Argentina’s bill toughening sanctions over Sea Lion stalls in Congress

The National Sovereignty Defence bill aimed at tightening sanctions against those exploiting resources in the Falklands failed to pass committee approval in Argentina's Chamber of Deputies, according to the Argentine press. The bill, which also addresses security, defence, and intelligence matters, will not be considered at the special session scheduled for October 21.

The opposition party, La Libertad Avanza, is pushing for the bill to be divided into separate components. The bill, introduced in September, consists of 133 articles. The first 40 articles amend a 2011 law concerning unauthorized hydrocarbon exploration, introducing penalties ranging from fines to prison sentences of up to 20 years.

These amendments also expand the scope of the law to include sanctions against affiliates, financial intermediaries, shareholders, and suppliers of involved companies. A provision could potentially impact Argentina's fishing industry. The government's legal and technical secretary, María Ibarzabal Murphy, informed Congress that current legislation does not address fishing-related offenses.

The bill has partial support from the opposition, but the remainder of the bill is disputed. The proposed inclusion of a National Security Council and a protocol to allow for the shooting down of hostile aircraft or sinking of vessels is particularly contentious. In response to Argentina's request, the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea has suspended the Sea Lion oil project.

The United Kingdom has announced measures under its protection of trading interests legislation to prevent British companies and citizens from having to comply with Argentine rules outside Argentina's jurisdiction.