LONDON — A British oil exploration company said Monday it began drilling near the Falkland Islands, a development that could worsen tensions between Britain and Argentina, which fought a war over the islands nearly three decades ago.
Desire Petroleum PLC said it started drilling for oil about 60 miles north of the disputed Falkland Islands, despite strong opposition from Argentina. The country claims the south Atlantic islands as its own and calls them Las Malvinas.
“The well is being drilled to an estimated target depth of circa 3,500 meters,” the company said. “Drilling operations are expected to take approximately 30 days.”
Argentina lost a seven-week war over the islands to Britain in 1982 and the two countries have since pledged to resolve their differences peacefully. But moves to begin exploiting what could be lucrative reserves of oil and gas around the islands have sent tensions soaring.
The dispute over the Falklands dates back to the 19th century, when the islands were seized by the British. Argentina has sought their return ever since, invading in April 1982 and holding them until June, when British forces retook the territory.
As the drilling platform made its way to the islands, Argentine President Cristina Fernandez decreed that any ship traveling to or from the islands must get prior permission from her country — a requirement Britain told captains to ignore.
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