MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Argentina demands UN terminology for Falklands' dispute

Argentina requested the European Union to recognize United Nations resolutions and procedures in all references to the Falkland Islands, South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands and surrounding maritime spaces.

The request was presented Monday by Argentina's Foreign Secretary Jorge Taiana to visiting EU Foreign Affairs Commissar Benita Ferrero-Waldner.

Mr. Taiana said references by all European institutions should recognize the fact that they are disputed insular territories and furthermore must be addressed in UN double denomination, i.e. Falklands/Malvinas.

The fact that Malvinas, Georgia del Sur and Sandwich del Sur, as well as the British Antarctic Territory figure in the list of EU "countries and overseas territories" covered by the EU association mechanisms and Constitution Treaty does not conform with the existence of a sovereignty dispute between Argentina and the United Kingdom, as recognized by United Nations resolutions and reiterated calls from the international community for a resumption of bilateral negotiations, pointed out an Argentine official release.

Finally the release underlines Argentina's most ample willingness to negotiate with the purpose of reaching a peaceful and definitive solution to the dispute, following on UN resolutions and the interests of the Islas Malvinas population.

"A permanent objective of the Argentine Republic consecrated in the Constitution".