MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Argentina's decision “in no way helps” with its Falklands claims

Argentina's decision to void a 1995 South Atlantic hydrocarbons cooperation joint declaration “in no way will it help” with Argentina's sovereignty claim over the Falkland Islands, it's a decision that the United Kingdom “regrets”.

The Foreign Office release distributed Wednesday said that the UK government regrets Argentina's decision to abandon the September 27, 1995 Joint Declaration for cooperation in South Atlantic offshore hydrocarbon activities. "This is a back step. Although since several years there has not been much joint activity under the 1995 agreement, the declaration was designed to allow cooperation particularly in practical issues of mutual benefit in the exploitation of hydrocarbon resources", adds the release. "Argentina's action will make any other cooperation in the future in this area more difficult. The decision regrettably will in no way help Argentina in its sovereignty claim over the Islands". The Foreign Office also confirmed Britain's strong support to the Islanders right to self determination "and will not negotiate sovereignty unless and until Islanders so decide". The release follows Tuesday's announcement in Buenos Aires by Foreign Affairs minister Jorge Taiana stating that Argentina had decided to put an end to the 1995 Joint Declaration. "When the agreement was signed allegedly Argentina was to participate in the exploration and exploitation of hydrocarbons in the area, but none of this happened. There was no advantage for Argentina", said Taiana who complained about British reiterated "unilateral actions". Taiana recalled that a few days following the agreement, in October 1995, Britain "unilaterally" made an international auction of oil exploration licenses in the area, which Argentina immediately protested. "But Britain's unilateral actions have continued uninterruptedly since, in spite of the reiterated Argentine protests", insisted Taiana. The President Nestor Kirchner administration announcement comes a few days before April 2, which marks the 25th anniversary of the 1982 South Atlantic conflict, a most sensitive issue particularly in an electoral year when the Argentine president is seeking to retain office either by re-election or having his popular Senator wife replace him. Britain said that in spite of Argentina's decision, "we remain willing to a constructive relation with Argentina including South Atlantic affairs" and "we will continue to discuss issues such as fisheries and mine clearance". The release points out that in "the context of the 25th anniversary we offered a commemorative event in London at the beginning of 2007. We were disappointed that this was refused but we still hope the Argentine Government will reconsider". "The UK has always been committed to commemorating the conflict in a fitting and respectful manner which respects the fallen on both sides".