Argies, Chile vs. Brits over Antarctic claim

Southern Cone neighbors Argentina and Chile have each strongly criticized the U.K. due to the British government’s plans to extend their sovereignty over Antarctic seabeds. The territory is very valuable because of its vast oil and gas reserves, yet all three countries have issued previous claims over the land.

Argentine foreign minister Jorge Taiana warned that his country will try to thwart Britain by applying for sovereignty over the ocean floor around Antarctica as well as the Falkland Islands.

Meanwhile, Chile's Foreign Ministry issued a statement saying that Britain should honor the 1959 Antarctic Treaty that prohibits extracting fuels in the Antarctic:

Chile "reiterates its full adherence to the purposes of the Antarctic Treaty and is confident that they will continue to rule the actions of all member countries," the communique said. Extracting fuels in Antarctica is currently prohibited by the treaty.

Despite the opposition (including from environmentalists), a spokesperson from Britain’s Foreign Office defended the claim as a “safeguard (to) our interests”.

Image- Telegraph.co.uk

Sources- Reuters, International Herald Tribune, The Latin Americanist, Guardian UK