According to a statement from the Argentine embassy in London, Mr Filmus's
brief will include: "Bilateral actions, negotiations, strategies and
co-ordination of actions with all countries to defend the Argentine rights
and interests at the multilateral levels, as well as the promotion of
Argentine rights worldwide."
Falklanders in the grounds of Christchurch Cathedral in Stanley
celebrate the 98 percent Yes vote
Hector Timerman, the Argentinian foreign minister, said the appointment was "historic".
"Never before in Argentina's history has this matter, a question of
territorial integrity, occupied such an important place in a government and
we are very pleased that the president has elected none other than Daniel
Filmus as secretary", he said.
Taking up the position, Mr Filmus said: "It is unacceptable that in the
21st century Argentina is unable to take decisions over its entire territory
and that a part of this territory is being occupied by a colonial power."
The Foreign Office said: “We are aware of the appointment of Daniel Filmus,
but this does not affect our position nor the position of the Falkland
Islands people, who voted to remain British by 99.8 per cent in last year’s
referendum.
"The UK has no doubt about its sovereignty over the Falkland Islands and
surrounding maritime areas, nor about the Falkland Islanders’ right to
decide their own future, the right of self-determination as enshrined in the
UN Charter and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.”
Diplomatic rhetoric over the windswept territory in the South Atlantic soared
to fever pitch in 2012 – the year that marked the 30th anniversary of the
Falklands conflict. Argentina invaded the islands in April 1982,
leading to a 74-day conflict that left 649 Argentinians, 255 Britons and
three Falkland Islanders dead.
There are currently ongoing oil
exploration efforts in the waters surrounding the islands.
Argentina has made several demands for sovereignty at the United Nations, and
has received support from other South American countries.
Buenos Aires has launched several recent diplomatic and verbal attacks on
Britain, including referring to Prince William as a "conquistador"
during his tour of duty in the islands with the Royal Air Force in February
2012.
In his Christmas message last month, David
Cameron, the Prime Minister, promised to defend the Falkland Islands after a "momentous"
year in which residents voted to remain a British overseas
territory.
"2013 will be remembered as a momentous year in the history of the
Falkland Islands," Cameron said.
"So as we look to 2014, you can count on the British government's
continued support in countering the Argentine government's campaign to claim
the islands' resources and to inflict damage on your economy."
Mr Cameron said Argentina's attempts to damage the islands' economy involved
recent "shameful attempts to discourage hydrocarbons exploration"
in Falklands waters.
Mr Timerman responded
last week by mocking Britain as an impotent colonial aggressor on
the wrong side of history in the Falklands dispute, insisting it will not be
cowed by "verbal and military threats" as "the lion roars but
does not inspire fear".
Open all references in tabs: [1 - 3]