Falkland Islands: Argentina To Court Scottish Support As Salmond Plans Referendum

Argentina To Court Scotland Over Falklands Claim

Argentina is to attempt to forge an alliance with an independent Scotland as part of its campaign to claim to the Falkland Islands, it has been reported.

As Alex Salmond makes plans for a referendum on independence, Argentina is considering sending a delegation of officials to Scotland.

According to The Sun, president Cristina Kirchner's political aide Carlos Kunkel said yesterday: "We are analysing the possibility of sending a delegation."

Argentina reportedly plans to time the visit to coincide with the 700th anniversary of the Battle of Bannockburn in 2014. The landmark date marks the triumph of Robert the Bruce over the English in 1314, dramatised most famously (but somewhat inaccurately) in the film Braveheart.

Salmond intends to hold a referendum on Scottish Independence during the celebrations of the country's victory over the English.

And with tensions ramping up between Britain and Argentina, it seems the Scottish first minister is not the only one that hope to take advantage of the emotionally charged event.

Accusations of colonialism have been flying from both sides ahead of the 30th anniversary of the Falklands conflict. The Argentinians, who know the islands as “Islas Malvinas” continue to claim them as their own.

However Argentine plans to identify with those in favour of Scottish independence is somewhat controversial in light of the number of Scottish soldiers that died during the Falklands conflict.

The 25th anniversary of the end of the war took place in Edinburgh, with wreaths placed on the Scottish National War Memorial to commemorate the 255 British that died in the fighting.

Arbroath-based 45 Commando and the 2nd Battalion of the Scots Guards were posted to the Falklands during the conflict, and lost 15 soldiers.

As the relationship between Argentina and Britain continues to remain taught over the question of the Falklands, take a look at a timeline of the most recent events:

Close

What's Hot