Argentina Withdraws From Falklands Pack. Wants To Resume Talks With The U.K.

France 24: UK disappointed as Argentina withdraws from Falklands pact 

The UK government on Thursday insisted the Falkland Islands remained British as Argentina walked away from a cooperation pact and demanded new talks over their sovereignty. 

Known as the Malvinas in Spanish, the UK-ruled islands were the subject of a short but brutal war after Argentina invaded in 1982. Britain drove out the invading force after dispatching a naval armada. 

In 2016, the two sides agreed to disagree about sovereignty, but to cooperate on issues such as energy, shipping and fishing, and on identifying the remains of unknown Argentine soldiers killed in battle. 

But at G20 talks in New Delhi, Argentinian Foreign Minister Santiago Cafiero informed UK counterpart James Cleverly that his government was abandoning the pact.  

Read more ....  

Update #1: Argentina Asks UK to Resume Negotiations Over Falklands (Reuters) 

Update #2: Argentina to renew push for sovereignty over Falkland Islands (Al Jazeera)  

WNU Editor: Why the push by the Argentine government for the Falkland Islands right now? Argentina's economy is a disaster with inflation at 100% per year .... Not Even a World Cup Win Can Save Argentina’s Economy From Decline (Bloomberg). You do not have to be a genius to know that the Argentine government badly needs to change the narative.

On a side note. When it comes to the Falkland Islands for some reason I am always thinking of my dad. When the Falklands war broke out in 1982 (link here), I asked my father who did he think will win. His answer was immediate and one that I will never forget. His answer .... "The British have been fighting major wars for centuries. The Argentine military only know how to terrorize their civilian population". To my father the outcome of the war was a no-brainer. Argentina was going to suffer a major defeat, and they did 2 months later. 

Sighhh .... my father was always good at predicting the outcome of wars. From the US defeat in Vietnam to the Soviet defeat and pull-out from Afghanistan, my father had an incredible 100% track record. 

In this blog I always try my best to emulate my father's thought processes when it comes to predicting the outcome of wars and conflicts. It is not easy. How he was able to do it consistently over many years and through numerous wars astounds me, and I so wish he was alive today to comment on the current war between Russia and Ukraine.

How A Daring British SAS Mission During The Falklands War Went Wrong

British soldiers surrendering to Argentine soldiers during the Falklands War, April 1982. Rafael WOLLMANN/Gamma-Rapho  

Business Insider:  

How a daring British SAS mission in one of the most remote parts of the world went wrong 

* The Falklands War in 1982 was the last major conflict to involve land, sea, and air battles. 

* To help counter Argentina, the British turned to their most well-known special-operations unit: the SAS. 

* Despite their skills, the SAS troops weren't able to achieve their objective in one of the most remote corners of the world. 

In April 1982, a British armada, including two aircraft carriers, sailed south to retake the Falkland Islands from Argentina. In response, the Argentine Air Force launched a fierce campaign to stop them. 

The deadly combination of the Super Etendard aircraft and the Exocet anti-ship missile made Argentine pilots extremely dangerous. 

If they managed to sink either of the two British aircraft carriers, the British fleet would lose its air superiority and would have to retreat. 

The British knew there were five Exocet missiles stored at Argentina's Rio Grande air base, 400 miles west of the Falklands in Tierra del Fuego, Argentina's southernmost province and one of the world's most remote regions.  

Read more ....  

WNU Editor: Not all special operations succeed. This was one of them.

British Special Forces Have Been Secretly Carrying Out Attack Scenarios And 'Practice' Raids Testing Falkland Defenses

Express: EXCLUSIVE: British Forces invade Falklands amid fears Argentina are on brink of landing

BRITISH Special Forces have carried out a raid on the Falklands to test garrison security amid fears that Argentina may try to land commandos on one of the 700 small islands in a bid to claim sovereignty.

The surprise attack involved members of the Special Boat Service who landed from the sea tasked with capturing key strategic targets.

More than 20 troops took part in the mission, planned by senior officers at the Permanent Joint Headquarters in Northwood, west London.

