British sovereignty over the Falklands is an absurd imperial hangover that must end | Simon Jenkins
GuardianApr 07, 2022
Argentina's foreign ministry on Thursday announced plans to resume negotiations with the UK concerning sovereignty over the disputed South Atlantic archipelago of the Falkland Islands — or Islas Malvinas — calling for the matter to be resolved before the UN.
Foreign minister Santiago Cafiero informed his British counterpart James Cleverly of the intent in a meeting during a summit in India, prompting the latter to cite the Islanders' decision to remain a self-governing UK Overseas Territory, in reference to the majority support for British governance in the 2013 referendum.
It is unacceptable that London still holds a grudge against Buenos Aires decades after hostilities took place. Carrying on this imperial-era dispute that could have been solved without an economically and ethically costly war is unjust and nonsensical. The Falkland Islands remain fully independent of Britain and it is about time to strike a deal with Argentina and return sovereignty to its inhabitants.
Islanders, who overwhelmingly voted to remain British decades after facing heinous aggression from Argentina, have the right to self-determination under the UN charter — it is the UK's duty to uphold it and defend them in the face of further threats. Aside from moral obligation, it is in the UK's interest to continue with its commitment to the archipelago as it is located in a strategically significant position near the Antarctic in the South Atlantic.