Pope Francis thinks Falklands belong to Argentina

HIV can be contracted through things other than sexual matters. For example, drug use and it can also be passed through a persons blood.

Because Roman Catholic countries tend to be poorer? I mean really, did you miss that lecture on correlation and causation?

They're poorer because they don't use contraception, and hence have many more children than they can afford AND not using contraception means that so many of them are ill and therefore poorer!

Empowerment of women is the best cure for poverty!

I mean really, did you miss that second lecture on not mixing up correlation and causation?

I thought the Pope was the leader of the Vatican City State...this gives him political reasoning. You always see leaders of other states commenting on International problems, why can't he? Also i'm sure Catholics live in the Falklands...giving him every right to speak on the matter.

Apparently President de Kirchner has now asked the Pope to intervene in the dispute... I'm really starting to think she has gone completely mad. She just will not get the message.

I see President Kirchener has already been pressing this issue in her audience with the newly elected Pope.
Incidentally, this is quite an interesting page on the BBC website that succinctly sets out the competing claims on both sides.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-17045169

It notes that neither side are willing to set the legal case before the ICJ as each side fears they may lose.

That's a very good page.

It does expose that the crux of the Argentinian claim is a ridiculous and historical attachment to the concept of transfer of Spanish Empire property and that they have zero regard for the longevity of the settlement since the 1830s. In other words, their position is both colonialist and imperialist, the exact things they accuse the UK of repeatedly. A classic pot/kettle scenario.

Of course, Kirchner herself doesn't for one second believe all that tosh, she is just engaged in cynical realpolitik. The sad thing is, it's probably working - she has Latin America in the bag and has put a lot of other countries either in her corner, or in the neutral basket. Now she even has the Pope!

Despite Cameron's bluster and the referendum, the reality is that the UK is pretty much on its own on this one. Bit of a shame really, as we're in the right, but that probably makes no difference. On the other hand, it also probably makes no difference that we're in a minority of one (or a few) - the most Argentina can hope for is that the UN, the US and others recommend some kind of UN protection for it or something, with Argentinian representation. The poor locals would then be stuck in an endless cycle of resentment and oppression, although their prospects look bleak anyway, as they are now unable to trade with the nearest countries.

Thanks. Pleased it meets with your approval.

I presume there are provisions in place to stop Argentinians moving there to eventually out number the British islanders and thus win a plebiscite.

Failing that the Pope could of course offer to draw a line between East Falkland and West Falkland in memory of the Treaty of Tordesillas. However I doubt that would appeal to any of the parties. I did wonder if the Falklands might have been on the Portuguese side of the orginial line which would have made a historical mockery of their petition to the Pope but that does not appear to be the case.
LOL

That's a very good page.

It does expose that the crux of the Argentinian claim is a ridiculous and historical attachment to the concept of transfer of Spanish Empire property and that they have zero regard for the longevity of the settlement since the 1830s. In other words, their position is both colonialist and imperialist, the exact things they accuse the UK of repeatedly. A classic pot/kettle scenario.

Of course, Kirchner herself doesn't for one second believe all that tosh, she is just engaged in cynical realpolitik. The sad thing is, it's probably working - she has Latin America in the bag and has put a lot of other countries either in her corner, or in the neutral basket. Now she even has the Pope!

Despite Cameron's bluster and the referendum, the reality is that the UK is pretty much on its own on this one. Bit of a shame really, as we're in the right, but that probably makes no difference. On the other hand, it also probably makes no difference that we're in a minority of one (or a few) - the most Argentina can hope for is that the UN, the US and others recommend some kind of UN protection for it or something, with Argentinian representation. The poor locals would then be stuck in an endless cycle of resentment and oppression, although their prospects look bleak anyway, as they are now unable to trade with the nearest countries.

Haha, yes, it's high time the Vatican got back in the business of geomandering! We need some Roman Church dividing lines down the world. Maybe they can split everything between the US and China, with China taking Tel Aviv and the US taking Gaza. Er. Hang on. Just a sec. Hmmm....

We're a sovereign state so I think it's OK for us to look after our own battles. You also seem to forget that the majority of Commonwealth Nations are behind us as is the EU.

Don't forget the Moon and Mars...

Do you have a source for stating the EU are behind us? Not saying you're wrong, just I don't recall the EU publicly backing Britain's stance.

Do you have a source for stating the EU are behind us? Not saying you're wrong, just I don't recall the EU publicly backing Britain's stance.

Oooo yes! A line drawn through the middle of the Galaxy! "Everything in the southern sky - that shall belong to Argentina. Everything in the northern hemispheric orb of the heavens - in perpetuity, that shall belong to Opus Dei."

Pax vobiscum.

The Falklands is part of teh UK which is part of the EU

They're poorer because they don't use contraception, and hence have many more children than they can afford AND not using contraception means that so many of them are ill and therefore poorer!

I mean really, did you miss that second lecture on not mixing up correlation and causation?

So Roman Catholic countries are poor because of a lack of birth control? Nothing to do with macroeconomic trends? Or natural resources? Or treatment by European imperial powers? Nope, it's apparently just the Papists and their inability to stop breeding...



I'm not even sure what that's supposed to mean. Either way, you're spouting a load of nonsense.