Argentina claims diplomatic 'triumph' over Falklands

The UK went to war over the Falklands in 1982. Photo: Imperial War Museums via Getty Images. document.

The move was signed by European Union leaders when they met with the Celac group of Latin American and Caribbean leaders in Brussels.

Foreign Minister James Cleverley asked Brussels to reject any mention of the Falkland Islands in a declaration ahead of the summit.

But EU officials said the UK would not be allowed to speak on the matter as it was no longer a member of the bloc.

Agreed declaration read: «On the issue of sovereignty over the Malvinas/Falkland Islands, the European Union has taken note of Celac's historic position based on the importance of dialogue and respect for international law in the peaceful resolution of disputes.»

“This is outrageous,”

James Sunderland, a Conservative MP who served in the Falklands War, said, “This is outrageous. Britain has exercised de facto sovereignty over the Falkland Islands since 1833 and came to their defense in 1982.

“The good people of the Falklands also voted overwhelmingly to remain British. The EU would be wise to respect British sovereignty rather than waste time on symbolism.”

The statement was approved by all 27 EU member states and 32 of the 33 Selak countries, with Nicaragua refusing to support it due to language regarding the war in Ukraine.

Argentina said that for the first time, Brussels officially recognized Latin America's claim to the Falklands in a joint statement.

Santiago Cafiero, Argentina's foreign minister, said Buenos Aires expects «deepening dialogue with the European Union on the issue of the Malvinas Islands” after the statement.

“This joint declaration represents a renewed call from the international community for the United Kingdom to agree to fulfill its commitment to restart sovereignty talks with Argentina,” he said.

But a person close to Cleverley said: “The Argentine government can lobby anyone, but it will not change the fact that the Falklands belong to the UK.

“This is the clear will of the people of the Falkland Islands. Ten years ago, 99.8% of Falkland Islanders who voted said they wanted to remain part of the British family.

British officials softened on the announcement as it did not commit or promise any change in Brussels policy towards the Falklands.

1803 Falkland Islands

A spokesman for the European External Action Service, the EU foreign affairs arm, said that the bloc supported the statement in a «spirit» demonstrating that it is «ready to listen to the position of our partners».

He added: “The EU Member States have not changed their views/positions on the Falklands/Malvinas Islands.

“The EU is not in a position to express any position on the Falkland/Malvinas Islands as there is no discussion on this issue in the Council. question.

“The EU takes no position on such matters without a Council mandate.”

Shailesh Vara, a former cabinet minister who is part of the All Party Parliamentary Group of the Falkland Islands, said: “The EU does not speak for the UK on these issues and nothing changes the fact that the Falkland Islands remain British, which is what 99.8% of Falkland Islanders want.”

Known as the Malvinas in-is Panski, the British-ruled Islands were the subject of a brief but brutal war after the Argentine invasion in 1982.

Last year, Britain and Argentina marked 40 years of conflict that claimed the lives of 649 Argentine soldiers, 255 British servicemen and three women who lived on the island.