Anglo-Argentine relations futher deteriorate
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/arti...mplacency.html
Quote:
Argentina has warned Britain it 'shouldn't be complacent' and that it would defend its sovereignty in the territorial dispute off the Falkland Islands. However, Buenos Aires insisted it did did not mean a repeat of the 1982 Falklands war. The South American country has said it will take its dispute over plans by UK firms to explore oil off the islands to the United Nations. It has announced new controls on ships heading to the islands as a result of the plans to drill for oil. The Shadow Foreign Secretary William Hague this morning said Britain should be 'very firm' and raise its profile off the islands.
Speaking on BBC Radio 4's Today programme, Mr Hague called for 'some sort of increased naval presence - it may just be one more ship visiting more regularly' in the region. He added: 'That kind of thing would show very clearly to Argentina - with whom, again, we want friendly relations - that we will be very firm about this. It would send a signal not to misunderstand British intentions. 'One of the things that went wrong in the 1980s is that the Argentines thought we weren't really committed to the Falkland Islands. So, we mustn't make that mistake again. Our commitment should be very clear.' However, Gordon Brown, speaking on a phone-in today, said: 'I think you will find we have made all the preparations that are necessary to make sure the Falkland Islanders are properly protected.' But he did not expect a need to send a task force to the area, saying: 'This is oil drilling that is exploration for the future.
It is perfectly within our rights to do this.' He believed the Argentinian government understood this and that 'sensible discussions' will prevail. Two days ago, Argentina said that boats sailing from its ports to the Falklands would need a government permit, deepening a long-running row over exploration in the disputed archipelago. This comes as a British rig nears the islands and is due to start drilling next week.
Our islands, our people, our resources so no Argentina, they are not yours. I think if they dare attack again we should immediately fire back and maybe even use air power to damage Argentine ports. The Argentines always use the Falklands issue to drum up support at home when their government is in trouble/unpopular just as the regime in the 1980s did of which our war helped collapse - anyway, Thoughts?
