October 4, Buenos Aires (RASAS/AFP) – Argentine President Javier Milei has issued a stern warning that if the Sea Lion oil project near the Falkland Islands, progressing with the UK’s approval, is not halted, Argentina will initiate international legal proceedings against the United Kingdom. President Milei alleged illegal exploitation of Argentina’s natural resources in the Northern Falkland Basin and has instructed the foreign ministry and legal teams to begin arbitration proceedings against Britain. He stated that if the project does not stop within two weeks, the case will be brought before the international tribunal on maritime law.
The oil field, located about 220 kilometers from the Falkland Islands, is operated by Israeli company Navitas and British company Rockhopper. These companies assert they hold valid exploration licenses issued by the UK and have rejected Argentina’s claims. The dispute over the Falklands between Argentina and the UK has been ongoing for decades. The 1982 conflict lasted 10 weeks, resulting in the deaths of 255 British and 649 Argentine soldiers. Argentina refers to the islands as “Las Malvinas” and claims them as its territory.
Argentina accuses the project of violating United Nations resolutions, while the UK maintains it has the right to develop natural resources around the Falklands as it deems appropriate. Meanwhile, commercial representatives from the Falklands have traveled to Punta Arenas, Chile, to discuss reopening sea transportation routes between two ports. Luis Ellis, Deputy Director of Economic Development, clarified that the new maritime route is unrelated to the oil project. Scheduled to be operational by the end of this year, the route will facilitate transportation of construction materials, food, beverages, and other supplies.
