The Argentine president, Javier Mileiwill address world leaders on Wednesday at the United Nations General Assemblys in the midst of tension with the United Kingdom for oil exploration around the Malvinas Islands, whose sovereignty these nations have disputed for almost two centuries.
Earlier this month, Argentina began a sanctions process against more than 60 companies and individuals linked to an offshore oil drilling project, a move that British authorities have strongly rejected.
British Under-Secretary of State for Overseas Territories Uma Kumaran declared on Friday that Argentina’s actions are “unacceptable” and stated that “the Falkland Islands are British and have the right to develop their natural resources as they see fit.”
According to political analysts, Milei is likely to reaffirm Argentina’s actions in his speech to the UN. On Thursday he is scheduled to meet with the Israeli prime minister and close ally, Benjamin Netanyahu. The Falklands oil drilling project maintains strong ties with Israel.
Argentina’s claim to sovereignty over the South Atlantic islands remains fundamental to its national identity. After being occupied by the United Kingdom in 1833, the South American country invaded the archipelago in 1982 and fought a ten-week war that culminated in the Argentine surrender, an event that is still commemorated in Buenos Aires with street murals in honor of the fallen soldiers.
In a televised speech this month, Milei stated that the drilling project violates a resolution of the General Assembly of the UN of 1976, which urges both countries to resolve the sovereignty dispute through dialogue and avoid unilateral decisions.
His speech came after US President donald trumpally of Mileisuggest that Washington might reconsider its position usually neutral on the Falklands dispute.
The firmest stance of Milei It marks a notable shift for a president who had been criticized by his political opponents for showing little interest in the sovereignty dispute as he sought closer ties with the United States. Now, the Argentine opposition accuses Mileiwho is expected to seek re-election in 2027, to use the issue to strengthen his domestic support.
“It’s just something to look good in society or to try to change the agenda,” he said. William Michelopposition Peronist deputy in the Chamber of Deputies.
However, a study carried out by the consulting firm Analytical Intelligencebased in Buenos Aires, concluded that his televised speech produced only a modest improvement in his public image. “The Malvinas issue itself in Argentina obviously transcends the president’s speech,” he said. Marcelo Escolardirector of the firm.
Last week, Milei presented a bill that seeks to toughen sanctions against those considered to be illegally participating in activities that use natural resources in the maritime spaces and the continental shelf of Argentina.
