OMM Redaksiyası
Argentina has lodged a formal diplomatic protest with the UK Embassy in Buenos Aires over what it described as the “illegitimate” extension of offshore hydrocarbon licences around the Falkland Islands.
The protest was issued on the instructions of Foreign Minister Pablo Quirno, according to the Argentine Foreign Ministry. Buenos Aires rejected the licence extension and the approval for “Navitas Petroleum Atlantic Limited”, a subsidiary of Israel’s “Navitas Petroleum”, to acquire a 65% stake in licence area PL001.
Argentina cites international law
The ministry reaffirmed Argentina’s sovereignty claim over the continental shelf, arguing that unilateral exploration of its resources violates international law.
“All hydrocarbon activity on the Argentine Continental Shelf that lacks explicit authorisation from competent national authorities constitutes an illegal act,” the ministry said.
Buenos Aires said the measures breached UN General Assembly Resolution 31/49, which calls on Argentina and the UK to refrain from taking unilateral decisions that could alter the situation while the sovereignty dispute remains unresolved.
Argentina also referred to UN General Assembly Resolution 2065 (XX), which recognises the existence of a sovereignty dispute between the two countries and calls for negotiations aimed at a peaceful settlement.
Warning of possible sanctions
The ministry said Argentina did not recognise the jurisdiction of foreign authorities to grant concessions or approve investment commitments in the disputed area.
It warned that individuals and companies directly or indirectly involved in unauthorised hydrocarbon activities could face civil, administrative and criminal sanctions under Argentine law.
Despite the diplomatic tensions, Argentina reiterated its willingness to engage in constructive dialogue with the UK. The ministry called for bilateral negotiations to resume in order to peacefully resolve the sovereignty dispute over the Falkland Islands, South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands.
