British RAF flights from Brazil to the Falklands anger Argentina

The Falkland Islands flag in Stanley
The Falkland Islands flag in Stanley Credit: AFP

The RAF made 18 flights between the disputed Falkland Islands and airports in Brazil over the past two years, Argentina's government has said, calling them a breach of agreements between the two South American countries.

The Argentine foreign ministry said in a statement on Wednesday that it was "concerned" about six flights last year and 12 in 2015 by the Royal Air Force.

The ministry said it requested an explanation from Brazil's government, reminding it of that country's commitment "to not allow British airplanes or warships based in the disputed archipelago" in accordance with agreements among member nations of the regional blocs Mercosur (the southern common market) and Unasur (the union of South American nations).

"The Brazilian foreign ministry reaffirmed its support to our country on this issue and said that it was unaware of these flights," the Argentine statement said.

Brazil's foreign ministry had no immediate comment.

The Foreign Office and Ministry of Defence did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

The dispute stems from the Falklands War of 1982. The conflict, triggered when Argentine troops invaded the South Atlantic island group, claimed the lives of 649 Argentines and 255 British soldiers.

During her eight years in power, until 2015, former Argentine president Cristina Fernández de Kirchner tried to pressure Britain into sovereignty talks by turning away British ships, encouraging companies to divest from Britain and raising other trade barriers.

Tensions have eased since pro-business president Mauricio Macri took office in December 2015 promising a less confrontational stance.

In the biggest breakthrough in decades, Britain and Argentina announced last year that they would work to remove restrictions in the oil, fishing and shipping industries affecting the Falklands. They also agreed to increase the number of flights between the islands and Argentina.

The Falklands are internally self-governing, but Britain is responsible for defence and foreign affairs. Argentina claims Britain has illegally occupied the islands since 1833. Britain disputes that and says Argentina is ignoring the wishes of the islands' 3,000 residents, who want to remain British. 

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