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Caribbean countries back Argentina over Falklands with blockade

Uki Goni | Beunos Aires | Feb 5

The Guardian - Commonwealth countries of Antigua-Barbuda and St Vincent-Grenadines among those supporting blocking British ships

A group of Caribbean countries have agreed to back Buenos Aires and block any ships flying the Falklands flag from docking in their ports, Argentina's foreign minister Hector Timerman has said.

They include the Commonwealth countries of Antigua-Barbuda and St Vincent-Grenadines, along with Cuba, Nicaragua and Dominica, Timerman said.

Argentina received strong support for its blockade at a meeting in Venezuela of a left-leaning bloc of South American and Caribbean nations.

The Ecuadorian president, Rafael Correa, said: "It is time for Latin America to decide sanctions against this mistaken power that pretends to be imperialist and colonialist in the 21st century.

"I think we have to apply more forceful things. We have to talk about sanctions."

my my my

Argentina hopes that diplomatic and economic measures will pressure Britain to comply with UN resolutions encouraging both countries to negotiate the islands' sovereignty. Britain has refused so far.

Hugo Chávez, the president of Venezuela, said: "If it should occur to the British empire to attack Argentina militarily, Argentina won't be alone this time.

"Venezuela is no power, but we've got some weapons and the will to face any imperialist aggression."

Tensions have risen as the 30th anniversary of Argentina's invasion nears.


Tina February 5, 2012 - 11:31pm
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( categories: AgonistWire | Latin America | United Kingdom )

That could be an interresting

diversion from operations in Syria; not sure the brits have the means to wage war on 2 or 3 fronts.

Jelco Cathlon February 6, 2012 - 6:10pm
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UK Navy 'sends submarine to Falklands'

Navy 'sends submarine to Falklands'

The Independent

Saturday, 4 February 2012
The Royal Navy is sending a nuclear submarine to the Falkland Islands amid heightened tensions between Britain and Argentina over the disputed islands, it was reported today.

The Trafalgar class vessel, thought to be either HMS Tireless or HMS Turbulent, is believed to be being deployed to protect the islands from Argentine military action.

A Ministry of Defence (MoD) spokeswoman said: "We do not comment on submarine deployments."

The Daily Mail reported that the Prime Minister had personally approved plans for one of the Navy's most sophisticated submarines to undertake the mission.

Sources told the newspaper that a team of Spanish-speaking communications workers would be aboard to monitor maritime radio transmissions in the region.

It is said the submarine will be in the islands' waters in time for April's 30th anniversary of the 1982 war.

The news comes after the Duke of Cambridge began a six-week posting in the region.

William arrived on the archipelago on Thursday ahead of a tour of duty as an RAF search and rescue pilot.

The MoD said the posting was part of a "routine operational deployment", despite Argentina likening it to that of a "conqueror".

Tensions rose between the two countries in the past week following the announcement that one of the Royal Navy's most advanced new warships is being sent to the area.

HMS Dauntless, a Type 45 destroyer, is due to set sail for the South Atlantic on her maiden mission in the coming months to replace frigate HMS Montrose.

PA

Tina February 7, 2012 - 12:12am
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Steve Richards: Will nobody challenge the Falklands War myths?

Steve Richards: Will nobody challenge the Falklands War myths?

Leaders insist on the islands' right to self-determination. Scotland's right to it is less clearly stated

The Independent

Tina February 7, 2012 - 2:15am
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