Argentine lawyer mocks UK’s sovereignty claim in Falklands oil case
Summary
Argentina has asked an international maritime tribunal to order Britain to suspend planned oil drilling near the Falkland Islands while arbitration proceeds. At a hearing in Hamburg, Argentina argued the drilling could harm its rights to disputed resources, while the UK said the tribunal lacks authority over sovereignty issues and that drilling is not imminent.Key Facts
- Argentina applied to the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea for a ruling on drilling in the North Basin near the Falkland Islands.
- The Sea Lion oilfield lies about 130 miles north of the islands, which Argentina calls the Malvinas.
- Argentina’s lawyer Marcelo Kohen argued that the sovereignty dispute does not give the UK unrestricted control over resources in the surrounding waters.
- The UK’s attorney general, Ellie Reeves, said suspending the project would harm the Falkland Islanders and the companies involved.
- The UK argued that the tribunal has no jurisdiction over sovereignty matters and said oil extraction would not begin until 2028.
- Argentina said drilling is due to start in March next year and sought urgent action to protect its rights.
- Argentina and the UK have disputed sovereignty over the islands for decades; Argentina invaded them in 1982, and the conflict ended with Argentine forces surrendering after 74 days.
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