Landing on West Falkland in five four-man teams, each group was assigned a target and had to “leave a calling card” to prove their mission had been successful.

The troops are understood to have secured two islands without being spotted, as well as targeting an air traffic control tower and a military power supply.

Update: Falklands 'raided' by British Special Forces to test the garrison's security, says UK media -- Merco Press

WNU Editor: For an Argentinian incursion to be effective .... they would need to deploy hundreds of men, and to provision them with enough supplies to hold off from any British counter-attack. Considering the current state of Argentina's military .... I doubt that this is a mission that they are ready for.

Tensions Between Argentina And Britain On The Rise Over The Discovery Of Oil Near The Falklands

Photo: A map shows the oil has been discovered 130 north of the island by British companies at the Zebedee oil well

Daily Mail: Argentina threatens British firms 'illegally' drilling for oil off Falklands coast, as tensions rise on anniversary of conflict

* British companies found oil and gas in a remote field north of the islands
* Could be worth billions of pounds and increase fears of renewed conflict
* Comes days after minister warned of 'very live threat' from Argentina
* Argentina says it will prosecute oil companies operating off the Falklands

Argentina has said it will prosecute oil companies operating off the Falklands coast, as tension rise on the 33rd anniversary of the conflict.

Officials claim companies active there are acting 'illegally' in Argentine territory. It comes after Britain struck oil in the Falklands this week in a remote field of the islands.

More News On The Rise Of Tensions Between Argentina And Britain On The Discovery Of Oil Near The Falklands

Argentina to take legal action against UK for Falklands drilling -- The Telegraph
Argentina threatens to jail British bosses who go near Falklands oil -- Mirror
Argentina threatens legal action against Britain over drilling for oil on coast of Falkland Islands -- The Independent
Argentina threatens to prosecute oil companies in the Falklands -- BBC
Falklands spat over drilling plans -- Press Association
Argentine threat on Falklands drilling rejected -- The Scotsman
As Oil and Gas Discovered in Falklands Argentina Goes Back on the Offensive -- Breitbart
British Companies Find Oil Off Falklands; Argentina Threatens Prosecution -- OilPrice.com

Britain's MoD Accidentally Posts Sensitive Information On Their RAF Base In The Falklands

The airstrip, pictured, is home to four Europfighter Typhoon aircraft tasked with defending the islands

Daily Mail: Details about British base on the Falklands including co-ordinates of facilities and runway information are left open to the public on MoD website after security gaffe

  * The MoD accidentally published information on Falklands RAF base online
  * Mount Pleasant aerodrome is home to four Eurofighter Typhoon jets
  * Argentina is considering leasing 12 Sukhoi SU-24 bombers from Russia
  * The supersonic attack aircraft can carry 3,000kg of bombs 650 miles

The Ministry of Defence was under fire after vital details of the RAF's main base on the Falklands Islands were published on their website.

The secret document, which has the exact GPS co-ordinates of vital facilities as well as information on the depth of concrete on the runway were published unencrypted on the MoD's website.

The details could be used as 'an invasion guide' by Argentina, with the technical information providing excellent intelligence to any Argentine bombers sent to attack the islands.

WNU Editor: Ooops ....

More News On The MoD Accidentally Posting Sensitive Information On The RAF Base In The Falklands

EXCLUSIVE: Falklands at risk of new attack after MoD gaffe -- Express
'Falklands invasion guide' containing GPS coordinates of facilities published on MoD website -- Mirror
Falklands' RAF MPA complex allegedly technically exposed by UK defense blunder -- Merco Press

Falklands On High Alert

Falklands Mark 30th Anniversary Of War As Argentina Ups Claims For Sovereignty -- The Guardian

Express: Falklands on HIGH ALERT: Hundreds of British troops sent to Islands to boost security

THREE hundred extra troops are to be sent to the Falklands as the islands reach their highest state of alert in almost 20 years.

WNU Editor: It is the 250th anniversary of British rule on the Falklands .... and with an unstable Argentina next door .... I guess no one in London wants to take any chances.

U.K. Conducts Defense Review Of The Falklands After Learning That Russia Will Sell Long Range Bombers To Argentina

Photo: Russian-built Sukhoi Su-24 jets made available to Argentina.

