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Sean Penn accuses UK of ‘ridiculous colonialism’ over Falklands
LAST UPDATED AT 09:39 ON TUE 14 FEB 2012
AFTER enlisting the help of her fellow South American nations in a blockade of the Falkland Islands, Argentine President Cristina Kirchner has unveiled the latest weapon in her efforts to force Britain to negotiate over the sovereignty of its overseas territory: Sean Penn.
The Hollywood actor, anti-imperialist and friend of Hugo Chavez, has accused Britain of “ridiculous colonialism” over its refusal to join United Nations talks over ownership of the Falklands.
Meeting Kirchner at the Casa Rosada presidential mansion in Buenos Aires, Penn referred to the Falklands by their Spanish name: “I know it is a very sensitive moment in terms of diplomacy between Argentina and the UK over the Malvinas Islands,” he said, according to the Buenos Aires Herald.
“I hope that diplomats can establish true dialogue in order to solve the conflict as the world today cannot tolerate ridiculously archaic demonstrations that aim to continue colonialism.
“Dialogue is the only means to achieve a better solution for both nations.”
Penn’s primary objective in visiting Kirchner was to secure Argentine aid for survivors of the Haiti earthquake of 2010. The Caribbean island bestowed the title of “ambassador at large” on the actor in recognition of his humanitarian efforts a fortnight ago – so perhaps he can be forgiven for making ingratiating noises on behalf of Kirchner.
Nevertheless Falkland Islanders have made their opposition to talks with Argentina clear – and Prime Minister David Cameron has made his support for the territory’s self-determination equally clear.
That hasn’t stopped Kirchner from embarking on a diplomatic offensive which has garnered the support of the Latin American trading bloc Mercosur for a blockade against ships flying the Falklands flag. Last week Argentina complained to the UN that Britain was “militarising” the South Atlantic by sending a state-of-the-art warship to the Falkland Islands.
Penn is well-known for his support for Latin American self-determination against US hegemony. Not surprisingly, some are asking on Twitter why he doesn’t consider self-determination for this tiny overseas territory as important.
Read more: http://www.theweek.co.uk/americas/falkland-islands/45308/penn-accuses-uk-ridiculous-colonialism-over-falklands#ixzz1mLn64aCW
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