Falkland tensions grow ahead of invasion anniversary
By Vladimir Hernandez
BBC News, Buenos Aires
Tensions over the Falkland Islands have been increasing ahead of the 30th anniversary of Argentina's invasion in 1982.
The latest escalation was prompted by the decision of Mercosur, a South American trading bloc, to close its ports to ships flying the Falkland Islands flag in December.
When British Prime Minister David Cameron then accused Argentina of "colonialism", the Argentine Senate passed a motion condemning his comments.
There were also demonstrations - with the Union flag burning - outside the British embassy in Buenos Aires.
Then the Royal Navy announced that it was sending the destroyer HMS Dauntless to the South Atlantic, off the Falklands.
The British government said the move was routine, but it will do little to ease tensions in the region.
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The status of the islands, known as the Malvinas in Argentina, is still a very sensitive issue for Buenos Aires.
In the capital, it is common to see posters highlighting the country's claim to the islands. Many Argentine cities also have monuments to the war, in which more than 600 soldiers died.
It is not uncommon either to see youngsters with tattoos of a Falklands map in the colours of the Argentine flag.
At a political level, feelings are no less intense.
National politics may be extremely polarised, but there is consensus between the government and the opposition over the country's claim to the islands.
"It is the centrepiece of Argentina's foreign policy," says Jorge Battaglino, lecturer in international relations at Torcuato di Tella University in Buenos Aires....Ibarometro's director Pablo Lopez also says that there is growing support for the government's more aggressive approach.
"Since 2009, backing for the government's strategy has jumped from about 40% to 67%," he says.
A military government was in power in Argentina at the time of the 1982 invasion.
Mr Kirchner and his wife Cristina - the current president - grew up in the Argentine Patagonia, in the south of the country, where the issue runs high because of the relative proximity to the disputed territory.
There is some debate in Argentina as to whether this explains the government's interest in the issue.
Some, like Mr Palermo, say that the official position is just an accurate representation of public opinion.
He says President Fernandez may also be using the Falklands to deflect attention from domestic issues.
Not everyone agrees.
"Why would the president do that? She has just been re-elected with strong support, the economy is growing and her popularity is high," says Mr Battaglino.
"It is David Cameron who is trying to deflect attention from domestic issues," says Mr Boron.
"The UK's economy is no better than Argentina's. It was not Buenos Aires that had social unrest and riots last year, but London," he adds.
The Argentine government believes the recent support from other countries in the region to their claim to the islands may have improved the prospects of Britain agreeing to open negotiations on the issue.
But so far, from the Foreign Office in London, there has been no indication of any change in the British stance.
