CONTESTED

Ruling: Falklands in Argentinian Waters

"This reaffirms our sovereignty."

A United Nations commission has determined that the Falkland Islands lie in Argentinian waters. The decision marks the latest chapter in the dispute between that country and Britain over the territory, which included a bloody battle in 1982. The UN commission ruled that Argentina’s maritime territory extends over the Falkland Islands. “This is an historic occasion for Argentina because we’ve made a huge leap in the demarcation of the exterior limit of our continental shelf,” said Argentinian Foreign Minister Susana Malcorra on Monday. “This reaffirms our sovereignty rights over the resources of our continental shelf.” The Falkland Islands are self-governing, with Britain responsible for the area’s defense and foreign affairs. The British government is arguing that islanders should not be obliged to live under Argentinian rule against the their will.