The United Kingdom rejected the international arbitration requested by Argentina over the exploitation in the Malvinas Islands

The United Kingdom rejected the international arbitration requested by Argentina to halt oil exploitation in the Malvinas Islands and described the action as a deliberate attempt to "undermine the prosperity and economic security of a self-governing people." "The people of the Falkland Islands have freely and democratically chosen their future, and they have every right to develop and manage their natural resources without intimidation, coercion, or interference from third parties," wrote Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Overseas Territories, Uma Kumaran. For the British official, the country's decision to initiate arbitration constitutes "the latest attempt to undermine the rights and livelihoods of the Islanders." She also stated that hydrocarbons-related activities in the territory are regulated by Falklands' British legislation and are carried out "in full compliance with international law." On the other hand, she indicated that this week the British government told Foreign Minister Pablo Quirno that "efforts to obstruct lawful economic activity in the Islands do not constitute the acts of a responsible international relationship." The Sea Lion project began following the discovery of oil in the Malvinas. Archive "These are deliberate attempts to undermine the prosperity and economic security of a self-governing people. This behavior raises questions about Argentina's reliability as a partner of the United Kingdom," she said. She also reaffirmed that the United Kingdom will continue to stand "shoulder to shoulder" with the Falklands' British government and its inhabitants. "We will firmly defend their wishes, their economy, and their right to determine their own future. As the Prime Minister has made clear, our support is unwavering," she concluded. Developing story — Malvinas Islands — United Kingdom