The head of the Falkland Islands government has accused Donald Trump of using the territory as a political “pawn” to lash out at Britain. Dr Andrea Clausen, chief executive of the Falkland Islands Government, said the US President had insulted islanders by using sovereignty to “play games” with the territory’s future.
The comments follow a leaked Pentagon memo suggesting US support for British sovereignty over the Falklands could be used as leverage after the UK refused to take part in offensive strikes against Iran. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio played down the leak, calling it “just an email”.
Dr Clausen told The Telegraph: “There are a lot of big games being played by a lot of people, and we might be a very useful pawn for somebody.” She added: “It demonstrates a complete lack of respect and understanding for other people on this planet who are just quietly trying to get on.”
Argentina, which has long claimed the Falklands and invaded in 1982, responded by calling for talks with the UK. Foreign minister Pablo Quirno said Argentina was willing to resume negotiations for a peaceful solution to the sovereignty dispute.
Downing Street reaffirmed the UK’s position, stating the Falklands had voted overwhelmingly to remain a British overseas territory and that the right to self-determination was not in question. The Falkland Islands government said it had “complete confidence” in the UK’s commitment to defend that right.
