MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

“Puerto Deseado” surveying north Falklands' waters

ARA Puerto Deseado set to sea last Thursday from Mar del Plata

The Argentine Navy scientific research vessel Puerto Deseado set to sea last Thursday towards the Falkland Islands to conclude collecting data and double checking on previous information referred to the outer limits of the continental shelf, contemplated in the United Nations Conference on the Law of the Sea, reports the Argentine press.

The data is essential for the presentation before the UN continental shelf limits Commission of Argentina's claims to the sea bed economic resources in the area extending from mile 200 to 350 in the framework of the Law of the Sea. The presentation must be done at the latest by May 2009. Argentine press reports indicate that the vessel left from Mar del Plata and the Foreign Affairs ministry "formally informed" the United Kingdom of the scientific cruise, "but did not request authorization because the area is considered under Argentine sovereignty". "Puerto Deseado left from Mar del Plata and will be doing her job in approximately 40 days", said Defence minister Nilda Garré. According to the formal notification the vessel will be undertaking research tasks in the high seas but will also steam in areas close to the Islands. Apparently the letter informing of the vessel's purpose was sent to the Foreign Office last April 17, which was confirmed by the spokesperson from the British embassy in Buenos Aires. However the UK's reaction was to downplay the situation: "any vessel can sail along those waters". According to a confidence building understanding, Navy vessels from either side communicate their course and intention when they cross the line. Puerto Deseado is expected to arrive in Falklands waters this weekend and begin her task which covers an area to the north of the Islands and eastwards to South Georgia.