THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Cristina Kirchner, the Argentine president, attacked Britain's "absurd" stance towards the Falklands Islands on Monday night as she accused the UK of colonialism on the 30th anniversary of her country's invasion of the disputed archipelago.
Imploring David Cameron to renegotiate the sovereignty of the islands, she said it was an "injustice" for the UK to try to retain control over what she described as a "colonial enclave" 14,000 km away.
She also accused Britain of exploiting Argentina's environment and natural resources.
Speaking at a memorial service at the Monument to the Fallen in Ushuaia, Patagonia, Mrs Kirchner said: "It's an injustice that in the 21st century colonial enclaves still exist in the world – and ten of the 16 that remain belong to the UK.
"It's absurd that they maintain sovereignty over islands that are 14,000 km away. The Falklands are a national, South American and global cause. All Argentina is asking for is dialogue."
Appearing in front of a giant wall adorned with a map of the islands and a cenotaph that names the 649 Argentine soldiers who died in the 74-day conflict, Mrs Kirchner made reference to the British companies that have been prospecting for oil in the South Atlantic.
"The UK is taking our resources and damaging our environment," she said. "They need to recognise what is Argentine territory." » | Jonathan Gilbert in Buenos Aires | Monday, April 02, 2012
