Argentinian firebrand Javier Milei is right about one thing: British sovereignty of the Falklands must end | Simon Jenkins
GuardianNov 24, 2023
Argentina's Milei Admits Falklands Still British
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The Facts
Argentine Pres. Javier Milei has acknowledged that the Falkland Islands are currently "in the hands of the UK" and that there is no "instant solution" to the dispute, as he reiterated his hopes for a peaceful handover of the islands.
The language represents a softening of tone over the islands, known locally as the Malvinas. Previous Argentine leaders have maintained the British overseas territory belonged to the nation, prompting a war over the archipelago in 1982.
The Spin
Establishment-critical narrative
The firebrand Milei is right: The Falklands need to be returned to Argentina. The UK's fierce and costly possession of an inconsequential island has become an embarrassment, as British posturing spurred the 1982 war and ended any hope of a peaceful resolution to the conflict. Hopefully, the more reasonable tone of Milei will spur some soul-searching over the fruitlessness of the UK's claim.
Pro-establishment narrative
Milei is merely acknowledging what has been stone-cold fact for centuries: the British have a valid claim on the Falklands. The diplomatic tone struck by Milei is refreshing, as he refrains from the jingoistic saber-rattling that has long typified Argentina's stance on the islands. While his commitment to diplomacy is promising, Argentina must respect that the vast majority of islanders prefer British rule.
Nerd narrative
There is a 3% chance that Argentina will invade the Falkland Islands by 2050, according to the Metaculus prediction community.