London: Prince William has joined duty as a helicopter pilot with the Royal Air Force in Falkland Islands amidst renewed tensions between Argentina and Britain over the ownership of the islands that led to a bloody conflict between the two in 1982.
The 29-year-old, who is second in line to the throne, has been deployed in Falkland Islands for six-weeks as a search and rescue pilot. His posting has been officially described as ‘routine’, which was scheduled some time ago. But Argentina has chosen to perceive his arrival on the islands as another ‘provocation’.
Last week, Royal Navy on Sunday said it will soon deploy HMS Dauntless, a sophisticated destroyer warship, to the islands, which was also seen by Argentina as an act of ‘provocation’.
In 1982, fighting during the prime ministership of Margaret Thatcher led to the deaths of 649 Argentine and 255 British servicemen. Argentina continues to press its claim of sovereignty over the islands.
April marks the 30th anniversary of the 1982 conflict. There are reports that British flags have been burned in Argentina to protest against Prince William’s arrival. (PTI) Argentina’s foreign ministry regretted that an heir to the British throne would arrive wearing “the uniform of a conqueror”. Prime Minister David Cameron has responded in recent days that the sovereignty of the islands was not for negotiation. The House of Commons also last week debated the possibility to bring a legislation to ensure the islands’ right to remain British. Cameron said Argentina allegedly had a “colonialist” attitude to the Falklands, which it calls the Malvinas. His charge was condemned by Argentina’s Senate.