Argentina has been criticised after issuing a fresh threat over the Falkland Islands as it intensifies its sovereignty claim over the British archipelago. President Javier Milei accused the UK of illegally plundering resources through a major oil scheme.
The Sea Lion oil project was put forward by London-based Rockhopper Exploration and Israel-based Navitas Petroleum (NPDP), with a reported projected cost of £1.55 billion. The field was discovered in 2010, and phases one and two of the operation have been approved by the Falkland Islands Government, which has granted exploitation licences valid for 35 years.
President Milei's arbitration threat
On September 28, Milei posted on X: "DEFENDING WITH FACTS. I instructed the Foreign Ministry and our legal teams to initiate international arbitration against the United Kingdom for the illegal plundering of our resources through the Sea Lion Project in the North Malvinas Basin. If in 2 weeks the United Kingdom does not halt the illegitimate exploitation, we will go to the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea."
He added: "THE MALVINAS ARE ARGENTINE and they are defended with facts, not words. VLLC!!!" The International Tribunal is an independent body in Hamburg responsible for the application of the United Nations' Convention on the Law of the Sea.
Firm responds to threats
A spokesman for NPDP told The Express: "We are working in full compliance with all applicable law and are in very close contact with the government in the FI. We expect the FCDO to respond appropriately to Argentina’s illegitimate threats against both Falklands / UK businesses and individuals as we continue to develop the project and ensure that it remains on track."
The move follows a warning in April, when Milei said his government "will respond with all necessary diplomatic measures" to protect the country's interests in the face of the project. He added: "We act with determination against unilateral and illegitimate activities that seek to exploit resources belonging to the Argentine people."
Falklands officials back project
Jack Ford MLA, Chair of the Falkland Islands' Legislative Assembly, previously told The Express that the territory is pursuing a "very ambitious" infrastructure policy. Regarding the Sea Lion scheme, he said: "I think it is a positive thing for the long-term economic future of the Falklands, and that long-term economic stability."
When asked if large-scale projects of this nature could mean Argentina sees the islands as a more valuable asset, Mr Ford said: "We're always mindful of all potential risks as part of the project." He added: "We're working closely with the UK government on this project, and the work required to ensure its success, and we'll continue to do so."
