Limited effect for the Falklands of Argentina’s latest ban on Red Ensign vessels
The Buenos Aires Province Senate on 2 August passed a law last week banning British flagged vessels associated with activities in Falkland Islands waters from calling at Argentina’s largest ports.
“This law is a tool in place to continue advancing step-by-step in the fight for sovereignty of natural resources in the Malvinas Islands” lawmaker Patricia Cubria said on support of the bill.
But, Falklands Marine Officer Captain Malcolm Jamieson speaking to Penguin News said banning some of the safest and cleanest ships in the world from ports, “flies in the face of international attempts at improving safety at sea, exposing the decision as largely irresponsible from a safety and pollution prevention point of view.”
Capt Jamieson said the Red Ensign was synonymous with maintaining standards and the Red Ensign “brand” was recognised within shipping circles as being one of the most trusted and respected flags to register a ship under.
“Ship owners are generally attracted to Red Ensign registries as any ship flying the ‘red duster’ is recognised as a well run and safe ship. This in turn facilitates trade internationally by a ship not being liable to be hindered or delayed by port state inspections or other related problems. Indeed, the UK fleet in particular is currently ranked fourth best in the world in terms of safety, pollution prevention and working and living conditions and currently amounts to around 1,500 ships” he told Penguin News.
“A ship owner does not normally have to be concerned with another country’s politics unless during periods of war, threats of terrorism or some other security issue. Therefore, a ship flying a Red Ensign that may go to Argentine ports is a concern to the ship owner who only wants his ship to travel freely without hindrance as per International Conventions as this is how he earns his money,” explained Capt Jamieson.
Some ship owners have side tracked this problem already by leaving the UK Registry and there is a risk that this may get worse, he added.
“Ironically, the Falklands should not be affected too much by this latest development. It remains to be seen if the latest ‘law’ passed by Argentina is enforced or indeed legally enforceable and who is going to be affected most in the long run,” said Capt Jamieson.
The first in a spate of Argentine government attempts to create problems for shipping related to the Falklands came about in 2010 with the issue of Presidential Decree 256/2010 that required, “authorisation” for vessels travelling to or from the Falklands and South Georgia.
The UK firmly rejected the legality of the Decree but this was followed in December 2011 with a decision by Mercosur to deny access to member ports for ships flying the “defaced” Red Ensign of the Falklands.
The UK response was made by the Foreign Secretary in January 2012 pointing out that this decision had no basis in international law and amounted to an economic blockade of the Falklands. (PN).-
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If indeed we had a British government with balls,
Still, action speaks louder than words,
Is this not true.??
just a thought !!
Banning of our ships is irritating, but its effect will lose, not gain Argentina international respect and their port economies will lose out financially.
“Ironically, the Falklands should not be affected too much by this latest development. It remains to be seen if the latest ‘law’ passed by Argentina is enforced or indeed legally enforceable and who is going to be affected most in the long run,” said Capt Jamieson.”
I believe Repsol have said that when they have recieved the compensation from Argentina, that they will consider investing in the Falklands oil industry.
If that happens, that will REALLY hurt Argentina as has French, Italian and USA investment in the Falklands.
Now, the Chav's boasts of supporting Argentina militarily around the Falklands are ineffectual. If USA interest continues (they may even increase), expect a carrier group to counter if the Chav or Scrotum neck sends his/her navy down south. That's quite apart from what our forces can do to any agressive naval force.
On the subject of loans, aid or financial help to Argentina I would say a definate no. I would instead offer any aid intended to Argentina as a non repayable payment to the FIG to develop a really awesome port complex (on the basis that any loan to Argentian would be unlikely to be repaid).
That will again, really hurt the Argentines.
Rather than ban Argentine ships from our ports, I believe the UK should be contacting Argentina opposition leaders and outlining the huge benefits to Argentina of talking to the FIG and the consequences of continuing Argentina's present stance.
Also we should be establishing more links with Paraguay.
That is how to hurt Argentina to the core.
We don't actually have to do anything to hurt Argentina, they're doing a fine job all on their own so why go to any trouble?
All we have to do is sit back and watch.
