MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Argentine-Chilean military exercise cancelled

A joint military exercise involving the three armed services of Argentina and Chile had to be cancelled at last moment because the Argentine Congress did not grant approval on time claims the Buenos Aires newspaper La Nación.

The joint exercise "Solidarity" was scheduled to take place in Río Turbio, province of Santa Cruz, a location close to the Chilean border.

However since the Argentine Congress did not address the official request on time the whole exercise was cancelled. It would have been the first time ever Chilean troops marched into Argentine territory.

According to La Nación, Argentine Defence Ministry officials feel particularly frustrated with this last incident since something similar happened recently with other exercises involving the United States Air Force and the Unitas annual naval operations. In the "Eagle III" air exercise the Argentine Congress refused to grant immunity to US troops as requested by Washington. With the multi nation Unitas the Defence Committee approved the naval exercise, -the full House did not even consider it-, but since operations took place in the South Atlantic international waters there was no violation of legalities.

In the "Solidarity" combined exercise, Chilean military would come to the rescue of the population of Rio Turbio which because of a natural disaster was isolated from the rest of Argentine territory and access was only possible from the Chilean side. Provisions and logistic support would have been of Argentine origin transported by Argentine vessels and aircraft with Chileans leading the way.

Apparently the Argentine government has drafted a more flexible bill regarding international military exercises that will be soon sent for Congressional approval.

Argentine Defence officials point out that combined military exercises are vital for international relations and for confidence building with neighbouring countries.

Among other important joint military exercises in the coming months, La Nación mentions the annual "Fraternity" between the Argentine and Brazilian navies, and Millennium, a search and rescue combined operation in the South Atlantic with British forces including those stationed in Falklands.