Daniel Filmus believes that Britain would be forced to cede the islands. (Image: Jonathan Buckmaster)
Falkland Islanders are angry at a suggestion from a top Argentinian politician that they would be happy to remain part of the South American country if they win the World Cup in 2022. Daniel was Secretary of State for Affairs Relating to the Malvinas – his country’s name for the British Archipelago – between 2014 and 2015, and later from 2019 to 2021.
Speaking to the Express in Buenos Aires, he said with a cheeky smile: “I think, especially knowing the feeling of the people who live there, they will be very happy to be world football champions.”
Mr Filmus also stressed that there would be no trouble for the islanders if Argentina took control of the territory, which he believed would happen after the international community pressured Britain to hand it over.
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Argentina wins the World Cup in 2022 (Image: Getty)
Tony Smith, 64, a battlefield guide Discovery FalklandsResponded to his comment.
The Falkland Islander said: “How wrong he is. We will protest as strongly as possible and have no desire to become part of Argentina in any context!”
Another guide, Dan Biggs, 42, of Falklands Outdoorswhose family has been on the islands for more than 180 years, said: “I don’t think that comment even deserves a response. Maybe he doesn’t know about the results of the referendum.”
In 2013, the islanders voted overwhelmingly in favor of remaining a British overseas territory.
Of the 1,517 votes cast, 1,513 were in favour, with a turnout of over 90%. Only three votes were cast in opposition.
Lee Saunders, a 45-year-old contractor from Southampton, who has been working on the archipelago for almost five years, said: “To suggest that the islanders’ sovereignty choices could be influenced by Argentina becoming World Cup winners is an outrageous comment, and will certainly offend many Falkland Islanders.
“From all the locals I know here, I think there has been no change in the mood and appetite for the Falkland Islands to become Argentina since the referendum in 2013. I don’t think that will ever change.”
Tony Smith says islanders will ‘resist’ Argentina’s claim (Image: Tony Smith)
Argentine President Javier Meili has said he does not want another conflict with Britain.
It is pursuing a long-term diplomatic strategy to regain sovereignty over the Falkland Islands, with the goal of achieving a peaceful transfer similar to the handover of Hong Kong in 1997.
The Prime Minister, Sir Keir, said in his Christmas message to the Falkland Islands: “I am proud of the bond we share as one great British family.
“And I’m proud of the strong sense of community that unites us all. I know it’s a big part of who you are on the Falkland Islands.”
He also pledged a “deep and enduring commitment to your right to self-determination and your democratic rights.”
Sir Keir said: “These are the rights that my own uncle fought for while serving on HMS Antelope in 1982.”
