World
Chile backs a maritime corridor with the Falkland Islands and reignites tensions with Argentina
Chile’s Defense Minister, Fernando Barros Tocornal, said the United Kingdom effectively exercises sovereignty over the islands and endorsed a possible commercial route from Punta Arenas. At the same time, a British official reaffirmed London’s position in the face of Argentina’s claim.
Statements by Chile’s Defense Minister, Fernando Barros Tocornal, once again put the Falklands issue at the center of relations with Argentina. In an interview with Radio Polar, the official said Chile supports Argentina’s claim, but argued that there is a de facto situation in which the United Kingdom has exercised sovereignty over the islands for 200 years and described London as a “friendly country.”
Barros also said that a way out of the conflict should come through peaceful means, with respect for international law and taking into account “the will and interest of the people involved.”
In that same interview, the minister backed the possibility of advancing commercial activities between Punta Arenas and the Falkland Islands. He said Chile and the Magallanes community have the right to develop that type of operation within the legal framework and said he sees no obstacles to making them happen.
According to Radio Polar, the debate in the region includes the opening of a maritime corridor promoted by local authorities and business sectors. That outlet had already reported the support of Punta Arenas Mayor Claudio Radonich for greater commercial ties with the islands and for a possible route to Puerto Stanley.
Barros’ remarks contrast with the support Chile has been backing in regional documents. During the Mercosur summit in Asunción, President José Antonio Kast took part in a statement on the Falklands that reiterated support for Argentina’s “legitimate rights” in the sovereignty dispute with the United Kingdom and questioned unilateral measures to explore and exploit natural resources in the area under dispute.
At the same time, the United Kingdom once again hardened its message in response to Argentina’s claim. According to The Sun, British Defense Secretary Wes Streeting said Argentina “does not have the capacity to take the islands” and assured that his country does have the resources to defend them. He also said that, for London, the issue was settled in 1982.
The statements came after new remarks by President Javier Milei on Argentine sovereignty. According to material published by Ámbito, in recent days the president reiterated his claim over the Falklands and announced measures against oil companies operating in the disputed area, in addition to anticipating the submission to Congress of a bill to strengthen sanctions.
During an interview in New York, Milei also said Argentina would treat the islanders “with dignity and justice” if it regained sovereignty. In that response, he said that “the original population was displaced by Great Britain, which imposed another population.”
Sources
About this note. Written by El Notero with the assistance of artificial intelligence, based on what was published by the cited outlet. El Notero did not do its own reporting on this event.