EXCLUSIVE: Falklands Defence Review After Military Deal Between Russia And Argentina -- Express

DEFENCES on the Falklands are being reviewed after it emerged Russia plans to offer Argentina long-range bombers.

The aircraft, which Moscow will swap for beef and wheat, would be able to mount air patrols over Port Stanley.

Ministry of Defence officials fear Buenos Aires would take delivery of the planes well before the deployment in 2020 of the Navy’s 65,000-tonne aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth and its F-35B fighters, leaving a “real window of vulnerability”.

Defence cuts have left the Falklands with just four RAF Typhoon fighters, Rapier surface-to-air missiles and fewer than 1,200 troops, supported by a naval warship that visits throughout the year.

Read more ....

Update: London concerned as Russian military jets available to Argentina -- Merco Press

My Comment: The U.K. supports Ukraine .... Russia responds .... and now the ability of the U.K. military contingent in the Falklands to deter any Argentina aggression is being openly discussed.

Argentina Still Wants The Falklands

Argentina's President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner accused Britain of double standards over Crimea and the Falklands. Reuters

Crimea Referendum Worthless As Falklands Poll, Says Argentina -- The Guardian

Cristina Fernández draws parallels with 2013 Falklands vote as president steps up campaign over south Atlantic territory

The Argentinian president, Cristina Fernández, who has been campaigning for the Falkland Islands to become part of Argentina, said last week's referendum in Crimea was as worthless as a vote held last year over the British territory in the South Atlantic.

Fernández has been increasingly vocal about Argentina's claim to the archipelago, a British overseas territory over which Britain and Argentina fought a war in 1982.

Read more ....

Update: Falkland Islands will be ours, says Argentina's new minister -- The Telegraph

My Comment: The Argentine economy is imploding .... but the Falklands is what is important to them.

Argentine President Renews Falklands Claims At UN

Argentine President Fernandez Renews Falklands Claims At UN -- BBC

Argentine President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner has restated her country's demand for sovereignty of the Falkland Islands.

Speaking at a United Nations Security Council meeting in New York, Ms Fernandez called on Britain to negotiate the archipelago's future.

"We don't take a fanciful approach to the Malvinas," she said, using the Argentine name for the islands.

"We simply want the UN resolution to be enforced."

She was referring to UN Resolution 2065, which urged both parties in 1965 to negotiate.

She said Argentina and Britain should "sit down and discuss" the matter.

Read more ....

Update: Argentina pushes claim on Falklands at UN -- AFP

My Comment: More bread and circuses to the Argentine people from their President. Bottom line .... Argentina is in no position to influence the outcome on the islands for now and the foreseeable future. But if they get their act together .... economically and politically .... and be willing to respect the hopes and aspirations of those who live on the Falklands .... then and only then will Argentina be in position to have an influence. But until then .... all of this is just talk and bluster.

Argentine President: Britain Must Return Falklands To Argentina

Argentina Urges Britain To 'End Colonialism' And Hand Back Falklands -- The Guardian

President Fernández uses letter to David Cameron in British press to say Britain should open sovereignty talks over islands.

Thirty years after Britain and Argentina went to war over the Falklands, Argentina's populist president, Cristina Fernández de Kirchner, has returned to the fray with a blistering attack on British "colonialism" and a demand to hand back "Las Malvinas".

In a stinging letter to David Cameron, Fernández urges the UK to abide by a 1960 United Nations resolution urging member states to "end colonialism in all its forms and manifestations".

Read more ....

More News On Argentina's Demands For The Falklands

Argentina blasts Britain over islands and Antarctica -- Foreign Policy
David Cameron must return Falklands to Argentina, Cristina Kirchner demands -- the Telegraph
Argentine president accuses UK of 'colonialism' by holding on to the Falkland Islands during New Year outburst -- Daily Mail
Fernandez: Britain seized Falklands -- UPI
Cristina Fernández de Kirchner's letter to David Cameron -- The Guardian

My Comment: It's now becoming a routine .... every 3 to 4 months she is always making the same speech.

