Argentina's Falklands claim gets boost from Trump remarks

Milei cites Trump's review of US position as 'winds of change'

BUENOS AIRES:

Argentine President Javier Milei has said that "winds of change" were favouring Argentina's claim to the Falkland Islands, citing Washington's decision to review its longstanding position on the dispute with Britain as a potential game-changer.

Britain and Argentina fought a 10-week war over the South Atlantic archipelago, known as Las Malvinas in Argentina, in 1982. The sovereignty dispute has resurfaced in recent days following US President Donald Trump's remarks and controversy over an oil project near the islands.

In a televised address, Milei said Argentina would not "stand idly by" over the project and announced sanctions against firms linked to oil extraction in what he described as Argentine territory under British occupation.

The Falklands remain a highly emotive issue in Argentina, although islanders voted overwhelmingly in 2013 to remain British. "There are winds of change in the world that are favourable to our claim," Milei said, referring to Trump's indication that Washington was reviewing its position on sovereignty over the islands.

This week, Argentine Falklands War veterans and environmental lawyers filed a lawsuit seeking to halt an oil project promoted by British company Rockhopper and Israeli company Navitas. Milei said the project violated a United Nations resolution calling on both sides to refrain from unilateral actions on the islands.

Milei warned that allowing the project would encourage Britain to deepen its presence and exploitation of resources there. His remarks followed Trump's announcement on Monday that Washington was reviewing its position.