Ankara:The UK has pledged to "stand firm" against challenges to its sovereignty over the Falkland Islands, a move that prompted a swift response from Argentina at the UN General Assembly. Buenos Aires reiterated its claim to the archipelago, labeling it an "illegal occupation."

According to Anadolu Agency, British Prime Minister Andy Burnham addressed world leaders during the General Debate of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly, emphasizing the importance of upholding the UN charter and the rule of law. He stated that the UK would resist any threats to the rule of law, including those against British territories like the Falkland Islands.

In response, the Argentine delegation insisted that the islands, known in Argentina as the Malvinas Islands, along with South Georgia, the South Sandwich Islands, and surrounding maritime areas, are Argentine territory. They argued that British forces expelled legitimate Argentine authorities in 1833, violating international law, and asserted that the archipelago is still "illegally occupied" by the UK.

The Argentine mission referred to UN General Assembly Resolution 2065 and statements by the Special Committee on Decolonization, expressing a willingness to engage in bilateral negotiations for a peaceful resolution and urging the UK to meet its decolonization responsibilities. Additionally, they cited Resolution 39/49, urging the UK to avoid unilateral actions that could alter the situation while the dispute is under multilateral consideration.

The territorial dispute over the British-controlled islands, about 483 kilometers east of Argentina‚s coast, has gained attention due to offshore hydrocarbon projects nearing production. Argentina has recently filed a criminal complaint in federal court against several international energy companies, accusing them of illegal resource exploitation under British licenses in the North Malvinas Basin.