This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/world/americas/8011539.stm

The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Argentina claims vast ocean area Argentina claims vast ocean area
(about 23 hours later)
Argentina has formally laid claim to a vast expanse of ocean, stretching as far as the Antarctic and including island chains governed by Britain.Argentina has formally laid claim to a vast expanse of ocean, stretching as far as the Antarctic and including island chains governed by Britain.
Argentine diplomats handed 800kg (1,760 lbs) of documents to the UN, saying it was the fruit of 11 years of research.Argentine diplomats handed 800kg (1,760 lbs) of documents to the UN, saying it was the fruit of 11 years of research.
The 1,700,000 sq km (650,000 sq miles) includes the Falkland Islands and the islands of Georgia and Sandwich. The 1,700,000 sq km (650,000 sq miles) includes the Falkland Islands and South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands.
Argentina has been in dispute with Britain over the sovereignty of the islands for more than 170 years.Argentina has been in dispute with Britain over the sovereignty of the islands for more than 170 years.
The claim adds to the 4,800,000 sq km of continental shelf spreading out 320 km (200 miles) from Argentina's coast.The claim adds to the 4,800,000 sq km of continental shelf spreading out 320 km (200 miles) from Argentina's coast.
It has also been in dispute with Chile over parts of Antarctica which are also included in the claim.It has also been in dispute with Chile over parts of Antarctica which are also included in the claim.
Detailed researchDetailed research
The Argentine documents handed in to UN diplomats in New York included scientific measurements of the depth of the sea around the Argentine coastline.The Argentine documents handed in to UN diplomats in New York included scientific measurements of the depth of the sea around the Argentine coastline.
What the documents are trying to prove is the extent of the continental shelf way out into the ocean.What the documents are trying to prove is the extent of the continental shelf way out into the ocean.
This is significant, as under current international legislation, a state's ownership of the continental shelf can exceed 200 nautical miles until its natural extension ends.This is significant, as under current international legislation, a state's ownership of the continental shelf can exceed 200 nautical miles until its natural extension ends.
Argentine Foreign Minister Jorge Taiana said the documents were the culmination of 11 years of research and diplomatic effort to prove the size of Argentina´s sovereign territory.Argentine Foreign Minister Jorge Taiana said the documents were the culmination of 11 years of research and diplomatic effort to prove the size of Argentina´s sovereign territory.
He also said that if the United Kingdom wished to present its own claim to the continental platform around the disputed Falkland islands - or Malvinas islands, as they are known locally - Argentina would object formally.He also said that if the United Kingdom wished to present its own claim to the continental platform around the disputed Falkland islands - or Malvinas islands, as they are known locally - Argentina would object formally.
An Argentine foreign ministry statement said Great Britain had usurped the islands in 1833, illegally occupying Argentine territory, and that Britain had ignored calls by the UN to begin discussions over the issue.An Argentine foreign ministry statement said Great Britain had usurped the islands in 1833, illegally occupying Argentine territory, and that Britain had ignored calls by the UN to begin discussions over the issue.