Argentine media on Falklands row
- Published
Argentine President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner's speech on Wednesday, in which she said her country would complain to the United Nations about British "militarisation" around the disputed Falkland Islands (Malvinas) has generated lively debate in the country's press.
Many commentators see Mrs Kirchner's move as a step in the right direction but say she has come up with few practical measures to resolve the row.
Others say Mrs Kirchner should arrange talks with the British side as soon as possible.
Ricardo Kirschbaum in Clarin
The announcements on the Malvinas were not up to the expectations … As on many other occasions, the intention that prevailed was that of making a political impact rather than an explicit state policy.
Mario Wainfeld in Pagina 12
The message was far from offering thundering measures that had been rumoured in the media… Serene and meticulous in state matters, the president confirmed a correct political direction, opening the game to the opposition and civil society representatives. The British response is likely to be obvious and arrogant in the short-term. However, the increasing international isolation and strengthening of Argentina's position in forums of all types speak of progress - gradual, certainly very laborious, but in the right direction.
Joaquin Morales Sola in La Nacion
More gestures than actions… Although all the announcements were right, it is difficult to understand why so much noise was made about so little... David Cameron faces internal problems and perhaps, as Argentine officials allege, he reached for the Malvinas to distract public opinion. If this is true, Cristina Kirchner should take care not to follow his steps. Malvinas have already been abused and it has never resulted in anything good.
Eduardo van der Kooy in Clarin
Cristina's administration is not the first Argentine government after the lost war to make condemnations along these lines. But in the current circumstances, the move is justified: a six-week stay on the islands by Prince William, sending a modern destroyer to the area and ravings of the British Prime Minister David Cameron sound like good reasons.
Joaquin Morales Sola in La Nacion
Perhaps the most substantial part of Cristina Kirchner's speech was when she extended a hand and once again offered negotiations to British Prime Minister David Cameron. That was the best decision the president has made since the new escalation of tension with London. She could have done something more concrete than a beautiful phrase (Give peace a chance) and instruct the new ambassador in London, Alicia Castro, who was just a few meters away, to request an immediate round of negotiations from the British government. It is time that one of the two governments takes a concrete step towards dialogue, beyond political microphones.
Editorial in English-language Buenos Aires Herald
Still less is her government in combat mode over the South Atlantic where prudence remains the dominant note. The government's attitude could perhaps be summarized as a determination to keep the pebble in the shoe without being seen to throw any stones... It would be highly naive to ignore the battleground potential of either the South Atlantic or trade unionism but while there are any signs of the various sides thinking along the lines of "give peace a chance", why not give them the chance to think that way?
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- Published8 February 2012
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- Published8 February 2012
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