Argentina announces sanctions on companies and individuals involved in oil and gas operations in Falklands

China News Service, Beijing, September 5. News from Buenos Aires: The Argentine Presidential Palace issued a statement on the 4th saying that according to the instructions of President Milais, the Argentine Ministry of Foreign Affairs has initiated sanctions procedures against 45 companies and individuals because the above-mentioned objects are suspected of engaging in oil and gas exploration and mining activities in the Malvinas Islands (referred to as the Falkland Islands in the UK) and surrounding disputed waters.

The statement stated that the sanctions procedures not only target companies suspected of illegal operations in the Falklands and surrounding waters, but also cover their shareholders and facilitators that provide services for related operations.

According to the "Buenos Aires Times" report, the move by the Argentine authorities is related to the "Sea Lion" offshore project in the waters near the island, which is jointly led by two companies from the United Kingdom and Israel.

Milai reiterated in a nationally televised speech on the evening of the 3rd that the Falklands belong to Argentina "historically and legally". The British government responded on the 4th that the British position on the Falkland Islands issue is "unwavering."

The Falklands are located in the South Atlantic, and Argentina and the United Kingdom have a dispute over their sovereignty. In 1982, the Falklands War broke out between the two countries, and Britain won. After the war, Argentina never gave up its claim to the Falklands, while Britain refused to negotiate with Argentina on sovereignty issues.