Peru backs Argentina over Malvinas

Falklands/Malvinas Islands (file photo).

Source: Press TV
http://www.presstv.ir/detail/223010.html

Peru says it supports Argentina against Britain over the disputed Malvinas islands, which Britain claims as its own, calling it Falklands.

The Peruvian Foreign Minister, Rafael Roncagliolo, on Friday asserted that sovereignty Argentina claims over the Malvinas Islands, saying that "The recovery of Malvinas Islands on part of Argentina is a fact that joins countries like Pero, which takes ahead an integration policy.”

Roncagliolo reiterated “It [the Malvinas islands] is part of our identity; there is a piece of colonial territory in these islands that still remains in South America".

The Peruvian minister further said that if Argentina requested, his country is ready to take action towards Argentina's case.

Britain on Tuesday reiterated its tough stance over the disputed islands, with the foreign secretary warning South American countries not to 'collude' with Argentina to reclaim its occupied territory.

Britain's response came after the South American Mercosur -- including Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay and Paraguay -- agreed to ban boats sailing under the Falklands flag from docking at certain ports.

Malvinas, located about 250 nautical miles from Argentina, has been a British colony for over 180 years. However, Argentina also claims sovereignty over the territory as it controlled the islands prior to its colonization by the British. Moreover, the two countries fought a destructive 74-day war over the islands in 1982.