“We are well accustomed to threats from Argentina and the British Government, which is responsible for our foreign policy, has reaffirmed the British sovereignty of the Islands,” the Falkland Islands government spokesperson said in response to questions tabled by Offshore247.com
Although the spokesman declined to comment on whether or not the British military presence has changed since the Argentine re-tatement of its sovereignty claim, and instead referred such questions to the UK Ministry of Defence, she said planning for the drilling campaign is going ahead.
“Legislation for the drilling is in place,” the spokesperson said. “The Ocean Guardian oil rig is nearly on location. All the equipment required for the drilling operation is in place here in the Falklands and we fully expect, weather permitting, for drilling to commence on the published start date.”
And asked if the Argentine re-statement of its claim over the Islands could impact logistical arrangements to supply the Ocean Guardian during the drilling campaign, the spokesperson added: “[It is] Doubtful whether companies would plan to use Argentina, however the logistics of the drilling operation is a matter for them.”
