Falkland Islands fears erupt as Argentina vows to 'fully recover' British territory

Argentina has reiterated its determination to "fully recover sovereignty" over the Falkland Islands, following a "unanimous" expression of support for its territorial claims by the Organisation of American States (OAS). President Javier Milei thundered "MALVINAS ARE ARGENTINE" in a post to X, as he celebrated the decision by the regional body.

The OAS brings together all 35 independent states of the Americas and says its mission is to focus on human rights, electoral oversight, social and economic development, and security in the Western Hemisphere. Among its members are the USA and Canada, as well as Brazil, Mexico and the Caribbean states.

The OAS urged the United Kingdom to resume negotiations in the sovereignty dispute over the South Atlantic Islands.

The organisation's show of support follows a new UN resolution adopted on June 18, which also called for a resumption in talks between the two nations over the British Overseas Territory.

The UN Special Committee on Decolonisation urged the UK and Argentina to find a peaceful and definitive solution to the sovereignty dispute.

Argentina's Foreign Minister Gerardo Werthein welcomed the support of both the UN and OAS.

"Malvinas are Argentine," he said in a statement that was posted on X social media.

"June was an important month for our country regarding the Malvinas Issue.

"A new resolution supporting Argentina's position was unanimously approved in the United Nations Decolonisation Committee, and today, a new official declaration by acclamation in the OAS.

"We thank all countries that accompanied us and highlight the work of Argentine teams both at the United Nations and in the OAS.

"These advances reaffirm the firm determination of the Argentine Government to advance, with conviction and diplomacy, towards fully recovering sovereignty over the Malvinas, South Georgia, South Sandwich Islands, and surrounding maritime areas."

In November, the UK's Minister for the Armed Forces visited the Falklands to commemorate Remembrance Day and used the occasion to restate the British government's full support for the islanders.

Luke Pollard said: "The UK's commitment to the Falkland Islands' security and economic prosperity is as strong as ever - from protecting the region's incredible wildlife to upholding the islands right of self-determination.

"I am honoured to have been able to join islanders and service personnel as they commemorated those who sacrificed so much to protect the Falklands.

"The UK stands with the Falkland Islands today and always."