On Friday April 2, 1982 Argentinian forces entered the Falkland Islands and South Georgia. The Falklands and South Georgia are sovereign lands of the UK and Great Britain responded. A Naval task force was dispatched and a conflict followed. It was never called a war, but it was a war in all but name. It lasted 74 days, and thirty years on an uneasy peace still reigns. It may not last much longer though.
In this anniversary year other South American countries are offering support to Argentina. Since the 19th Century Argentina has claimed that the Falkland Islands are part of their country. The location of the islands is close to Argentina and many miles from Great Britain. However Great Britain has historical rights over the Falklands and is loathe to surrender them. The Falklands have strategic importance for the UK.
That said there is nothing to say that in the future a negotiated agreement may not be reached. Great Britain would react again should hostilities be instigated by Argentina. Although the issue of sovereignty was not resolved after the last furore it was set to on side so the two countries could have diplomatic relations and the like.
There have been rumblings from South America lately though which suggest the issue of the Falkland Islands could flare up again. As if to add salt to the Argentinian wounds Prince William is due to be stationed in the Falklands for around 6 weeks, early in 2012. As part of the Queen's Jubilee celebrations Edward Duke of Kent will visit the islands too. He may only be a minor Royal but it could aggravate the situation further.
Falklands history here
In this anniversary year other South American countries are offering support to Argentina. Since the 19th Century Argentina has claimed that the Falkland Islands are part of their country. The location of the islands is close to Argentina and many miles from Great Britain. However Great Britain has historical rights over the Falklands and is loathe to surrender them. The Falklands have strategic importance for the UK.
That said there is nothing to say that in the future a negotiated agreement may not be reached. Great Britain would react again should hostilities be instigated by Argentina. Although the issue of sovereignty was not resolved after the last furore it was set to on side so the two countries could have diplomatic relations and the like.
There have been rumblings from South America lately though which suggest the issue of the Falkland Islands could flare up again. As if to add salt to the Argentinian wounds Prince William is due to be stationed in the Falklands for around 6 weeks, early in 2012. As part of the Queen's Jubilee celebrations Edward Duke of Kent will visit the islands too. He may only be a minor Royal but it could aggravate the situation further.
Falklands history here
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