UK & World News
- 14 April 2012, 13:24
Falklands On Agenda At Americas Summit
The ongoing dispute between Britain and Argentina over the Falklands Islands will be one of the central issues at this weekend's Summit of the Americas.
The conference brings together almost all the presidents of North America and Latin America in the Colombian port city of Cartagena.
Argentina will find a sympathetic audience among fellow Latin American countries to their claim to the Falklands.
"This is a very important issue for Argentina 30 years after the Malvinas (Falklands) war and we will make progress on this issue and see how we can help," said Colombia's foreign minister Maria Holguin.
She added that the continent was unified in believing "the solution must come through talks between Argentina and Great Britain".
US President Barack Obama is due to meet Argentine President Cristina Fernandez, and it is expected the pair will discuss the Falklands.
Bolivia's President Evo Morales has demanded the US make a stand and back Argentina's claim to the islands.
"We hope that the United States will adhere to the request of all the states and people of America and reaffirm the Falklands are Argentine, that the Falklands belong to America."
The other major issue to be discussed at the summit is the continued war on drugs.
All of the world's cocaine is produced in three Andean countries - Colombia, Peru and Bolivia.
Colombia has suffered waves of narcotic-related violence and parts of Central America and Mexico - important routes for cocaine on its way to the world's biggest consumer, the United States - have become virtual war zones as drug cartels battle for control of the lucrative business.
"Colombia has suffered the plague of drugs for years," said Colombian president Juan Manuel Santos.
"Central America is everyday more invaded by organised crime and for these reasons, it's necessary to grab the bull by the horns and start a discussion, if only to see if we can discover if there's a better way to attack it."
Mr Santos has compared the war on drugs, which was first announced under former US president Richard Nixon, to riding on an exercise bike - one pedals furiously but goes nowhere.
Guatemala's president has offered a number of alternatives to the current focus, including the decriminalisation of drugs or paying compensation to the transit countries for all the drugs they seize by the consuming countries of Europe and the US.
The US ambassador in Colombia has said his country welcomes a discussion on the issue, but analysts believe the US is unlikely to agree to any major change in how the war on drugs is prosecuted.
Meanwhile, before the sixth Summit of the Americas had even begun, a number of US Secret Service agents tasked with protecting President Obama were relieved of duty after allegations of misconduct.
Details of the claims have not been confirmed, but there are reports the accusations relate to prostitutes in Cartagena.
what do you think?
Dorrien Phillips
How many times does the UK have to tell Argentina that it's the choice of the residents of the Falklands that want to remain British...no matter how many times the Argentinians claim the Islands, its the residents choice..
PRUDENCE EELY
I just hope the US keeps out of the ridiculous idea that the Falklands belongs to Argentina.Maybe the Argies relish another skirmish with UK? if so bring it on. Methinks the rich mineral assets are the main reason Argentina wants to claim the islands, nothing more nothing less.
Elvin Eastwood
it is for the islanders of the falkland to decide for them selves thay live there the argis dont. looking at the aregentine history there not grown up enough to run there own country without interfering in other countrys.
Windows Live User
Can you imagine the horror to the people of the FALKLANDS should Britain turn it's back on them and deny them the right to be British, but instead tell them you are now Argentinian. They would never forgive nor forget The defence of the FALKLANDS was Thatcher's only great moment, so make no bones about it Cameron this could be your moment to shine too. As it has been said before on this blog, many times, the argies have no right or claim on the FALKLANDS. Squeezing suppoort out of the other South American countries is wrong! The Islanders have a right to decide their own future and that decision is to go with Britain
johnmstg42ml
Totally agree The Falklands should stay British as long as they wish to remain a British protectorate. As for Thatchers greatest moment, an orchestrated war to win an election.
Roger Siviter
How did she manage to persuade Argentina to go to war against us?
PRUDENCE EELY
The country of Argentina has much to hang it's head very low. Not only did it side with Germany during World War two but after the War it sheltered so many Concentration camp muderers. US shoulsd remember this right?
Roger Siviter
Argentina was neutral during both world wars!
Jonathan Goodwin-Self
Cameron now wants to reduce the Armed forces on Argentina by 80%. He wants to cut the British Army down to the lowest level since 1066 and the Royal Navy down to 1215 and the RAF down to 1912. So our Armed forces will total about 110,000 and the MOD will total about 300,000. So our Armed forces will be the smallest in the entite world and our MOD will be the biggest. David Cameron is a traitor and should be arrested, charged with High Treason and exe cu ted
steve carew
Their own countries are ' virtual war zones ', most are under military/dictatorship rule of some sort, and they choose to discuss the Falklands......just about sums it up.
Edwin Griffith-Jones
As it has been said before on this blog, many times, the argies have no right or claim on the Falklands it has never belonged to them. Why has the USA allowed this item on the Agenda - it will be very interesting to hear his comments when this is discussed. Anyone betting he will agree with this item!!!
Adrian Wagstaff
"Take the dog for a walk, Adrian." "Cut the grass, Adrian." "Get your room tidied, Adrian." "Wash the pots, Adrian." "Wash your car, Adrian." "You should set some of your 25 pounds Youth Opportunity Program allowance per week aside for your future, for clothes, for car tax, insurance, MOT and spend some of it on having fun like holidays." "Listen, Adrian, pal, once all your mum's money has been spent on her old age care, you'll hardly have any left. That's how it goes."
John Henderson
12:54pm on 14/4/2012
The USA is being asked to "make a stand and back Argentina's claim to the Islands". That should do no end of good for the so-called "special relationship", if indeed such a thing exists. My understanding of this relationship seems to be one of "one-way" traffic - extradition treaty as just one glaring example. Tell the Argies where to go in no uncertain terms - the USA can like it or lump it, it has nothing to do with them. In any case they have plenty on their hands trying to sort out their huge drug problem etc etc.
Name witheld
1:43pm on 14/4/2012
This comment has been removed for violations of our Terms and Conditions.
Gordon Wright
1:45pm on 14/4/2012
The Americans were in a very difficult position during the Falklands war of 1982 since they were declared allies of both countries. It is however, untrue to state that the US did not help the UK during the war. After prolonged attempts to find a peaceful solution to the dispute, the US publicly announced that it favoured Britain's position. The Americans then provided detailed satellite information and also provided the British armed forces with the latest version of the Sidewinder air to air missile. This undoubtedly saved many British lives during the conflict.
Windows Live User
1:55pm on 14/4/2012
I fully agree. America should do no such thing. Standing along with the Argies is wrong. America have an island far removed from their mainland called Hawaii. It is mid Pacific so keep that in mind Obama Let the Falkanders make their own decision
stephen
3:46pm on 14/4/2012
Gordon wright every thing you say is true. i remember as well
Richard Futter
3:57pm on 14/4/2012
The USA did help us (behind the scenes) they could not be seen to take sides but if u research you will find that they supplied us with info and due to defence cuts at the time they also supplied us with landing craft etc, We was lucky to win that fight, it was only due to the UK forces being better trained and willing to fight. Lets hope it dont flare up again , look at the strain on our forces , we cant even send air support if the argies invaded again .