Argentina renews call for Malvinas talks

Argentine President Cristina Fernandez has once more called on London to agree to discuss the sovereignty of the Malvinas (Falkland Islands) on the 31st anniversary of the Argentina-Britain war over the South Atlantic islands.

During a ceremony in the southern city of Puerto Madryn, Fernandez said Britain’s refusal to talk is “incomprehensible” and described it as London’s tactic to cover up its domestic problems.

Fernandez said they will keep “asking unremittingly” from Britain, which occupied the islands in 1833, to comply with the UN resolution in 1965 that described Britain’s move as colonialism and called on the two parts to resolve the issue through dialogue.

She, however, added that Argentina will not take a military measure as in the 74-day war in 1982 (April 2-June 14) and also does not consider Britain an enemy.

“We keep asking why they refuse talks with a democratic government,” the Argentina president said.

“While they (Britain) send warships, we will take science ships for (the development) of knowledge and technology … wars only serve those who sell and produce arms,” she said scathingly.

Last month, the islanders took part in a London-backed referendum to vote by an overwhelming majority of 98.8 percent for remaining part of Britain.

However, Fernandez did not mention the plebiscite as Argentina does not consider the referendum results as valid.

Buenos Aires says the British have long replaced the original residents of the islands with British subjects it is natural for them to vote for British rule, which, nevertheless, does not make Malvinas British.