MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Falklands’ dispute: protestors burn Union Jack flags outside UK embassy in Buenos Aires

Radicals are calling for Argentina to break off relations with the UK

Left-wing activists have protested outside the British embassy in Buenos Aires to demand Argentina break off diplomatic relations with the UK over the Falkland Islands dispute.

Around 100 protesters gathered to burn Union flags in front of the embassy.

Tension has been increasing ahead of the 30th anniversary of the Falklands conflict in April. Argentina is demanding talks on its claim to sovereignty over the Malvinas Islands territory.

But the UK has reaffirmed that the Falklands will remain British for as long as its inhabitants want.

The protest in Buenos Aires was organised the Socialist Workers' Movement (MST). Activists carried banners reading “Government break off relations now,” and “English out of the Malvinas”.

”It is unacceptable that they send reinforcements and that the little prince (William) should come on manoeuvres,“ said protest leader Wilma Ripoll of the MST.

Ms Ripoll added that her group was planning further protests before the Prince William - who is second in line to the British throne - arrives in the Falklands next month for a tour of duty as a helicopter rescue pilot.

The protest comes amid an escalating war of words between London and Buenos Aires over the Falklands.

Argentine leaders were particularly angered by comments made by the British Prime Minister David Cameron on Wednesday, when he said Argentina's demand for sovereignty was ”like colonialism” because it ignored the islanders' right to self-determination.

He also said he had reviewed the Falklands' military defences and was prepared to send reinforcements if necessary.