Remembering The End Of The Falklands War 30 Years Ago

Falklands Mark 30th Anniversary Of War As Argentina Ups Claims For Sovereignty -- The Guardian

Cameron stands by right of self-determination as Argentina and islanders prepare for UN decolonisation committee

Thirty years after liberating British forces hoisted the union flag in Stanley, the Falklands flag flew defiantly above 10 Downing Street on Thursday as David Cameron pledged to continue defending islanders from Argentina's "aggressive threats".

Eight thousand miles away at the liberation monument in the Falklands' capital, veterans, widows, politicians and Falklanders braved thick snow at a wreath-laying commemoration and military parade on the anniversary of the end of the South Atlantic conflict.

Read more ....

More News On The Falklands

Britain warns Argentina over Falklands 'aggression' -- Reuters
David Cameron warns Argentina against making threats over Falkland Islands -- The Telegraph
Falklands anniversary: David Cameron defiant over Argentinian 'threats' -- The Guardian
Falklands 30-year anniversary: Britain's support for Falklands will remain steadfast, says David Cameron -- The Telegraph
Falkland Islands: Downing Street flies Falkland's flag on anniversary of end of war -- The Telegraph
Cameron vows to defend Falklands from 'aggressive threats' -- AFP

Islands pack thanksgiving service -- Press Association
Falkland Islands mark end of 1982 war with Argentina -- BBC
Falkland Islanders brave snow to mark 30 years since Britain forced Argentine surrender -- Washington Post/AP
'We will always be here in full force': War heroes and islanders brave freezing weather to mark 30th anniversary of Falklands liberation -- Daily Mail

Argentina's president renews claim to Falkland Islands -- The Guardian
Argentina's President Presses Claim to Falklands -- New York Times/AP
Falklands 30 year anniversary: Argentina renews assault at UN -- The Telegraph
Argentina's Fernandez takes Falklands claim to U.N -- Reuters
Argentina's president presses claim to Falklands -- FOX News/AP
Kirchner pleads for Falklands talks -- Sydney Morning Herald/AFP
Falklands anniversary: Argentine media subdued -- BBC

Falkland Islands to hold referendum on sovereignty -- BBC
Falkland Islands will vote on political status -- CNN
Falkland Islanders say referendum will show Argentina they aren’t held hostage by Britain -- Washington Post/AP

Falklands War surrender 30 year anniversary: Argentina's Mario Menéndez on defeat -- The Telegraph
Falklands war 30 years on: Will a vote solve the dispute? -- Kyle Younker, Christian Science Monitor
Remembering the Falklands sacrifice 30 years on -- Caroline Wyatt, BBC
Q&A: Argentina's diplomatic offensive on Falklands -- BBC

Argentina Declares Economic War Against British Resource Companies

Argentina president Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner said the companies were operating 'in a sovereign area of the Argentine nation and as such fall within its specified laws and rules' Photo: Reuters

Argentina To 'Immediately Launch' Criminal Proceedings Against UK Oil Firms Operating Off Falklands Islands -- The Telegraph

The UK Government said it would support the country's oil companies operating around the Falkland Islands after Argentina announced it is taking steps to sue five British firms.

The Argentine foreign ministry on Monday declared "illegal and clandestine" the activities of Desire Petroleum, Falkland Oil and Gas, Rockhopper Exploration, Borders and Southern Petroleum, and Argos Resources on the grounds that they are drilling in Argentine waters.

President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner said the companies were operating "in a sovereign area of the Argentine nation and as such fall within its specified laws and rules". The companies "are not authorised by the Argentine government under law 17.319 on hydrocarbons", she added.

Read more ....

My Comment: I guess the executives of these companies are not going to visit Argentina in the near (or long) future.

Britain 'Would Lose' If Argentina Decides To Invade The Falklands Now

Falkland Islands: Britain 'Would Lose' If Argentina Decides To Invade Now -- The Telegraph

Rear-Admiral Sir John Forster Woodward - who in 1982 gave the order to sink the General Belgrano - regrets not making more of how the Falklands war was won.

