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Falklanders want no part of Argentina
If Argentina wants the Falkland Islands – the Malvinas, as it calls them – it will have to do a better job of public relations among the islanders, who are largely of British descent.
Argentina lost control of the islands some 180 years ago, and the past few decades has ever more stridently demanded their return because, well, just because Buenos Aires thinks that Argentina should have them, with their rich fisheries and rumored – but unproved – oil reserves.
Islanders voted this week on whether to remain a British Overseas Territory. The outcome shows that the Argentines have their work cut out for them if they ever hope to bring the Falklands back into their fold.
The word “landslide” doesn’t begin to describe the lopsided vote. Of 1,517 valid ballots cast, only three were against the current status.
The British said it is up to the islanders to choose their fate, secure in the knowledge how they’ll choose. The Argentines, not surprisingly, see it differently. According to The Associated press, their ambassador to London, Alicia Castro, said, brutally and undiplomatically, that the wishes of a few hundred islanders were no match for the “millions and millions and millions” who recognize Argentine sovereignty over the islands.
The dispute is complicated by the fact that while Argentina was under the rule of a fairly brutal military dictatorship, the two countries fought a short but nasty war over the islands after Argentina invaded in 1982. For the small numbers involved, the losses were relatively high – 258 on the British side, 649 Argentines, plus losses of ships and aircraft on both sides. Once the British actually landed, they retook the islands in just over three weeks.
Argentina has demanded negotiations, and Britain has agreed, but insists that the islanders be involved in any talks, which Argentina refuses to on the grounds that it would be de-facto recognition of the residents’ claims to the islands. The U.S. says it’s up to all the parties involved to resolve the situation.
The electorate has had its say, and 99.8 percent of the voters want things to stay the same.
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