Latin American Solidarity

As the 30th anniversary of the Falklands Conflict approaches tensions increase in Latin America. In a display of solidarity with Argentina over the Falklands question, the Peruvian government has cancelled a visit by the Royal Navy frigate HMS Montrose.

Peru frigate snub fuels Falklands row

By Neil Lancefield, The Independent

A visit by a Royal Navy frigate to Peru has been cancelled by the hosts in a display of solidarity with Argentina over the Falklands.

HMS Montrose was due to visit the country later this week but the Peruvian government has withdrawn its welcome for the ship.

Foreign minister Rafael Roncagliolo told Peru-based news agency Andina: “This decision has been taken in the spirit of Latin American solidarity commitments undertaken in the framework of Unasur (Union of South American Nations) with regard to the legitimate rights of Argentina in the sovereignty dispute over the Falkland Islands, South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands and the surrounding waters.”

The UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) said officials could have raised the issue with Foreign Office Minister Jeremy Browne when he visited the country last week.

A spokesman said: “HMS Montrose was scheduled to make a short visit to Peru as part of a routine deployment to the region.

“This was agreed as an act……….[access full article]