Ibero-American foreign ministers unanimously back Argentina’s Falklands claim

On the eve of the Hamburg hearing for the Sea Lion oil project, 30 Ibero-American foreign ministers unanimously backed Argentina's sovereignty claim over the Falklands and urged both nations to resume negotiations. The document, approved during the 30th Ibero-American Summit, acknowledged Argentina's "constructive attitude" and reaffirmed the community's support. The Ibero-American Conference, representing Latin America, Spain, Portugal, and Andorra, routinely adopts such statements at its summits.

Argentine Foreign Minister Pablo Quirno emphasized the issue's significance, describing it as "a sacred cause for Argentines" and advocating for a diplomatic resolution to what he perceives as an outdated colonial situation. The backing arrives just five days before the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea in Hamburg, where Argentina will present its case on the Sea Lion oil project on November 10 and 11.

Argentina seeks the tribunal's input on rights to maritime resources and environmental obligations under the Law of the Sea Convention, rather than a ruling on sovereignty. British Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband condemned Argentine attempts to disrupt commercial activity in the region as "unacceptable". The British government plans to activate legislation by year-end to shield Navitas Petroleum and Rockhopper Exploration from potential Argentine sanctions.

London maintains its stance that sovereignty negotiations will only occur with the consent of the Falkland Islanders.