Argentine pressure on the Falklands increases as the 30th anniversary of the conflict draws near

Sukey Cameron MBE, Falkland Islands Government UK 

Thirty years ago Argentina invaded the Falkland Islands in a bid to claim the territory as its own. 

The history of the islands is as much in dispute as the land itself.

The Argentine's claim that they were forceably removed from the islands in 1833.

The British maintain that the residents chose not to stay, and that their claim to the islands is legitimate.

With 9 generations of Falkland Islanders, and a population that are 90% British, residents today request that Argentina and its South American allies respect their right to self determination.

However, with the anniversary of the conflict approaching Argentina is saying that the UK is acting as a colonial power, and that military exercises described by the UK as 'routine' are an act of aggression.

Argentine president Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner isn't threatening the use of force, but this week the bar on Falklands ships entering ports in Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay and Chile has extended to the Carribean.

The Falklands conflict - a documentary

There is also the prospect of the once a week flight from Chile to the Falklands being suspended, further isolating the Falklands from its neighbours.

Sukey Cameron MBE, Falkland Islands Government UK representative told me about the history of the islands, and we discussed the past present and future of the islands including the challenges the government face today.

Photograph reproduced with permission of Falklands Government UK