War of words heats up over Falkland Islands

DOWNING Street has accused Argentina of pursuing a “policy of confrontation” over the Falkland Islands, after reports suggested the South American state’s government was calling on companies to stop importing goods from the UK.

Prime Minister David Cameron’s official spokesman said that the Argentine move was “counter-productive”. The Foreign Office is raising the issue with the Argentine embassy.

Argentine state news agency Telam yesterday reported that industry minister Debora Giorgi has called on the country’s top companies to replace imports from the UK with goods produced elsewhere.

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Her initiative marks the latest escalation of the confrontation over the islands as the 30th anniversary of the Falklands War approaches. Buenos Aires has complained to the United Nations of British “militarisation” of the south Atlantic, following the deployment of a new Royal Navy warship to the Falklands.

Meanwhile, former Pink Floyd star Roger Waters, 68, has said the Falkland Islands should belong to Argentina, according to a TV presenter who interviewed him. Chilean host Amaro Gomez- Pablos claimed Waters made the comments in an interview to be broadcast in his country today.