Tue, 23 Feb 2010 07:33:42 GMT
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Argentina's neighbors have expressed support for Buenos Aires' ownership of the Falkland Islands despite Britain's plans for offshore oil drilling there.
At a meeting of Latin American and Caribbean countries, Argentina presented a statement that confirmed the backing of the present nations.
"The heads of state represented here reaffirm their support for the legitimate rights of the republic of Argentina in the sovereignty dispute with Great Britain," the statement read.
British oil exploration company, Desire Petroleum PLC, said Monday that it has started drilling for oil north of the islands, despite strong opposition from Argentina.
Earlier this week, Argentinean government formally objected to British-led drilling plans near the islands that lie around 500 kilometers off the coast of Argentina and almost 13,000 kilometers away from the UK.
Argentine President Cristina Fernandez said that her government has won the backing of regional leaders over the ownership of the South Atlantic islands, which Buenos Aires calls 'Las Malvinas.'
"In the name of our government and in the name of my people I am grateful ... for the support this meeting has given to our demands," Fernandez said.
Mexican President Felipe Calderon also confirmed the support of South American states, according to Argentine diplomatic sources.
Earlier on Sunday, Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez called on Queen Elizabeth II of Britain to leave the islands to Argentina, saying that the time of empires has long expired.
Chavez also warned that in the event of a war over the islands, Argentina would not be alone.
"The English are still threatening Argentina. Things have changed," Chavez continued. "If conflict breaks out, be sure Argentina will not be alone like it was back then."
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