Falklands : Argentine Falklands’ sanctions could backfire
Submitted by Falkland Islands News Network (Juanita Brock) 17.02.2010 (Article Archived on 10.03.2010)
An Editorial by J. Brock (FINN) Argentina could stitch itself up in similar legislation but should also expect a difficult time rectifying the ramifications of poorly thought-out bullying.
Argentine Falklands’ sanctions could backfire
An Editorial by J. Brock (FINN)
The Argentine government has signed a decree saying that ships sailing between its ports and the Falklands, South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands need prior permission. Many papers describe what is happening as a deepening row but this could end up backfiring on the very people who have instituted the sanctions.
A British Embassy spokesman said that the way in which Argentina applies its laws within Argentine territory is a matter for Argentina ... the United Kingdom has no doubts about its sovereignty over the Falkland Islands and the surrounding maritime area.
What has happened from a business point of view is the institution of another layer of decision making when opting to trade with Britain and/or with Argentina. Businesses like the path of least resistance when it comes to rules, regulations, licences, taxes and other fees.
There is only so much business that can be done in the South-west Atlantic and if any business is to prosper it should be done in unity with neighbours. Effectively the area’s shipping business has been cut in half. Whether one or the other half succeeds or fails depends on the quality of hydrocarbons reserves in the North, East and South Falklands’ Basins. If the results are as expected or better than expected the ships will come regardless of what goes on in Argentine territory. Sanctions meant to isolate the Falklands could isolate Argentine ports instead.
FINN agrees that Argentine law applied in their own territory is their concern. Argentina could stitch itself up in similar legislation but should also expect a difficult time rectifying the ramifications of poorly thought-out bullying.
|
