Argentinian president-elect Javier Milei has called for Falklands handover talks.
Mr Milei reportedly said during a TV election debate: “What do I propose? Argentina’s sovereignty over the Malvinas Islands is non-negotiable. The Malvinas are Argentine.
“Now we have to see how we are going to get them back. It is clear that the war option is not a solution.
“We had a war – that we lost – and now we have to make every effort to recover the islands through diplomatic channels.”
Argentina's new president has suggested efforts would be made to get the Falkland Islands back, but Rishi Sunak says it's not up for discussion
— YouGov (@YouGov) November 21, 2023
Britons think the Falklands belong with the UK by 57% to 16%, but some European countries aren't so sure pic.twitter.com/FFZOWJUzTj
The populist politician, who has described himself as an anarcho-capitalist and is said to have lauded Margaret Thatcher — the British prime minister during the Falklands conflict — said the views of those living on the islands “cannot be ignored”.
Javier Milei is known by his fans as 'the madman' and 'the wig' due to his ferocious style and unruly mop of hair.
He won Argentina's election on Sunday taking all but three of the nation’s 24 provinces and sweeping up 55.7% of the vote.
“The Falkland Islands are British"
Defence Secretary Grant Shapps appeared to respond to the recent comments, posting on X, formally Twitter, to say that it was “undeniable” that the Falkland Islands are British.
“The Falkland Islands are British. That is non-negotiable and undeniable," Mr Shapps wrote.
“99.8% of islanders voted to remain British and we will always defend their right to self-determination and the UK’s sovereignty."
A 2013 referendum saw a close to 100% 'remain' vote from those on the islands, which has a population of about 3,500 people, wanting to stick as a UK Overseas Territory.
The Falklands are about 8,000 miles from the UK and about 300 miles from mainland Argentina.
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