MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Argentine efforts to disrupt Falklands’ oil drilling round meet cool reception

“Ocean Guardian” oil rig was this morning due to arrive at Desire Petroleum’s prospecting site

As the “Ocean Guardian” oil rig was this morning due to arrive at Desire Petroleum’s prospecting site 100 miles off the Falkland Islands, Argentina’s latest efforts to disrupt exploration were treated to a cool response by the United Kingdom and Falklands elected authorities, reports this Friday edition of the Penguin News.

The shipping restrictions imposed this week by Argentine President Cristina Kirchner are likely to have little impact on the Falklands drilling operation, which is “going ahead as planned,” say Foreign Office and Falklands Government officials.

President Kirchner’s decree obliges all vessels using Argentine ports to seek a permit if they plan to enter or leave “British-controlled” waters.

But Director of Mineral Resources, Phyl Rendell, was not unduly concerned: “Action taken by the Argentine Government this week will not prevent oil exploration continuing as planned.

“This is due to the fact that the rig and the equipment needed to drill wells has been supplied and shipped directly from Europe and much of the drill pipe and casing is already in the Islands. It is business as usual for all involved in the drilling programme” pointed out Director Rendell.
Foreign and Commonwealth Office Minister Chris Bryant said earlier in the week the situation was being monitored closely, adding: “We are not going to react to every development in Argentina.
“We remain focused on supporting the Falkland Islands Government in developing legitimate business in its territory,” he said.

But Mr Bryant also concluded: “We mustn’t lose sight of the fact that Argentina and the UK are important partners. We have a close and productive relationship on a range of issues; in the G20, on climate change, sustainable development and counter-proliferation. We would like to add South Atlantic issues to that list and will work to develop the relationship further. If that could be made to work, it would be good for all concerned.”

Members of the Falklands elected Legislative Assembly recognised the move by Argentina as an attempt to try and disrupt the drilling, due to start early next week.
“Currently, all the supplies the industry needs are located here in the Islands and drilling will commence as planned, weather permitting,” members said in a statement issued yesterday.
“The Falkland Islands Government has every right to develop a hydrocarbons industry within our waters. The British Government has clearly stated that they support our right to develop legitimate business. The British Government have also reiterated their stance on our British sovereignty. It is no surprise to anyone that they are behaving in this way, but it is nonetheless disappointing when they do,” the statement read. Members said people would be kept informed of any further developments.

Assembly Member Bill Luxton took his usual hard-line approach, saying on Falklands’ radio: “I think they’ve probably issued the last threat they can.
“They’ve tried to wreck the Islands’ economy and everything else they can for a long time. I think we just need to put two fingers up to them and say get on with it. The British Government is solidly behind us. I don’t think we’ve got any worries”.

Last week Argentine authorities prevented the loading of a consignment of oil industry equipment onto a vessel which they said was in breach of port operations rules in force.
A week earlier Argentina had protested to Britain about the imminent start of oil exploration activities in the Falklands.

President Kirchner issued her shipping decree on Tuesday.
Argentina has also said it will take its complaint against Britain to the United Nations.
The Foreign Minister Jorge Taiana said “all necessary steps to defend the claim to the Islands” would be taken.

By Sharon Jaffray - Penguin News - Stanley