honors the 649 Argentine soldiers who perished in the conflict, Milei reiterated the nation’s “non-negotiable” claim and committed to utilizing all diplomatic avenues to regain control of the islands. He criticized previous administrations for their “corruption” which, in his view, hindered Argentina’s sovereignty. His address was attended by high-ranking members of his administration, underscoring the significance of the issue.

In response to Milei’s comments, Juan Carlos Parodi, head of the Malvinas War Veterans’ Center, expressed skepticism over the idea that islanders’ opinions should influence sovereignty discussions. He remarked, “The President spoke of listening to the Falkland Islanders, something close to the principle of self-determination, but that does not apply here.” Parodi pointed to the longstanding challenges faced by Argentina in the realm of diplomacy, indicating concerns about Milei’s potential to alter the status quo.

The Falklands War, commencing on April 2, 1982, was initiated by Argentina’s military dictatorship as a means to reclaim the islands, ultimately ending in a British victory. Despite this, Argentina has consistently asserted its claim, particularly following a 2013 referendum where 99.8% of islanders opted to remain British. While the UK maintains that the desires of the islanders must be honored, Argentina argues that British governance amounts to colonial oversight. Milei has also recently acknowledged former Malvinas reservists as official lieutenants, a gesture he labeled as “settling a debt with these heroes.”

In summary, President Javier Milei reaffirms Argentina’s claim over the Falkland Islands, aiming for such strength that islanders may choose to be Argentine. His commitment to diplomatic efforts and criticism of prior administrations highlight ongoing tensions regarding sovereignty. The opposition from veterans, questioning Milei’s approach and understanding of self-determination, underscores the complexities of this longstanding territorial dispute.

Original Source: efe.com