Argentina files charges against British oil firms

Argentina has filed criminal charges against British oil firms exploring in waters near the Falkland Islands in a fresh diplomatic row over the territory, the Argentinian foreign ministry said last night.

British ambassador Dr John Freeman was summoned to the Argentinian foreign office in the latest swipe in the dispute where he was told legal proceedings would begin.

Earlier his counterpart was called to the UK Foreign Office to explain recent threats over oil explorations and criticism about the British government’s plan to boost defences on the South Atlantic islands.