OAS General Assembly adopts a new Declaration on the Question of the Malvinas Islands

On the last day of sessions, the 54th General Assembly of the Organization of American States (OAS) adopted, by acclamation, a Declaration on the Question of the Malvinas Islands.

At the fourth plenary session, after the statement delivered by the Head of the Argentine Delegation, Foreign Minister Diana Mondino, and those made by numerous member states of the Organization in support of Argentina's position, the Assembly adopted by acclamation a new Declaration on the Question of the Malvinas Islands that reaffirms, once again, the need for the Governments of the Argentine Republic and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland to resume, as soon as possible, negotiations on the sovereignty dispute, in order to find a peaceful solution to this protracted controversy. Likewise, it welcomes the reaffirmation of the will of the Argentine Government to continue exploring all possible avenues towards a peaceful settlement of the dispute and its constructive approach towards the inhabitants of the Malvinas Islands.

After the adoption, Foreign Minister Mondino conveyed her gratitude to her counterparts from the hemisphere and stated: "With the support of the unanimous sentiment of the Argentine people, I would like to highlight the historical solidarity of the American continent and express my thankfulness for the permanent support in the Malvinas Question."

In her statement, Mondino highlighted that the Question of the Malvinas Islands "is a key issue for all Argentines. Our National Constitution recognizes this. It is, therefore, an objective that transcends governments and constitutes a true State policy, in which all the political forces of my country agree."

She recalled that "the passage of time has not eroded the legitimacy of our claim and the strength of our sovereignty rights remains intact. "Our conviction that this long-standing dispute must be resolved through dialogue between both parties remains unwavering."

"None of the resolutions on the Malvinas Question adopted by the United Nations have ever included any reference to self-determination," she added. "The United Kingdom seeks to enforce this principle in favor of the British inhabitants of the Islands. The United Nations has referred in all its pronouncements to the 'interests' of the population of the islands and not to their 'desires'. Thus, the United Nations has confirmed that the right to self-determination is not applicable to the Question of the Malvinas Islands." The Minister highlighted that "that does not mean that Argentina is indifferent to the interests, well-being or prosperity of the islanders. Quite the contrary, our country has maintained and maintains a constructive attitude towards the inhabitants of the Malvinas, taking into account their interests and respecting their way of life, in accordance with our National Constitution and United Nations Resolution 2065."

"Since the inauguration of President Javier Milei, Argentina has sought to renew and deepen relations with the United Kingdom, exploring new areas for bilateral cooperation that lead to creating the necessary trust to advance towards the dialogue that the international community demands of both parties", she expressed.

In closing, she assured: "Argentina aspires that our region be recognized as an example of peace and dialogue among nations; in order to achieve this, it is necessary to find a solution to the sovereignty dispute over the Malvinas Islands."

During the following discussion of the matter in the General Assembly, numerous countries expressed their support for Argentina and recalled that this issue is also considered in other international and regional forums. The representative of Paraguay highlighted the Heads of State of MERCOSUR and Associated States' commitment to support the legitimate rights of the Argentine Republic in the Question of the Malvinas Islands. Honduras, for its part, highlighted the support of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) on this issue; and the Bolivian delegation referred to the support expressed by the Group of 77 and China. Finally, the Colombian delegation recalled the statement of the Ministers of Defense and Foreign Affairs of the Brasilia Consensus.

The delegations of Brazil, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Peru, Mexico, Panama, Suriname, Antigua and Barbuda, Chile, Ecuador, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, the Secretary General of the OAS supported in their statements the Argentine position, as well as Uruguay that also requested the adoption of the draft declaration by acclamation.

On the other hand, Foreign Minister Mondino took part in the High Level Meeting with the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), together with the Assistant Secretary-General of Foreign and Community Relations of the organization, Elizabeth Solomon.

The Minister highlighted that Argentina has always recognized the importance of consolidating strong ties with the nations of the Caribbean Community. "Our relationship is rooted in deep history and is based on shared struggles for independence, economic development, integration and a common vision for a more prosperous world. Argentina is willing to expand and deepen our ties, in all aspects," she stated.

She also recalled "the long-standing ties between Argentina and CARICOM. In 2024 we commemorate several anniversaries of the establishment of diplomatic relations: 50 years with Grenada and the Bahamas, and 60 with Trinidad and Tobago. Bilateral cooperation has been a key axis of our relationship in areas from education and healthcare to agriculture and cultural exchanges, and we share values ​​in regional and global forums."

"Our country has been a reliable trading partner for many CARICOM countries, particularly in the exchange of agricultural products. Argentina can offer food and related services at competitive prices but, above all, it can contribute to increasing local agricultural production," she added.

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