Thirty years after the war ended, Britain and Argentina are yet to agree on the sovereignty of the islands.
The 30th anniversary of the end of the war between Britain and Argentina over the Falklands Islands was marked yesterday April 2, 2012 in the two countries amid continuing tensions over the sovereignty of the South American islands. The BBC reported that two services were held in Britain and Argentina on the occasion.
According to France 24 television, the run-up to the anniversary was marked by deteriorating relations between London and Buenos Aires as President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner of Argentina continues to press her country's claims for control of the territory. With the Falklands possessing potentially lucrative oil reserves and Britain refusing to even discuss sovereignty, the observers say the row seems only set to deepen over the coming months.
UK Prime Minister David Cameron suggested that the day be used to remember both the Argentine and British dead. In a statement, Cameron also said that he remains committed to upholding British sovereignty over the islands. British veterans of the war - and relatives of those who died - paid their respects at Britain's National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire. A single candle was lit to mark the anniversary and will remain alight for 74 days - the duration of the conflict.
Argentina's President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner was expected to visit the southern port of Ushuaia yesterday to remember Argentine soldiers who died in the war. She was also expected to lead rallies to commemorate the Argentine dead and to light an eternal flame devoted to their memory. Before she arrived, Argentine veterans held a vigil for the fallen. Last month, Argentina’s efforts to unite South America against the UK over the conflict gained momentum after some countries agreed to bar ships flying the Falkland’s flag from docking at their ports. In February, Argentina complained to the United Nations that Britain was militarising the conflict after sending a modern warship to the archipelago.
A total of 255 British and about 650 Argentine troops died after the UK sent a task force to the islands to combat the Argentine invasion on 2 April 1982. Britain has controlled the Falklands since 1833 but Argentina claims the territory - which it calls the Malvinas - saying it inherited rights to them from Spain.
