Argentina’s Milei says UN ‘looking the other way’ on Falkland Islands
News Source
•Wed, 23 Sep 2026 19:12:27 +0000
📰 What Happened
Argentina's President Javier Milei spoke at the UN General Assembly on Wednesday. He said the United Nations is "looking the other way" on the Falkland Islands dispute. Argentines call the islands Las Malvinas.
Milei called the islands a "national cause". He criticised a British-backed oil project called Sea Lion, about 220km north of the islands. Two firms, Rockhopper Exploration and Navitas Petroleum, plan to drill soon, with production planned for 2028.
Argentina began sanctions action this month against 60 companies and people linked to offshore drilling. Britain rejected the measures, saying the Falklands can develop their own resources.
🔍 The Backstory
Britain has run the islands since 1833, but Argentina claims sovereignty. Argentina invaded in 1982, starting a ten-week war that it lost.
In a 2013 referendum, 1,513 of 1,517 voters chose to stay a British territory. Milei said that vote does not count because the islanders were "implanted" by an occupying power.
Milei's tougher stance is a change from before. US President Trump has raised the idea of reviewing Washington's position. Opponents say Milei is using the issue to win support before a possible re-election bid in 2027.
🎯 Why It Matters
The row is mostly about oil and national pride. If drilling goes ahead it could earn money for the islands and anger Argentina at the same time.
Argentina's President Javier Milei spoke at the UN General Assembly on Wednesday. He said the United Nations is "looking the other way" on the Falkland Islands dispute. Argentines call the islands Las Malvinas.
Milei called the islands a "national cause". He criticised a British-backed oil project called Sea Lion, about 220km north of the islands. Two firms, Rockhopper Exploration and Navitas Petroleum, plan to drill soon, with production planned for 2028.
Argentina began sanctions action this month against 60 companies and people linked to offshore drilling. Britain rejected the measures, saying the Falklands can develop their own resources.
Britain has run the islands since 1833, but Argentina claims sovereignty. Argentina invaded in 1982, starting a ten-week war that it lost.
In a 2013 referendum, 1,513 of 1,517 voters chose to stay a British territory. Milei said that vote does not count because the islanders were "implanted" by an occupying power.
Milei's tougher stance is a change from before. US President Trump has raised the idea of reviewing Washington's position. Opponents say Milei is using the issue to win support before a possible re-election bid in 2027.
The row is mostly about oil and national pride. If drilling goes ahead it could earn money for the islands and anger Argentina at the same time.