- Downing Street has rejected remarks made by Argentina’s foreign minister, Pablo Quirno, regarding the Falkland Islands, just days before a World Cup semi-final match between England and Argentina.
- Mr Quirno claimed that the Falkland Islanders were an “artificially implanted” population and that the 2013 referendum on their status was illegitimate, arguing that the islands represent a “special and particular colonial situation”.
- He stated that no unilaterally organised referendum by the UK could have legal effect on the dispute, which he believes should be resolved through negotiations between Argentina and the UK.
- A Downing Street spokesman firmly countered these claims, asserting that the Falkland Islanders are British and have an undeniable right to self-determination, citing the overwhelming 2013 vote to remain a UK overseas territory.
- The dispute over the Falkland Islands, which are administered by the UK but claimed by Argentina, led to a brief war in 1982, a conflict that continues to influence UK-Argentine relations.
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