From the CIA fact book.....'Merchant marine:
total: 36
country comparison to the world: 80
by type: bulk carrier 1, cargo 5, chemical tanker 6, container 1, passenger/cargo 1, petroleum tanker 18, refrigerated cargo 4
foreign-owned: 14 (Brazil 1, Chile 6, Spain 3, Taiwan 2, UK 2)
registered in other countries: 15 (Liberia 1, Panama 5, Paraguay 5, Uruguay 1, unknown 3) (2010)'
@2 A “difficult” situation. The “development aid” sent to argieland comes from the EU. Obviously, the UK could tell the EU that no British money is to be sent to argieland, but the EU isn't too good on accounting. Isn't it 16 years since it had its “books” successfully audited? So you see how it would work? British money isn't sent to argieland, except that the EU probably throws it all in one big bag and invites all and sundry to a “lucky dip”, but British money would go somewhere else. Besides, the EU is very keen on an agreement with the illegitimate “mercosur”.
@5 Interesting ideas. But isn't even the argie “opposition” infected with the “malvinas virus”?
@9 Surely you're not suggesting that there are people in argieland who are (shock, horror) corrupt?
@10/... @5 .... we know what A Hitler did with german youth in 10 years or so.... the peronistas have been at the brainwashing of children for 60 years or so. A few thinkers ( thinking of Simon here not el thicko who only thinks he thinks...) break free but its a bit like religion really...
@10/..@9..... thieving is endemic....from the very very top to the very very bottom....
(under the condition to bring tons of scottish fudge)
they are only isolating themselves even further, are they not
Presumably you have seen the youtube video of indoctrination in argie schools. I can't remember the title. Can anyone help?
In the S Atlantic context, not our business what happen their side of the border, so long as they stay their side of the line.
Cipayo = Sepoy
Means “Soldier” in Urdu/Hindi.
Means “Native (Indian) Soldier” in English.
Today is a rank in both the Indian and Pakistani armies.
Once again the reality seems completely different in Argentina.
Space Cadet.
Lol
@18 F**king argie scumbag. Do keep your head stuffed firmly up your ar*e. How thoughtful of you to position yourself so that it's easier to cut your balls off. If you had any! On the other hand, sepoys had and have balls. For the very few argie scum that “have” balls, don't they like handling them? A la Maradona. Because no-one else will. I trust that you know that argie “balls” are flat? Because Brits stamped on them! But to bring you as a brain-dead, psychotic, imbecile up-to-date, the Falkland Islanders are already “home”. They pre-date your cesspit by over 50 years. Continue to exist for another 49 years (until you're 50) and you may gain some “intelligence”. Possibly enough to realise what a prat you are. Don't be concerned if you die in the meantime. You won't be missed.
Don't be concerned about being a racist. All argies are racists. It's just one of the things that mark you as cesspit scum unworthy of existence.
As for “America for genuine americans !!!!!!”, when are you leaving, scumbag?
I do think we should “give” you Antarctica. All of you. But just you. No machines, no vehicles, no way off, no clothes, no food. Just you and the other (approx) 41 million argie war criminals, butt naked. When the temperature is at a balmy -80 degrees Celsius. Bet you'll enjoy tapping your dick and watching it drop off. Could you post a video somewhere? For your information I have a definition. An argie - ejected as low-life scum, exists for too many years as sub-low-life scum. Finally degenerates into shi*ty, low-life scum.
Are you getting the picture, sh*tbag? Do the world a favour. Cut your throat.
Why don't you stop licking that Whores arse and start standing up for your fellow countrymen in the Falklands? This women and her government along with the rest of the her country have been trying for years to suppress and assimilate our people. If you truly were British which I seriously doubt you are you would realise that our citizens come first when it comes to politics, not the wishes of another nation. Now dwell on that you pathetic treasonous fool.
“surely talks would be better for everyone?!”
Arg. negociator: Malvinas Argentinas!
Brit. negociator: As you well know, the Falkland Islands are British.
Arg. negociator: Malvinas Argentinas!
Brit. negociator: The Falkland Islands are de facto recognised as British by 205 countries.
Arg. negociator: Malvinas Argentinas! Malvinas Argentinas! Malvinas Argentinas! Malvinas Argentinas!
Brit. negociator: Have a nice day, see you tomorrow.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=-dOqouGS0xQ
Shut up Traitor, you have no right to speak if you put that whore first over your own people.
The bans aren't affecting the Falkland Islanders or the UK as they prevent ships from adding to Argentina's economy, therefore Argentina loses out, as the ships will go elsewhere to spend money, (harbour fees, refuelling , resupply etc ).
For outcome of talks see @25 St. John, therefore a total waste of time.
In fact the shippping ban is concentrating the FIs on sorting out a better port in the Falklands=Argentine backfire (again), yet another step toward independence/self-reliance.
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