British oil company optimistic about Falkland Islands
British oil company Rockhopper is optimistic about oil
findings off the Falkland Islands’ coast. Recently it the company published it
findings, stating that it expected to be pumping oil by 2016. 2 billion dollars
would be needed to fund the project, while it expects its production to peak in
2018 with 120.000 barrels of raw unprocessed oil per day.
This news recently put more pressure on the
relationship between Argentina and England, both countries which have been in
conflict about the island for a long time. A conflict which found its height in
1982 with the Falkland War. The recent oil findings certainly gives Argentina a
new motive to want the islands to join Argentina. To make it more difficult for
the British oil companies, Argentina recently ruled that ships would need a ‘special’
permit to sail to the islands. While tension is building between both countries
Prime Minister Cameron recently stated that the issue is non-negotiable and
that the actions of Argentina look like colonialism. This has angered the Argentines
and lead to their PM calling Cameron arrogant for refusing to negotiate.
My reaction
While I know
Argentina’s desire to win back the islands from England, they already waged war
in 1982, the recent findings of oil fields certainly are the main objective.
Wherever money is involved it always causes tension. I do think however, that
PM Cameron and his government should look for other options and negotiate with
Argentina. Maybe the UK can compensate Argentina in some way, or they can work out some sort of trade agreement which would benefit both countries economically
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