"That was stupid,” says Sandy Woodward, a plain-speaking man of the sea. “It was a mistake. I regret that when the war was over we agreed to play it low key,” he adds. “We should have made more noise, to make sure people realised it was the Navy that had done the job, not the bloody Air Force or the Army. The Air Force dropped one bomb on target. There were more Commandos, who are naval soldiers, than there were Army.”

Read more ....

Update: Defence cuts mean we could not retake the Falkland with our 'dire Navy', claims military chief who secured islands 30 years ago -- Daily Mail

My Comment: The retired Admiral sums it up best ....

.... “It’s not the Navy that I joined at the age of 13, or that I served in during the Falklands.

Yup .... the world is very different today. And yes .... if Argentina was successful in overcoming the British garrison in the Falklands, Britain does not have the means or resources to take it back.

Venezuelan President Chavez Would Go To War Against England Over The Falklands

Hugo Chavez Says Venezuelan Troops Would Fight With Argentina Over Falklands -- The Telegraph

Hugo Chavez has pledged that Venezuelan armed forces would fight alongside Argentina against Britain in any future conflict over the Falkland Islands at a regional meeting this weekend.

The eight member countries of the Bolivarian Alliance bloc, or ALBA, met to approve an agreement barring any boats flying Falkland Islands flags from docking in their ports.

"The issue of the Malvinas Islands is an issue that concerns us, especially with the strong language that has emerged from the British government, accusing Argentina of being colonialist," Mr Chavez, the Venezuelan president, said, calling it "the world in reverse".

Read more ....

More News On Venezuela Willing To Help Argentina In Taking Over The Falklands

Venezuela threatens Britain over Falklands as its president vows to side with Argentina -- Daily Mail
Chavez And Allies Back Argentina On Falklands -- NPR/AP
Chavez, allies call for sanctions against Britain over Falklands -- CNN
Chavez threatens Britain with Falklands pledge -- NZHerald

No U.S. Support Of British Claims To The Falklands

The Obama Administration Knifes Britain In The Back Again Over The Falklands -- Niles Gardiner, The Telegraph

In yet another display of disdain for the Anglo-American Special Relationship, the Obama administration has weighed in on the mounting tensions between Great Britain and Argentina over the Falkland Islands. Just two days after Prime Minister David Cameron issued a robust statement in the House of Commons vowing to defend the sovereignty of the Falklands, the US State Department has undercut Britain yet again with a deeply unhelpful statement that plays into Argentina’s hands.

Read more ....

My Comment: In a U.S. Presidential election where the Latino vote is going to have an impact, the Obama administration will stay away from issues like this one. But .... the Falklands is an international issue that is going to heat up in 2012. The 30th anniversary of the war is only a few months away, and projected huge oil deposits offshore will only heighten claims and threats as the year progresses.

Britain - Argentine Tensions Rise As The 30th Anniversary Of The Falklands War Approaches

David Cameron And Military Chiefs Review Falklands Security Amid Growing Tensions With Argentina -- The Telegraph

David Cameron has accused Argentina of “colonialism” over its claim on the Falklands, as Britain’s top military council met to discuss how to defend the islands.

The Prime Minister called a meeting of senior Cabinet members, army officers and intelligence chiefs, amid growing tensions with Argentina over the sovereignty of the islands.

Argentina has recently accused Britain of “taking its resources”, ahead of the 30 year anniversary of the Falklands War this spring.

It has also persuaded some fellow countries in South America to join a blockade against Falklands ships, as the islands prepare to start drilling for oil for the first time in their history.

Read more ....

More News On British-Argentine Tensions Over The Falklands

PM dusts off war plans over the Falklands -- The Sun
Cameron Vows To Protect Falkland Islands -- Yahoo News/SKY News
Argentine colonialists! Cameron raises Falklands stakes after report of plan for 'fishermen's invasion' -- Daily Mail
Britain accuses Argentina of "colonialism" over Falklands -- Reuters
PM accuses Argentina of 'colonialism' towards Falklands -- BBC
David Cameron condemns Argentine 'colonialism' over Falkland Islands -- The Telegraph

Argentina hits back at David Cameron over colonialism jibe -- The Guardian
Argentina accuses Britain of hypocrisy over Falklands -- Scotsman
Argentina blasts David Cameron's 'colonialism' comments on the Falklands -- The Telegraph
Who are you calling colonialists? Argentina hits back at Britain -- The Independent

My Comment: What is my take .... the reason why tensions are starting to increase is because of stories like this one. 8+ billion barrels of oil translates into $1 trillion dollars .... that type of money would attract everyone's interest. For more info on the Falklands oil row, go here.

