Amidst a strong controversy surrounding the issue, the Foreign Ministry banned the entry of the British ship into the Argentine Sea, which was seeking to conduct research in the area.
This decision sparked both internal debates and international tensions. The scientific vessel RRS James Cook was seeking permission to navigate in national waters for various purposes.
The rejection, led by Vice Chancellor Eduardo Bustamante, is based on strategic and environmental considerations, despite technical sectors of the government initially approving the project.
What was a British ship looking for in the Argentine Sea
At the beginning of the month, questions arose regarding an international request. The ship James Cook requested entry into local waters to collect oceanographic, biological, chemical, and physical data. It would also study ocean currents.
Although the Federal Fisheries Council (CFP) confirmed there were no impediments, nor alerted to illegal fishing, actors from the sector and civil society quickly expressed their opposition.
According to Act 23 of the CFP, which indicates that they received verbal notes “from the Embassy of the United Kingdom requesting authorization for the RRS James Cook ship”, it was stated that it would remain in the territory from December 26 to 30, 2024, and from January 2 to 30, 2025.
Following the decision, the British Embassy in Buenos Aires expressed its discontent, interpreting the decision as a “setback” in efforts to build a closer relationship.
This conflict also created divisions within the Argentine government itself. Some sectors believe that the prohibition sends a contradictory message regarding the country’s commitment to diplomacy and scientific research.
Controversy and diverging views
Why they opposed the entry of the British ship.
One of the most sensitive points of the issue is that the area also includes the Falklands, illegally occupied by the European country.
The CFP approved it by majority, while only the representative of Chubut expressed disagreement, with the agreement of the Buenos Aires representative.
While it is common for Argentina to authorize the entry of foreign ships into the maritime platform for this type of task in the name of scientific collaboration, it had not been done with one under the flag of the United Kingdom until now.
The representative of Chubut opposed the ship’s entry considering that seismic measurements, even for research, could affect the southern right whale. The province of Buenos Aires also supported this position.
Although it is a scientific vessel, the fact that it flies the British flag is what generates the most controversies and arguments against. Apart from environmental disturbance, others find economic, strategic, legal, and human reasons to outright reject its entry.
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