The Bolivian Ministry of Foreign Affairs rejected criticism from the UK ambassador, Richard Porter, regarding Bolivia’s support for Argentina’s claim to the Malvinas Islands, and denied that its stance constitutes interference in internal affairs, maintaining that it is within the framework of international law.

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“Bolivia rejects any interpretation that attempts to characterize its positions as interference in the internal affairs of other states,” the Bolivian Foreign Ministry stated in an official communiqué.

The institution added that its recent pronouncements are strictly framed within the legitimate exercise of a position based on international law and its historical commitment to promoting peace.

On Thursday, Ambassador Porter described Bolivia’s position on the Malvinas Islands as “disappointing and unacceptable.” He also questioned the Bolivian support for Argentina’s claim to the islands, which are currently under British administration.

In response, Bolivia pointed out that national symbols and official institutions constitute expressions of sovereignty and representation of the State, and therefore their use must observe due respect and adherence to the law.

Likewise, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized the importance of diplomatic missions accredited in the country maintaining the appropriate institutional channels and international practices of mutual respect, avoiding the use of communication mechanisms that could hinder constructive dialogue.

The issue of the Malvinas Islands is treated by the United Nations as an unresolved situation, stressed the Bolivian Foreign Affairs Ministry, which continues to call for the resumption of negotiations in order to reach a peaceful, just, and lasting solution.

For his part, the Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carlos Paz, participated in the commemoration of Veterans’ Day and the Day of Remembrance for those who died in the Malvinas War, in La Paz.

At the event, Paz stated that “the Malvinas cause is not only Argentina’s, but also a regional cause.” He also reiterated the call to resume negotiations between the parties involved and assured that Bolivia will continue to support Argentina in this cause.

The text reads, “The Malvinas Islands were, are, and will be Argentine.”

The dispute over the sovereignty of the Malvinas Islands has pitted Argentina and the United Kingdom against each other since the 19th century for control of this territory in the South Atlantic.

The conflict reached its peak in 1982, during the Malvinas War, which ended with the Argentine defeat and the British continued occupation of the islands.

Since then, Buenos Aires has been pushing to resume negotiations, while London refuses to discuss sovereignty or respect arguments based on international law.

The text reads, “Rio Grande, Argentina, is illuminated in a Vigil for the Falklands, paying tribute to the brave veterans and fallen in the 1982 conflict.”

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