The United Kingdom presented Wednesday a note verbale firmly rejecting the Argentine government’s recent decisions which imposes the request of official authorization for shipping to and from Argentina, the Falkland Islands, South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands.
A British company which recently announced it had struck oil in Falkland Islands waters expects to provide initial estimates of the potential size of the discovery in the coming two weeks.
The Falkland Islands Government (FIG) sent Wednesday a letter of congratulations to the new Minister of State at the Foreign and Commonwealth, Jeremy Browne MP, who has responsibility for South America and the Overseas Territories.
FIG also thanked Mr. Browne for his strong stand in support of Falklands’ interests.
Argentine president Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner said that Britain’s stance of declaring sovereignty over the Falklands/Malvinas sovereignty “non-negotiable” is a “mistake” dictated by “unilateral practices” that have created insecurity in the world.
Foreign Office Minister Jeremy Browne has said there “cannot be negotiation on sovereignty unless and until the Falkland Islanders so wish,” following a statement by the Argentinean President.
HMS Portland has taken up station in the British Forces South Atlantic Islands Joint Operations Area in the Falkland Islands. The Type 23 frigate took over from HMS York South Atlantic patrol duties.
London reaffirmed British sovereignty over the Falkland Islands rejecting a call Friday from Argentine President Cristina Kirchner to new Prime Minister David Cameron to halt all oil exploration in the waters around the Falklands.
Headlines: British family saved in Southern Ocean drama; Rockhopper shares boom.
Eight Chilean students and a lady teacher from Punta Areas public school system will be travelling on Saturday to the Falkland Islands for a three week English practice course.
The Falkland Islands Government has congratulated the new British Prime Minister David Cameron, Foreign Secretary William Hague and Defence Secretary Liam Fox on their appointments.