No Change In Argentina's Approach To The Falklands With Cristina Kirchner's Victory As President

Cristina Kirchner's Increasingly Combative Falklands Stance -- The Telegraph

When she was first elected as president of Argentina in 2007 Cristina Kirchner said that her country's "sovereignty" over the Falkland Islands was non-negotiable.

In the four years since she has been given no encouragement by the governments of Gordon Brown or now David Cameron to believe that Britain's position on the issue is anything other than similarly steadfast.

However, the crushing manner of her re-election is only likely to bolster her government's efforts to try to force Britain to the negotiating table through international pressure.

Read more ....

My Comment: I expect Argentina to focus on the diplomatic front to influence Britain on what to do with the Falklands .... especially with the 30th anniversary of the Falkland's invasion next year. But I also expect nothing is going to happen .... especially since most Falklanders (and Brits) have no interest in negotiating with Argentina on this issue.

Britain Admits That They Cannot Guarantee The Security Of The Falkland Islands

25,000 servicemen were sent to retake the Falklands in 1982 Photo: REX

Britain Can Do 'Nothing' To Prevent Argentina Retaking Falkland Islands -- The Telegraph

The head of the Naval task force in the Falklands War has warned that defence cuts mean Britain can now do "precisely nothing" to prevent Argentina retaking the islands.

Admiral Sir John "Sandy" Woodward also said that America now had little interest in supporting Britain in any conflict as a stable Argentina was more important to the State Department.

In a letter to The Daily Telegraph, Adml Woodward said Washington was pushing for negotiations over sovereignty and "significantly the islands are already being called the Malvinas by the US".

Read more ....

My Comment: Adml Woodward is stating the obvious .... a point that I am sure that Argentina is already aware of.

On a side note, the Brits are now realizing that Argentina is more important to U.S. interests in Latin America than Great Britain .... hence the U.S. support for Argentine claims to the Falklands. Any bets on when Israel will also come to the same conclusion (if not already), that the Arab world is infinitely more important to U.S. interests than the state of Israel.

Brazil Turns Away Royal Navy's Falkland Ship

Royal Navy's Falklands Ship Turned Away By Brazil -- The Telegraph

The Royal Navy's Falkland Islands protection ship has been turned away from docking in Rio de Janeiro in an indication that Brazil's new government could back Argentine claims to the islands.

Despite continuing tensions with Argentina over the Falkland Islands, the Navy had until now enjoyed cordial relations with its Brazilian equivalent.

But last week, within days of the former left-wing guerilla Dilma Rousseff succeeding Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva as Brazil's president, HMS Clyde was refused permission to stop in Rio.

Miss Rousseff is due to visit Argentina at the end of this month, in her first international trip, with closer trade relations between South American countries due to be discussed.

Read more ....

My Comment: Brazil is just trying to score some political points .... but it is an ominous sign of where much of Latin America is going.

British PM Will Not Discuss With Argentina The Future Of The Falklands

No Talks On Falklands, David Cameron Tells Argentina -- The Telegraph

David Cameron is set to restate "robustly" Britain's sovereignty over the Falkland Islands in unscheduled talks with the Argentine president at the G20 gathering of world leaders.

British sources said the Prime Minister would starkly turn down a fresh request from Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner for talks on the issue as tensions rose once again between the two nations.

Mr Cameron was expected to make his point to Ms Kirchner either during an official leaders' dinner at the Toronto summit last night or at some point in the "margins" of official discussions on Sunday.

Read more ....

My Comment: PM Cameron confirms that talks between Argentina and Britain on the Falklands issue is dead on arrival.