Mercosur refuses entry to Falklands ships
Argentina has long claimed sovereignty over The Falklands and the dispute continues
The Falklands dispute has once again reared its ugly head with the recent decision taken by the Mercosur group of countries to refuse entry to Falkland flagged vessels to ports.
The Mercosur countries include Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay, who have just come together at a recent summit in the Uruguayan capital, Montevideo.
The Falkland Islands Assembly has said that the Mercosur decision is the latest in a series by Argentina to damage the livelihoods of Falklanders and ultimately claim sovereignty over the islands.
The British Foreign Office Minister, Jeremy Browne, has condemned the news: “I have instructed our Ambassadors in the region to raise this issue as a matter of urgency to clarify exactly whether or how Mercosur countries propose to implement this agreement. We will then consider our next steps in light of information we receive. But no one should be in any doubt about the British Government’s commitment to support the Falkland Islanders’ right to determine their own political future.”
Last year, Argentina accused the UK of breaking international rules by allowing oil drilling under a seabed off the islands.
Next year will mark the 30th anniversary of the conflict in 1982.
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