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Argentina reaffirmed its claim of sovereignty over the Falkland Islands and urged London to agree to discuss the issue, which led to a brief war in 1982.
The foreign ministry, in a statement issued on the eve of the 174th anniversary of Britain's control of the Atlantic islands, reiterated that gaining authority over the islands was a “permanent and inalienable objective.”
The ministry said it was “incomprehensible” Britain refused to discuss Argentina's claim over the Falklands since the United Nations and Organization of American States have urged both countries to “renew bilateral negotiations.”
The Atlantic islands, which Argentina calls the Malvinas, have been a British territory since 1833.
Argentina's foreign ministry said British forces occupied the islands on January 3, 1833, and “removed by force its residents and Argentine authorities who were established there legitimately.”
In April 1982, Argentina's then military dictatorship invaded the islands. More than 900 people died, including 655 Argentines, 255 British troops and three Falkland Islanders, before Argentine forces surrendered on June 14.
Argentina returned to democracy in 1983. The two governments re-established diplomatic relations in 1990.
