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Argentina again threatens Falklands' oil companies with legal actions, this time in London

Saturday, April 18th 2015 - 09:20 UTC
Full article 117 comments
Filmus, with Ambassador Alicia Castro and former UK ambassador in Argentina, John Hughes at Canning House Filmus, with Ambassador Alicia Castro and former UK ambassador in Argentina, John Hughes at Canning House
Filmus ended saying that “only diplomacy, political courage and negotiation can resolve this dispute. Neither weapons nor intelligence operations will help”. Filmus ended saying that “only diplomacy, political courage and negotiation can resolve this dispute. Neither weapons nor intelligence operations will help”.

Argentina's Secretary of State for Malvinas Affairs, Daniel Filmus, defended Argentina´s sovereignty rights over the Falkland Islands in a speech he delivered in London condemning UK´s recent decision to increase its military presence in the South Atlantic, outlined the scope of the criminal lawsuit against oil companies 'illegally' operating in Falklands/Malvinas waters and warned of the environmental risks these activities entail.

 “The recent statements made by the British Secretary of Defense Michael Fallon are incomprehensible. Argentina does not pose a threat to either the UK or the inhabitants of the Malvinas Islands. The alleged ‘threat’ declared by the British government is an excuse to justify an increase in military spending”, he stated.

In a panel led by the UK´s former Ambassador to Argentina and current President of Canning House, John Hughes, Filmus discussed the legal lawsuit that the Argentine government filed last week against Rockhopper Exploration plc, Premier Oil plc, Falkland Oil And Gas Limited, Noble Energy Inc. and Edison International SpA. The lawsuit also implicated the companies’ directors, managers, administrators and representatives, for having carried out hydrocarbon exploration activities in the Argentine continental shelf without due authorization from the Argentine Energy Secretariat.

“We will apply the full weight of Argentine legislation and international law in order to prevent the resources that belong to 40 million Argentine citizens from being taken away”, the Argentine official stated.

During his speech, Filmus discussed revelations made by Edward Snowden in “The Intercept”, regarding the UK’s acts of mass espionage against Argentina amidst growing international pressure to resolve the sovereignty dispute.

“We believe that the UK owes us an explanation on this matter”, Filmus stated. “According to these revelations, they are said to have established a system for espionage and to manipulate public opinion with the aim of preventing us from regaining the Malvinas”, added Argentine ambassador in London Alicia Castro also present at Canning House.

Filmus also warned of the environmental risks that hydrocarbon exploitation would entail in an area that is particularly complex on account of certain characteristics, such as being in the South Atlantic without the support of the mainland. “An oil spill in the area would have an impact on the ecosystem that would last for decades”, he stated.

As he concluded his speech, Filmus stated that “only diplomacy, political courage and negotiation can resolve this dispute. Neither weapons nor intelligence operations will help”.

“Argentina and the UK share strong links that can help us rebuild dialogue in order to move towards finding realistic alternatives to solving the dispute”, he underlined.

The Argentine politician gave his speech at Canning House, UK’s main forum of debate and discussion on Latin America, before an audience of over 150 people including UK government officials, Ambassador’s from Latin America and the Caribbean, Defense attaches from over a dozen countries, other members of the diplomatic corps, academics, students and political activists.

The visit to London included a press conference held earlier on Friday with journalists from the UK’s media alongside Ambassador Alicia Castro at the Official Residence of the Argentine Embassy.

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  • ilsen

    Ho Ho!

    Slightly misleading title:
    Filmus gave the speech in London, he didn't file the charges there.

    Have the charges only been filed in Argentina? That is not clear.

    The UK may have nobly given him the platform to speak, but I can't see any British Court accepting this.

    Apr 18th, 2015 - 09:49 am 0
  • Englander

    Argentina and the UK do not enjoy strong links.
    We have diplomatic relations but these are currently hanging by a thread.
    As for the American Snowden....Argentina would be foolish to believe anything that comes out of this Putin puppets mouth.
    Simply attempting to have UK and USA businessmen arrested and extradited to Argentina would represent an escalation of the dispute, the consequences of which could be serious and far reaching for Argentinians.
    Once again very poor Judgement from Mrs Kirchner.

    Apr 18th, 2015 - 10:07 am 0
  • Islander1

    Silly Argie Liar- Just like all most who live there of .

    Lie 1.
    There has been No and neither is any Increase in Military defence in the Islands.All that is being done is some buildings and stystems now 30 years old are being replaced as they are no longer fit for purpose - and a new School is being built!
    Force levels have actually DECREASED in the last 10-15years.

    Lie 2.
    Environmental Risk - All operations in the Islands EEZ are 100% under the control of the Islands Govt - who insist they are operated to the top level of current European North sea Standards - Filmus tell us - how to those rate alongside argie standards please?

    Lie 3 - An oil Spill would cause pollution to Argentina mainland within 20 days!! Bullshit - look at the prevailing winds and currents! Tests and studies have actually shown that one on the current drilling area could actually be at least 20 days before it even hit north Falklands - IF it did at all.
    What wincer facilities and kit exists on ships in Rio Gallegos and Rio Grande ready for instant use then?

    Lie 4- Arg only wants peace- Then why did your last Defence Minsister publicly state that it was ONLY the current Br Military garrison that was preventing Arg military from re-taking the Islands.
    Why does Arg still occasionally sent an Air Force Aircraft towards the Islands until it spots a British Fighter scrambled to come towards it?

    Why then have you never issued a formal public apology to the people of the islands for the military invasion of 1982?

    Apr 18th, 2015 - 10:13 am 0
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