Argentina's Milei Admits Falklands Still British

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Facts

  • Argentine Pres. Javier Milei has acknowledged that the Falkland Islands are currently 'in the hands of the UK' and that there is no 'instant solution' to the dispute, as he reiterated his hopes for a peaceful handover of the islands.1
  • The language represents a softening of tone over the islands, known locally as the Malvinas. Previous Argentine leaders have maintained the British overseas territory belonged to the nation, prompting a war over the archipelago in 1982.2
  • The interview with the BBC comes after the British Foreign Secretary, Lord David Cameron, recently visited the islands and stated that British sovereignty over the Falklands was non-negotiable.3
  • Unlike his predecessors, who regularly condemned British officials visiting the disputed islands, Milei denied in the interview published on Monday that the February visit was a provocation.4
  • While not relinquishing Argentina's sovereignty claim over the islands, Milei said he does 'not want conflict' with the UK. He laid out a 'roadmap' towards the transfer of sovereignty, suggesting the process could take decades — likely alluding to the handover of Hong Kong to China in 1997.5
  • Argentina claims that it inherited possession of the Malvinas through the Spanish Crown, while the British assert their claim based on their historical rule of the islands. In a 2013 referendum, 99.8% of islanders voted to remain British.4

Sources: 1Daily Mail, 2BBC News, 3Independent, 4Buenos Aires Times and 5The Scotsman.

Narratives

  • Establishment-critical narrative, as provided by Guardian. The firebrand Milei is right: The Falklands need to be returned to Argentina. The UK's fierce and costly possession of an inconsequential island has become an embarrassment, as British posturing spurred the 1982 war and ended any hope of a peaceful resolution to the conflict. Hopefully, the more reasonable tone of Milei will spur some soul-searching over the fruitlessness of the UK's claim.
  • Pro-establishment narrative, as provided by Express.co.uk. Milei is merely acknowledging what has been stone-cold fact for centuries: the British have a valid claim on the Falklands. The diplomatic tone struck by Milei is refreshing, as he refrains from the jingoistic saber-rattling that has long typified Argentina's stance on the islands. While his commitment to diplomacy is promising, Argentina must respect that the vast majority of islanders prefer British rule.

Predictions