Argentina's government filed a criminal complaint Monday against petroleum companies linked to Israeli firm Navitas for conducting hydrocarbon exploration and production in the North Basin of the Falkland Islands under British licenses, presidential spokesman Adrián Ravier said Tuesday.
The complaint names Navitas Petroleum Development & Production Ltd, Navitas Petroleum Atlantic United, Navitas Petroleum LP, IHI Associates Inc, and Eco Atlantic Oil & Gas Ltd as defendants. According to an official government statement released Monday evening, the companies allegedly hold licenses granted by the United Kingdom to conduct operations in the disputed territory.
Argentina claims sovereignty over the Falkland Islands, which have been under British control since 1833. The country views the islands as a fundamental part of its territory and disputes British sovereignty over the archipelago.
The complaint includes all shareholders, directors, managers, trustees, board members, administrators, representatives, and authorized agents of the named companies, according to the government announcement.
The dispute over the Falkland Islands has deep historical roots. In 1982, Argentina and the United Kingdom fought a 74-day war over control of the archipelago. The conflict ended with Argentine surrender and resulted in 649 Argentine military deaths and 255 British military deaths.
Argentina has consistently maintained its territorial claim to the islands despite the 1982 military defeat. The government's latest action represents a continuation of its legal and diplomatic efforts regarding the disputed territory.