However a Government spokesperson denied there were ‘specific talks’ about relaxing export rules
Argentina has begun speaking to Britain about potentially lifting a weapons ban that has been in place since the Falklands war, Javier Milei, the country’s president, has claimed.
Current rules stop any weapon containing British components being exported to Argentina if they are judged to “enhance Argentine military capability”.
It has effectively banned any Western weapons sales.
However Argentina and the US have been lobbying to change the rules.
In an interview with the Daily Telegraph, Milei was asked if negotiations with the UK had begun. He replied: “Absolutely.”
“There are no world powers without military power,” Milei told the newspaper, adding: “There is no country that counts in the international context if they can’t defend their borders.”
Milei also said he plans to visit the UK in April or May next year, and suggested he wanted to see the Falkland Islands given over to Argentina via diplomatic means.
“There’s no way I would give up on or relinquish territory, but it is clear that individuals will end up voting with their feet,” he told the paper.
“If you replicate such living conditions that will ensure high standards of living for them, it may well be they are more willing to recognise that territory as Argentine.”
However a spokesperson for the British Government denied there were “specific talks” about relaxing arms export controls.
They also rebutted the Argentinian president’s claims about the arms exports, and sovereignty over the Falklands.
The spokesman said: “Sovereignty of the Falkland Islands is not up for negotiation and we will defend its right to self-determination.
“In 2013, the islanders held a referendum on their future, with an overwhelming majority choosing to remain part of the UK.
“There are no specific talks with Argentina about the UK relaxing its arms export controls.”
The spokesman added: “More broadly, we look forward to deepening our co-operation with Argentina across areas including trade, science and culture to deliver growth for the British people.”
