Argentinean vets back ban on UK ships - Gayo Lues

As the ships approached the docks of Argentina’s southernmost city of Ushuia in the Tierra del Fuego province Monday morning, the veterans called on their governor to enforce the law that bans the operation of British-flagged ships at their docks.

“We have verified that British financial interests own these cruise ships,” said Juan Vera, spokesperson for the veterans.

“We are seeking to hit the Brits where it hurts the most: their money. We’re aiming to hurt British financial interests until they return the Malvinas to us,” Vera said.

Both ships were refused entry at the docks.

The Malvinas Islands, located about 300 miles off Argentina’s coast and home to about 3,000 inhabitants, have been declared as part of the British Overseas Territories since Britain established its colonial rule in the islands in 1833.

Argentina, however, has repeatedly dismissed the British claim over the island.

A 74-day war was fought between Britain and Argentina in 1982 over the islands which ended with the British side claiming victory over Argentineans. A year after the war, the UK enforced the British Nationality Act of 1983, which offers citizenship to the islanders.

Tensions between the two countries have re-escalated since 2010 when London authorized oil prospecting around the islands.

PM/MB/HJL