Argentine President Javier Milei has stated that he acknowledges that the Falkland Islands are “in the hands of the UK”. Nonetheless, the right-wing politician vowed to seek a diplomatic solution to the question of the islands’ sovereignty. President Milei acknowledged that it could take decades to address the issue and stated that Argentina “does not seek conflict”.
The President made these comments in an interview with the BBC, during which he also praised the former UK Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. Significantly, he refrained from adopting the previous official stance of denying the legitimacy of the UK’s control of the Falkland Islands. Instead, 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.”
In early April, President Milei marked the 42nd anniversary of the war with a promise to create a “roadmap” for Argentina to regain the Falkland Islands. However, he also criticised politicians who have made similar claims in the past without achieving results.
The sovereignty of the Falkland Islands, also known as the Malvinas in Argentina, has been a long-standing issue between the two countries. The dispute led to a war between the UK and Argentina in 1982, claiming many lives on both sides. In a significant shift in attitude, President Milei acknowledged that diplomatic negotiations were necessary and that his goal was to secure the islands’ return within a framework of peace.
President Milei’s position is different from his predecessor, Alberto Fernandez, who referred to the islands as “stolen land” and criticised the UK’s claim on them as “disgusting.” His approach has surprised many given his radicalism on other issues. Nonetheless, as President Milei’s remarks suggest, his priority is to find a peaceful solution to the question of Falkland’s sovereignty
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