UK warns of further measures over Argentina’s Falklands campaign

Britain will consider further measures if Argentina’s campaign over the Falkland Islands continues, Foreign Office minister Uma Kumaran told parliament on October 13.

Kumaran said any additional steps would be lawful, proportionate and firm. She did not announce specific new measures in the statement reported by RIA Novosti.

The minister said Britain would defend the islanders’ ability to develop their natural resources and respond to attempts to intimidate businesses through action outside Argentina’s jurisdiction.

Her remarks followed Argentina’s move to seek provisional measures at the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea over offshore oil development. Kumaran said Britain would defend its position in the proceedings.

Argentina and Britain have a longstanding sovereignty dispute over the islands, known in Argentina as the Malvinas. The latest statements and legal proceedings do not themselves resolve that dispute or establish that the tribunal has ordered oil development to stop.