Argentina rejects British statement on Falklands, insists on apology

BUENOS AIRES (AFP) Dec 07, 2003
Argentina Sunday repeated its demand that Britain explain and apologize for the possible presence of nuclear weapons in the South Atlantic during the 1982 Falklands war between the two nations.

Britain "must apologize not only to Argentina but also to humanity," cabinet chief Alberto Fernandez said, repeating a demand made a day earlier by President Nestor Kirchner.

Earlier, Britain insisted that none of its ships sunk during the war could have been carrying nuclear weapons.

The controversy was sparked Friday when Britain said warships used during the war had carried nuclear depth charges, although not inside Falklands waters.

The conflict, sparked by Argentina's invasion of the British-held island chain it claims as its own, killed 648 Argentine soldiers and 255 British troops.

WAR.WIRE