RUSSIA risks stoking tensions between Britain and Argentina after it sent four ships to the South Atlantic emblazoned with provocative names referring to the disputed Falkland Islands.
Argentina will use the Russian-made boats – which are all named after key strategic locations on the British territory – to patrol in waters surrounding the islands in an effort to defend its maritime borders.
The vessels include ARA ‘Islas Malvinas’ – the name Argentines use to refer to the archipelago – and ARA ‘Puerto Argentino’ – the Spanish name for the Falkland’s capital Port Stanley.
ARA ‘Estrecho de San Carlos’ – otherwise known as the Falkland Sound – and ARA ‘Bahía Agradable’ – or Bluff Cove in English – complete the new arrivals, which will be replacing older units scheduled for decommissioning in the coming years.
It is unclear whether Russia had any input in the names of the vessels but the terms are commonly used by Argentina to state its claim to the islands, which have been designated as British overseas territory for almost 200 years.
The ships will be used to defend Argentina’s maritime territory, including waters surrounding the Falkland Islands, MercoPress reports.
Full article: Falklands feud: Argentina welcomes Russian ships named after ‘Malvinas Islands’ in UK jibe (Express)
Global Geopolitics 