Argentina in Falkland sailing permit move

Geologists say the Falklands has substantial oil reserves

Argentina has said any boat sailing between it and the Falkland Islands will now need a government permit, increasing a row over oil exploration.

The move comes as Argentina has become increasingly agitated at the forthcoming start of oil drilling in Falkland Islands territorial waters.
Argentina claims sovereignty over the British Overseas Territory, and it invaded the islands in 1982.
The UK sent a taskforce which seized back control over the Falklands.
Although that conflict was 28 years ago, tensions over the islands - which Argentina calls the Islas Malvinas - remain.
Islands included
Earlier this month, Argentina protested to the UK about the start of the oil drilling work, which is expected to begin in the first half of this year.
The announcement on the tougher rules on ship movements was made by the Argentine government's Cabinet Chief Anibal Fernandez.
He said it also applied to boats which were only travelling through Argentine territorial waters, and those going to the other nearby British controlled islands in the South Atlantic - South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands.

Sulamérica Trânsito

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