Ban urges dialogue in dispute over Falkland Islands (Malvinas)

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today voiced hope that Argentina and the United Kingdom can avoid escalating their dispute over the Falkland Islands (Malvinas) and resolve their differences through dialogue.

Mr. Ban met with Argentine Foreign Minister Héctor Timerman in New York this morning, and the two officials discussed recent developments relating to the islands in the South Atlantic Ocean.

Mr. Ban expressed concern about the increasingly strong exchanges between Buenos Aires and London on the issue, according to information released by a spokesperson for the Secretary-General.

He called on the two governments to avoid escalating their dispute and to resolve their differences peacefully and through dialogue, stressing that his good offices remain available if requested.

During their meeting Mr. Ban and Mr. Timerman also discussed the Inter-American Human Rights Commission and proposed changes to its framework.

The President of the General Assembly Nassir Abdulaziz Al-Nasser also held talks with Mr. Timerman on developments in the Falkland Islands (Malvinas).

Mr. Al-Nasser expressed his hope that the Governments of Argentina and the United Kingdom will resolve any dispute peacefully through mediation and dialogue, and in accordance with international law.

He said he would be availability to coordinate discussions between the two parties if required, while reiterating his readiness to support any efforts to resolve any dispute.