Argentina Leader, Falkland, Admits Falklands Remain British
Argentina’s president, Javier Milei, has admitted that the Falkland Islands are currently “in the hands of the UK".
Although, the right-wing politician promised to get the islands back through diplomatic channels, he noted that there was “no instant solution”.
President Milei's stance on the Falklands differs from past leaders who historically asserted Argentine sovereignty over the islands.
He acknowledged the prolonged process it might take to achieve sovereignty and emphasized Argentina's avoidance of conflict. Despite promising a "roadmap" for the islands' Argentine status, he criticized ineffective political posturing on the matter.
Interestingly, he commended Margaret Thatcher, the UK prime minister during the Falklands War, despite the conflict's casualties. In his presidential office, alongside some Thatcher memorabilia, were various items including a photo of a former Argentine president with the Rolling Stones, a bust sculpture of Milei himself, and a water bottle featuring his image.
Asked if he still admired her, President Milei said: “Criticising someone because of their nationality or race is very intellectually precarious. I have heard lots of speeches by Margaret Thatcher. She was brilliant. So what's the problem?”
Argentina has long claimed sovereignty over the islands in the south-west Atlantic Ocean - 300 miles off its coast and 8,000 miles from the UK . There is a plaque of them displayed in a courtyard of the presidential palace in Buenos Aires.
The UK’s Foreign Secretary, Lord Cameron, visited the islands in February and said their sovereignty was not up for discussion.
President Milei said: “If that territory is now in the hands of the UK, he has a right to do that. I don’t see that as a provocation.”
That seems like a significant remark as past leaders and many Argentines have always refused to accept the islands were British.
In 2013, when Lord Cameron was prime minister, islanders voted in favour of remaining a UK overseas territory.
President Milei said he wanted the islands to become Argentine “within the framework of peace”.
“We are not going to relinquish our sovereignty, nor are we going to seek conflict with the United Kingdom,” he said.
He refused to put a timeframe on this, saying “it’s going to take time” and it would involve a “long-term negotiation”.
Under his leadership, Argentina broke a co-operation deal and pushed to reopen talks on the islands.
President Milei’s approach has surprised some, given his radical approach to other policies during his campaign - for example campaigning with a chainsaw to symbolise his desire to slash public spending and the state.
