Presidents of the member states of Unasur. (Photo: Mercopress)

Unasur countries prevent entry of ships flying the Falklands flag

ARGENTINA
Monday, November 29, 2010, 22:20 (GMT + 9)

Member States of the Union of South American Nations (Unasur) have agreed not to allow boats to dock in their ports which are flying the "illegal flag of the Falkland Islands." They undertook to inform Argentina of the movement of oil tankers bound for the Islands.

The 12 member countries of Unasur signed a document on Friday committing themselves to adopt, in accordance with international law and domestic laws, all measures likely to be regulated to prevent entry into their ports of ships sailing under the flag of the Falklands.

Also, the countries which signed the agreement will notify the Government of Argentina "on those naval vessels or paths that include the Falklands, South Georgia and South Sandwich with cargo destined for hydrocarbon activities and/or illegal mining on the continental shelf of Argentina and thereby preventing or avoiding that such activities take place."

In a statement, members of Unasur noted that this will "reaffirm what was said in earlier statements and reiterate their strong support for the legitimate rights of Argentina in the sovereignty dispute with the United Kingdom referred to in the Inquest into the Falkland Islands."

They also "remember the permanent regional interest that the Government of Argentina and the United Kingdom have to resume negotiations to find - as soon as possible - a peaceful and lasting solution to the sovereignty dispute."

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