MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Sanctions for Argentine companies catching in Falklands

The province of Chubut in Patagonia is pressing for sanctions against Argentine fishing companies, affiliates or under foreign control that operate in Falkland Islands waters, reported this week the Argentine press.

The controversy over these companies which under their commercial or international partners names operate on both sides of the South Atlantic was analyzed by the governor of Chubut, Mario Da Neves "who ratified the provincial government's policy of sanctioning such companies".

"Chubut has adopted a strong position in the (Argentine) Federal Fisheries Council in support of sanctions for those companies exploiting our resources because this must be a crystal clear issue", said Chubut's Fisheries Secretary Juan Beron.

Governor Da Neves said the issue was not "minor" but given its characteristics it will demand the participation of the Foreign Affairs Ministry, and sanctions must be decided by the (federal) Fisheries Office.

"We believe an in depth debate on the issue is crucial and the correct place should be at the Federal Fisheries Council", stressed Mr. Da Neves who revealed that Santa Cruz and Tierra del Fuego officials share Chubut province position on the matter.

"Actually we're seeing a federal reaction of the provinces involved, and what must be done with the licences awarded to these companies, also operating in Falklands' waters, is a decision which belongs to the Fisheries Office".

According to the Argentine press, Governor Das Neves did not consider possible options to the proposed sanctions and insisted that "it's a situation with an international ingredient and Foreign Affairs must intervene in the issue".