Falkland Islands Sovereignty Dispute - International Position

International Position

The position of third countries or international organizations on the sovereignty of the islands is varied. Whilst some countries consider it a bilateral issue, others maintain neutrality but call on both countries to resolve the dispute through peaceful means or to begin dialogue. Some countries support outright either the British or the Argentine claim.

The European Union classes the islands as an overseas country or territory of the UK, subject to EU law in some areas, and eligible for some European funding initiatives. The inclusion of the islands in an appendix to the proposed European Constitution provoked a hostile Argentine response. Its mention is retained in an annex to the treaty replacing the abandoned Constitution, the Treaty of Lisbon.

France has been particularly supportive of the British position.

The Commonwealth of Nations recognises the islands as a British territory.

China has repeatedly endorsed the Argentinian claim over the islands.

Peru, Brazil, Chile and Mexico officially support the Argentine claim over the Falklands and the South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands, and have voiced their support at international organisations.