43 years after the conflict with the United Kingdom, former combatants and members of political, union, and social organizations in Argentina commemorate Veterans National Day and the Fallen in las Malvinas.

Buenos Aires.- Groups such as the Autonomous Workers’ Union, former soldiers, and citizens in several provinces across the country participated last night in a vigil to commemorate this date and reaffirm their commitment to defending Argentine sovereignty over the islands in dispute.

The Communist Party called for a demonstration in front of the British Embassy under the slogan “The Homeland is Not for Sale.” Participants will demand an end to the British occupation of the Malvinas Islands (Falklands Islands) and oppose further debt to the International Monetary Fund. In turn, the La Plata Veterans’ Center and the Provincial Commission for Memory will hold a ceremony to pay tribute to the participants in the conflict.

The war between Argentine and British forces began on April 2nd, 1982, and ended on June 14th of that same year, leaving 649 Argentine soldiers dead, while the United Kingdom recorded 255 casualties. Analysts believe the conflict was an attempt by the former civil-military dictatorship (1976-1985) to extend its term in power. However, it hastened its end and resulted in painful losses for Argentine families.

“At the time of the hostilities in the South Atlantic, our country was governed by an illegal and illegitimate military regime, which acted with its back to the people and strayed from its commitment to the principle of peaceful settlement of international disputes.

In its Constitution, Argentina establishes that the recovery of the effective exercise of sovereignty over the Malvinas Islands, South Georgia Islands, the South Sandwich Islands, and the surrounding maritime areas is a permanent and non-negotiable objective.

On several occasions, organizations and politicians have questioned the position of President Javier Milei, who repeatedly stated that he was an admirer of former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher (1925-2013).

Former Foreign Minister Santiago Cafiero accused the Executive Branch of turning its back on Argentina’s claim and violating the principles established in the Constitution. (PL)