What is Falklands dispute between Argentina and UK?

• Argentina has asked the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) to order the United Kingdom to halt an offshore oil project near the Falkland Islands (also known as the Islas Malvinas).

• Buenos Aires wants the Sea Lion development in the North Malvinas Basin stopped while an arbitration case launched by Argentina on September 28 is under way. 

• It also wants London to refrain from steps that could aggravate the dispute, such as granting new permits.

• Tensions have risen in recent weeks, after President Javier Milei gave London a two-week ultimatum over the project, announcing tougher measures against any companies involved in oil and gas exploration around the islands.

Key Facts on Falkland Islands:

• The Falkland Islands are situated in the South Atlantic, some 400 miles from the South American mainland and 850 miles north of the Antarctic Circle.

• The Falkland Islands are an archipelago, consisting of two main islands (East and West Falkland) and 778 smaller islands, with a total area of approximately 4,700 sqm.

• It is a British Overseas Territory with full internal self-government.

• Stanley is the capital of the Falkland Islands.

• Fisheries are the most important economic activity.

• In 2009, a new Constitution was established which provides enhanced local democracy, internal self-government and enshrines the right of self-determination. In 2013, the people held a referendum which was overseen by international observers, where 99.8 per cent of the electorate voted to remain a British Overseas Territory.

• Argentina believes the Falklands were illegally taken from it in 1833 and invaded the British colony in 1982. 

• The United Kingdom sent troops and Argentina lost the two-month war for the South Atlantic archipelago in a conflict that claimed the lives of 649 Argentines and 255 British soldiers.

• Argentina still claims the islands. London says the Falklands are a self-governing entity under its protection.

• The UN lists the Falkland Islands as a non-self-governing territory and has long urged both sides to negotiate. 

• Buenos Aires seeks to resume bilateral negotiations over the islands. 

• London says the islanders have the right to determine their own future and no discussion over sovereignty can occur without their consent.

What is International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS)?

• The International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) is an independent judicial body established by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) to adjudicate disputes arising out of the interpretation and application of the Convention. 

• The Tribunal is composed of 21 independent members, elected from among persons enjoying the highest reputation for fairness and integrity and of recognised competence in the field of the law of the sea.

• No two members may be nationals of the same State and in the Tribunal as a whole it is necessary to assure the representation of the principal legal systems of the world and equitable geographical distribution.

• The Tribunal has jurisdiction over any dispute concerning the interpretation or application of the Convention, and over all matters specifically provided for in any other agreement which confers jurisdiction on the Tribunal. 

• Disputes relating to the Convention may concern the delimitation of maritime zones, navigation, conservation and management of the living resources of the sea, protection and preservation of the marine environment and marine scientific research.

• The Tribunal is open to States Parties to the Convention (i.e. States and international organisations which are parties to the Convention).