Sunak criticises EU’s ‘regrettable choice of words’ over Falklands
R
ishi Sunak has criticised the European Union’s “regrettable choice of words” after it appeared to endorse the identify Argentina makes use of for the Falkland Islands.
A diplomatic row erupted after the EU referred to the islands as “Islas Malvinas” in a declaration collectively signed with Argentina and different Latin American international locations.
Downing Street mentioned any suggestion that the EU would recognise Argentina’s claims on the Falklands would have been “entirely unacceptable”, because it welcomed a subsequent clarification that EU international locations haven’t the truth is modified their place on their standing.
The preliminary assertion, revealed on Tuesday after a summit between EU nations and the Celac bloc of Latin American and Caribbean states, mentioned: “Regarding the question of sovereignty over the Islas Malvinas / Falkland Islands, the European Union took note of Celac’s historical position based on the importance of dialogue and respect for international law in the peaceful solution of disputes.”
British diplomats reportedly complained concerning the wording, which Argentina’s president Alberto Fernandez appeared to hail on Twitter as help for his nation’s long-standing “claim to sovereignty” over the Falklands.
In an announcement, EU international affairs spokesman Peter Stano mentioned: “The EU Member States have not changed their views and positions concerning the Falklands/Islas Malvinas.
“The EU is not in a situation to express any position on the Falklands/Islas Malvinas, as there is not any Council discussion on this matter.”
Mr Sunak’s official spokesman informed reporters on Thursday: “The Prime Minister’s view is that it would have been entirely unacceptable for the EU to question the Falkland Islanders’ right to decide their own future.
“To be clear, the Falkland Islands are British, that was the choice of the islanders themselves.
“The EU has rightly now clarified that their position on the Falklands has not changed after their regrettable choice of words.
“And just as a reminder, in the 2013 referendum, 99.8% of islanders voted to be part of the UK family. It’s a position supported by international law and the UN Charter which is binding on all UN members.
“And we will continue to defend the Falklands’ right to self-determination in all international forums and have called on the EU to respect the democratic rights of the Falkland Islands.”
He added: “The concern is any suggestion that EU states would recognise Argentina’s claims on the Falklands, which they have now clarified is incorrect.”
The islands have been the topic of a bloody battle in 1982 which claimed the lives of 255 British servicemen, three islanders and 649 Argentine personnel.
Earlier this 12 months, relations soured after Argentinian officers ended a 2016 settlement which pledged “to improve co-operation on South Atlantic issues of mutual interests” and referred to as for talks on the sovereignty of the islands.