Falklands : Buenos Aires province bans all British Ships
Submitted by Falkland Islands News Network (Juanita Brock) 04.08.2012 (Article Archived on 18.08.2012)
The Province of Buenos Aires has now passed legislation banning all British ships from its ports. This is in answer partly to the acceptance of vessels flying the Red Ensign in lieu of the Falklands’ flag in South American ports.
Buenos Aires province bans all British Ships
By J. Brock (FINN)
The Province of Buenos Aires has now passed legislation banning all British ships from its ports. This is in answer partly to the acceptance of vessels flying the Red Ensign in lieu of the Falklands’ flag in South American ports. Thus far it is only Argentine ports that have affected the ban.
Islanders feel this is yet another attempt to ruin trade especially in the Fishing, Tourism and Hydrocarbons industries. Thus far it is not known what effect it will have on trade but it is felt amongst Islanders that the measure was taken because sanctions against the Falklands were not working as expected. The Hon Mr Mike Summers, MLA told FIRS that he feels the effect will be minimal.
The bill approved by provincial lawmakers in Buenos Aires, the country's most populous district, is aimed at keeping ships from obtaining supplies or raw materials in Argentina that could be used in energy exploration or the fishing industry off the Falklands.
In an official statement, "The law prohibits any ship with a U.K. flag or other flag of convenience that comes to the area of the Malvinas to explore or exploit natural resources from mooring, anchoring or getting logistical help," said the bill's sponsor, Patricia Cubria.
Gov. Daniel Sciol a member of the ruling Peronist party must sign the broadly backed into law. Other Argentine provinces with Atlantic Ocean ports have taken similar steps. The spokesperson said the measure would not affect cruise ships or other vessels used for tourism.
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