World
The United Kingdom backed companies operating in the Falklands and rejected sanctions promoted by Argentina
London said the allegations against firms and individuals linked to activities on the islands have no legal basis. The reaction came after new Argentine measures and amid the dispute over the Sea Lion oil project.
The government of the United Kingdom reaffirmed its support for companies and individuals carrying out commercial activities in the Falkland Islands and questioned the sanctions and complaints promoted by Argentina. According to the official statement released by the British Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, those allegations are “unacceptable” and lack legal justification.
The position was expressed by Uma Kumaran, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Overseas Territories, who ratified London’s position on the islands and said their inhabitants have the right to develop their natural resources. She also said that the United Kingdom and its diplomatic network fully support the companies and people that supply goods and services to the archipelago, including in the hydrocarbons sector.
In recent weeks, London had published an official guide for companies that operate on the islands or provide services to them, in which it said Argentine legislation does not apply in the archipelago or to the firms that operate there. According to Infobae América and Crónica, that document also offered diplomatic support and recommended seeking independent legal advice in the event of any communications from Argentine authorities.
The British guide was linked to the complaints filed by Argentina against firms related to the Sea Lion oil project, located north of the islands. According to Infobae América, among the companies targeted are Rockhopper Exploration and Navitas Petroleum Development and Production Limited. Crónica added that the document from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office focused on the companies tied to that offshore development, along with contractors and suppliers.
The Argentine response included the formal rejection by the Foreign Ministry, which said the archipelagos are under illegal occupation by the United Kingdom and questioned the promotion of commercial and hydrocarbon activities in the area. According to Infobae América, the ambassadors of the United Kingdom and Israel were also summoned to receive protest notes.
At the same time, the Executive Branch sent Congress a National Sovereignty bill to expand restrictions on the use of natural resources in areas Argentina considers to be under its sovereignty. Infobae América said the initiative provides for penalties of up to 20 years in prison in certain cases, as well as fines, disqualifications and bans on operating in the country.
In addition, the Federal Court of Río Grande ordered Rockhopper Exploration and Navitas Petroleum Development and Production Limited to refrain from starting or continuing work linked to Sea Lion, including drilling, subsea installations and the start of commercial extraction, Infobae América reported.
Fuentes
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.
