Falkland Islanders: 'Not Chess Pieces in US-Argentina Tussle'

0:00On April 25th, Falkwent Islanders are fed up with being treated like political pawns after a leaked U.S. memo hinted at backing Argentina's claim to. Their land. Folks there say they're not chess pieces, or footballs, for big powers to kick around, especially with President Trump possibly siding with his buddy. Argentina's President Javier Miley. Word is, this isn't really about the big oil fields set to open up around the islands in the coming years. Others think it's more Trump throwing a tantrum, or cozying up to Miley, who's been a strong supporter. There's been tight U.S. Argentina military ties lately, even racing for position ahead of the Antarctic Treaty renewal. Locals are crystal clear on where they stand, 99.8% voted to stay British in the 2013 referendum, and that hasn't budged. They love their self-governance set up, handling local stuff while teaming with the UK on defense, and they're not sweating it too much. Falkland's war vet Simon Weston from the 1982 conflict jumped in, saying islanders

1:01and vet families deserve straight up respect, not. This drama. British forces have ramped up visible training there, which has everyone feeling more secure. U.S. State Department cleared the air overnight, sticking to their neutral stance on the islands. Meanwhile, Falklanders are pushing forward with daily life, eyeing those oil prospects while prices creep up in the shops.