Argentina accuses UK of illegal military incursion
Argentina has accused a British warship of an “illegal journey” into its waters, just hours after its victory against England in the World Cup semi-final, reports BritPanorama.
In a statement on Wednesday night, Pablo Quirno, Argentina’s foreign minister, accused the Royal Navy of a “military incursion” into Argentine waters.
He claimed HMS Medway had entered Argentina’s waters earlier in July without formally notifying the government. Quirno stated that a “formal note of protest” had been lodged with the British embassy to express “the strongest objection” to the action.
HMS Medway, a Batch 2 River-class offshore patrol vessel, is normally based in the Falkland Islands.
This development follows the Argentina team’s controversial display after their 2-1 victory against England, where players held up a banner reading “Las Malvinas son Argentinas,” which translates to “The Falkland Islands are Argentinian.”
Political tensions remain high between Argentina and the UK regarding the Falkland Islands, which were the subject of a military conflict in 1982 when Argentina invaded the territory.
Buenos Aires has consistently claimed sovereignty over the Falklands, located approximately 8,000 miles from Britain and 300 miles from the Argentine mainland.
Prior to the match, Argentina’s vice-president, Victoria Villarruel, referred to England as “invaders” and tweeted a victory message, indicating this match held significant meaning for Argentina alongside a video featuring what appeared to be Argentinian soldiers.
Later that night, Villarruel amplified the sentiment by sharing images of the players with the banner, stating, “The Falklands are Argentine! They banned bringing them to the stadium and forgot that we carry them in our blood and our hearts.”
In response, Business Secretary Peter Kyle labeled the banner “completely inappropriate,” urging FIFA to investigate the matter further.
“I had left and gone to bed before the banner came onto the pitch, but I saw the images this morning, and of course, it’s entirely inappropriate,” he remarked. “Politics should stay away from football. That is a very clear principle of the World Cup, but any consequences that come from that is now a decision for FIFA.”
Asked about the situation, Downing Street reiterated the UK’s position through the prime minister’s spokesperson, stating, “The islanders have repeatedly expressed their wish to remain a British territory and their right to self-determination is paramount.”
“The Falkland Islanders are British with the right to determine their own future,” the spokesperson added.
Argentina, the defending champions, defeated the Three Lions 2-1 in the match held in Atlanta.
Following their triumph, Argentina fans celebrated with fervour, some near the pitch holding a banner asserting, “Las Malvinas son Argentinas.” This banner was passed to the players, who displayed it as they celebrated their win.
The team may now face disciplinary action from FIFA for breaching the organization’s regulations on political messaging during matches.
