Argentina protests against military exercises in the Malvinas Islands

On 13 October, the Argentine Foreign Ministry became aware, through the Argentine Naval Hydrographic Service of the Ministry of Defence, of the British Government’s plans to conduct unlawful military exercises in the area of the Malvinas Islands on 19-28 October 2016, which will include the launch of “Rapier” missiles.

In view of this, within the framework of the obligations and responsibilities of our country in terms of navigation security in the Southwest Atlantic, the Argentine Naval Hydrographic Service broadcast a notice on 14 October to report on the planned military exercises.  

The Argentine Republic condemns the performance of these exercises in Argentine territory unlawfully occupied by the United Kingdom, which are in disregard of the resolutions adopted by the United Nations and other international organizations that call on both parties to resume negotiations in order to find a peaceful and definitive resolution to the sovereignty dispute, as well as to refrain from taking unilateral action in the territories and maritime areas in dispute.

The actions of the United Kingdom are also contrary to the principle of peaceful settlement of disputes, which is unanimously supported by the countries of the region, as reflected in the condemnation of such military actions. This has been expressed in statements of MERCOSUR and UNASUR countries.

Today, Deputy Foreign Minister Carlos Foradori delivered a Note to the Ambassador of the United Kingdom to Argentina, containing a formal, firm protest against the planned military exercises, requesting that the UK abstain from conducting such exercises, and informing that the situation will be brought to the UN Secretary General’s notice.  

  Press Release No. 337/16

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