06th March 2010
Argentina and Britain join forces over oil exploration

Twenty eight years ago Margaret Thatcher took an arbitrary decision to contest the decision of the Galteri Administration of Argentina in their quest to occupy the Falkland Islands. To the surprise of the Argentineans, Britain stuck to its decision by mounting a military attack with victory on their side. Wars are won and lost at first sight but one must review the subsequent consequences to appreciate the bottom-line of these decisions.
Today, while the world struggles under a devastating financial meltdown, we witness another military confrontation rearing its head as Britain commences drilling operations in Argentinean waters in search of the 60 billion barrels of oil within that sea bed. Minerals are usually responsible for conflicts, as nations remain on the prowl for valuable commodities at all times. Whatever the results may be, commonsense and understanding should seldom be ignored. Within the past week, the British and Argentineans have finally engaged themselves cordially and in principle a decision to be equal partners in the oil revenue has been reached. We wish to applaud both parties for their significant accomplishment for more reasons than one. Both Argentina and Britain are cash strapped and this development can certainly make a huge difference to their respective treasuries.
Argentina can benefit from British expertise and the opportunity for bilateral trade will be enhanced. Argentina is now part of the new Latin American Initiative promoted by Venezuela, Brazil, Peru and others and with some luck, Britain may no longer be despised by that group, however, we remain cautiously optimistic in respect to Mr Chavez who has his own agenda at this time. Regardless, however, of any indirect advantage, the fact that Argentina and Britain have joined forces is a step in the right direction and this will augur well for the Region