MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency
Germany denies change of policy regarding the Falklands dispute
“The activities of private companies cannot be attributed to the Federal Republic of Germany and have no international consequences,” said the spokesperson 
Argentina said Lufthansa asked for permission for two flights that are due to carry scientists from Hamburg to Mount Pleasant Complex in the Falklands 
Argentina said the German government also asked for its permission for the Polarstern research ship to dock in “Puerto Argentino” (Port Stanley) Germany said that its position on the Falkland Islands dispute has not changed, following claims by Argentina that Lufthansa's request for two flights to the Islands, in support of a polar research expedition, implied recognition of the archipelago as Argentine territory.
The Falkland Islands are a British Overseas Territory and Argentina claims sovereignty over the Malvinas alleging historic and territorial conditions plus support from the international community in different forae such as UN and OAS.
Germany's flag carrier said it made the over flight request to Argentine authorities because the normal route via Cape Town has been suspended due to the coronavirus pandemic.
A German foreign ministry spokesman said the federal government’s position on the Falkland Islands had not changed.
“The activities of private companies cannot be attributed to the Federal Republic of Germany and have no international consequences,” he said.
However the Argentine government said Lufthansa asked for permission for two flights that are due to carry scientists and logistical support staff from Hamburg to Mount Pleasant Complex in the Falklands, where they will continue onboard the ship RV Polarstern to Antarctica to conduct climate change research.
Argentina said the German government also asked for its permission for the RV Polarstern research ship to dock in Port Stanley, (Puerto Argentino) the capital of the British territory.
The two, 15-hour flights are scheduled for Feb. 1 and March 30.
Argentina’s Foreign Ministry said in a statement that Lufthansa had asked its civil aviation authority and regional authorities to fly over Argentina and use the Tierra del Fuego town of Ushuaia as an alternative airport should it be unable to land in the Falklands.
The Foreign Ministry said the German Embassy also asked for authorization from the Argentine Coast Guard for the RV Polarstern ship to enter “Puerto Argentino”.
“The relevance of Lufthansa’s request presented to the Argentine authorities is highlighted as it implies the recognition of the Malvinas Islands as part of Argentine territory,” the Foreign Ministry headed by Felipe Solá said. (Source Reuters)
Top Comments
Disclaimer & comment rules-
-
-
Read all commentsThink I suspect the truth is that the airline merely notified Arg Air Saftey authorities of the flight as the area down past Argentina and outside territorial waters over this side of the south Atlantic falls under Argentine Search and rescue control - and it would be a bit dumb of any airline not to do so! Same reason Arg well knows the usual flight path of the regular flights from UK to Falklands. Common international safety sense.
Jan 23rd, 2021 - 10:46 am +4I don't think similar rules apply to shipping though and doubt that story - just a silly Arg politician,s fantasy.
And DF's childlike claims of a change in political thinking in Germany are shown up for the sheer fantasy they are. Wonder if he will issue a clarification ??
Jan 23rd, 2021 - 10:59 am +4Think
Jan 23rd, 2021 - 11:36 am +3“A German foreign ministry spokesman said the federal government’s position on the Falkland Islands had not changed.
“The activities of private companies cannot be attributed to the Federal Republic of Germany and have no international consequences,” he said.”
Well that's pretty cut and dried, so you peed your pants over nothing.
Commenting for this story is now closed.
If you have a Facebook account, become a fan and comment on our Facebook Page!