Dispute over Falkland Island Continues

An oil platform is due to arrive north of Port Stanley near the Falkland Islands next week, Argentina warns they will take necessary measures to preserve their rights. Britain expects to resolve any dispute with civil talks.

The Ocean Guardian is expected to arrive in the disputed waters off Falkland's coast with hopes from Britain that it will create increased revenue for the islands. Argentina has expressed strong opposition to any energy exploration on its continental shelf and that any would be a violation of their sovereignty. However, the area around the islands is supposed to contain substantial energy reserves.

Britain and Argentina fought a 72-day conflict over the islands, which has resulted in Argentina staking permanent claims and Britain declaring international law allows their firms to operate freely. Britain rejected Argentina's latest claim and has requested to extend its rights to surrounding waters off the island's coast, as well as a seabed off the coast of Antarctica. Certain Argentine leaders insist the claims will not be retracted.

Argentina also warns it will take necessary precautions to prevent the illegal activity but, the Falklands Government advises against any threatening behavior and has accepted the high levels of British military protection in their area. According to official reports, their Foreign Office dismisses the future oil operations as illegal.

Desire Petroleum, the British oil explorer set to drill in the area soon, will not allow the dispute to affect any drill plans.