Falkland part of 'Argentinian waters' says UN Commission

Argentina's government is celebrating the historic decision of the United Nations Commission to expand its maritime territory in the South Atlantic Ocean by 35 per cent to include the disputed Falkland islands and beyond.

The UN Commission sided with Argentina on the limits of the continental shelf , ratifying the country's 2009 report fixing the limit of its territory at 200 to 350 miles from its coast, reports Guardian.

In 2013, a whopping 99 percent of Falkland islanders voted to stay as a British overseas territory.

Despite that referendum, Argentina still holds out hope of owning the territory which it calls the Malvinas.

The decision by UN chiefs could allow Buenos Aires to claim natural resources in the sea around the British island.

Britain fought Argentina for the islands in 1982 and has since been responsible for its defence and foreign affairs.

Argentina minister Susana Malcorra last night hailed the "historic" decision.of the U N Commission.

The UN commission's finding included the caveat that there is an unresolved diplomatic dispute between Argentina and Britain over the islands.

The Falklands are internally self-governing, but Britain is responsible for its defence and foreign affairs. The British government says islanders cannot be forced to accept Argentinian sovereignty against their will.