In These New Times

PressTV

8th February, 2012

Argentina says it will file a formal complaint with the United Nations over Britain’s “militarization” of the disputed Malvinas (Falklands) Islands.

Amid growing tensions between Buenos Aires and London, Argentina’s President Cristina Kirchner on Tuesday criticized Britain for militarizing their quarrel over the archipelago, saying she would take the case to the UN.

“We will present a complaint to the UN Security Council and the UN General Assembly, as this militarization poses a grave danger to international security,” Kirchner said.

Argentina and Britain have intensified rhetoric over the issue as the 30th anniversary of their war over the Islands, which started on April 2, 1982, draws close.

The tension between the two countries was further fueled recently when British Prince William, a Royal Air Force helicopter pilot, was assigned on a military tour to the islands along with a warship.

Argentina has criticized the move, saying it is not seeking another war over the Malvinas, but the resolution of the sovereignty dispute through negotiations.

The Malvinas Islands, located about 300 miles off Argentina’s coast and home to about 3,000 inhabitants, have been “occupied” by Britain since 1833.

However, Buenos Aires claims sovereignty over the archipelago as it controlled the islands prior to their colonization by the British.