ARGENTINA: Veterans of 1982 Falklands War speak out in support of decision to ban two British cruise liners

Record ID: 446827

  • Title: ARGENTINA: Veterans of 1982 Falklands War speak out in support of decision to ban two British cruise liners
  • Date: 29th February 2012
  • Summary: USHUAIA, ARGENTINA (FILE) (REUTERS) VARIOUS OF SHIPS IN THE PORT
  • Embargoed: 15th March 2012 12:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: Argentina, Argentina
  • Country: Argentina
  • Topics: International Relations,Politics
  • Reuters ID: LVA9X9FXX2IG7X3EKWORRLILJNWP
  • Story Text: Argentine veterans of the 1982 Falklands War spoke out in support of their country's decision to banning two British cruise liners docking in the southern port of Ushuaia.
    Nestor Oscar Aquilar, who worked in a military rescue squad during the conflict, likened the ban to veterans feeling they could not freely visit the Argentine cemetery of the Falklands, which they call the Malvinas.
    "The impediment of an English boat that cannot enter our lands or our seas, it is exactly the same as when we, the veterans of the Malvinas [Falkands] war, wanted to go to honour our dead at Darwin Cemetery [on the Falklands]. We were investigated and practically disabled. We could not walk in the place that we had trodden on to defend, where we had shed blood and where our companions remains rest, those who we miss and want to honour. The government of Great Britain does not allow us free access, not even in a periodic form, nor to get close to our loved ones. And so, coming from a place like Argentina, I approve [of the decision on banning British ships]," said Aquilar.
    The Star Princess cruise liner, which had previously docked in Buenos Aires earlier in February, was prohibited from docking in the southern port of Ushuaia, capital of Tierra del Fuego province. Other news reports said a second cruise ship, the Adonia, had also been refused entry.
    The ships were apparently denied entry because they had visited the Falklands in recent days. Argentine officials have made no official comment on the issue.
    "Really, from my heart, I, Nestor Oscar Aguilar, a veteran of the Falklands War, consider it good that we are impeding the passing of whatever boat, plane or English person until we have peacefully defined the conditions and so they clearly know that the Falklands are Argentine," said Aquilar.
    Tensions have risen before the 30th anniversary of the Falklands conflict this year.
    London has refused to start talks on sovereignty with Buenos Aires unless the 3,000 islanders want them.
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