Argentina sues Falkland oil firms, including three from England

The Argentine government is suing five energy companies – including three from the UK – which are drilling for oil near the Falkland Islands, the latest salvo in a long-standing dispute over the far-flung archipelago.

The Argentine official responsible for the islands said the government is suing British companies Rockhopper Exploration, Premier Oil and Falkland Oil and Gas, along with US company Noble Energy and Edison International SpA from Italy.

Daniel Filmus said the companies are performing illegal acts by drilling near the islands, which the Argentine government claims is part of its territory.

Mr Filmus said the lawsuit is being filed in the Tierra del Fuego province in southern Argentina.

Argentina lost a brief war with the UK over the South Atlantic territory in 1982, but still claims the islands, which it calls Las Malvinas.