Importance of the Falkland Islands

One of the disputed territories that even to this day remains in that capacity (and that hardly see a resolution at least in the short or medium term) is that of the Islands Falklands. These islands, claimed by Argentina and currently considered part of the British empire of the high seas, are also an important element of fishing and oil wealth.

The aforementioned, in addition to historical and sovereign issues, mean that Argentina's claim does not yield in its recovery.

The islands that have been possession of different countries of the world

As has happened with many territories on the planet, the Malvinas Islands (also known as the Falkland Islands in English) have been owned by different countries that have had a greater or lesser presence on them. Since the arrival of Europeans in America in the 16th century, there are records that tell of sightings of these islands and Throughout the following centuries until the 20th century, they were occupied by both the British, Spanish and French.

Since Argentina was already an independent country in the 19th century, its awareness on them was scarce and had to do more than anything with ideological positions of the different governments at the end of that century and the 20th century. While the nationalist governments pursued a claim to the islands more firmly, other governments of liberal tone showed indifference to them, especially with the aim of maintaining a good link with Gran Brittany. It was not until 1982, the year of the war with that country, that Argentina transformed the struggle for the recovery of the Malvinas Islands into a matter of State.

Why are these islands disputed?

Argentina makes its claim on the Malvinas Islands and others that belong to the archipelago, especially under the explanation that the They are found on the continental platform and in the Argentine Sea, a space on which colonies cannot exist at the hands of another country. At the same time, the fishing and oil resources found on these islands are claimed for the South American country, understanding that they are part of the sovereignty of each country and that powers that take advantage of that wealth plunder the rights of developing countries.

There lies a deep identity conflict here since the islands are inhabited by English descendants and Argentina has no real possession or presence on the islands. This means that the self determination of the inhabitants of those islands who do not want to be part of Argentina and want to remain under British rule. However the right What is not respected is the self-determination of the Argentine people and their legitimate claim (even recognized by the UN) over the claimed lands and resources.

Fotolia images: vladislav333222 / JeremyRichards