Britain has "nothing to fear" from an Argentinian complaint to the United Nations over claims of militarisation around the Falkland Islands, senior government sources said today.
The Foreign Office insisted the islands were "British out of choice" and warned there would be "no negotiations" on sovereignty unless that changed.
Downing Street said it was "relaxed" after Argentina's president Cristina Fernández de Kirchner, raised diplomatic tensions by announcing the complaint. She accused Britain of acting like a colonial power by sending one of its most powerful warships, Type 45 destroyer Dauntless, to the South Atlantic, and posting Prince William to the islands as a search-and-rescue pilot.
In a speech to Falklands War veterans and politicians, Ms Fernández said: "I have instructed our chancellor to present formally to the Security Council of the UN, and before the General Assembly of the UN, this militarisation of the South Atlantic which implies a great risk for international security."
Her claims were dismissed by Falklands politicians. UK government sources said Article 1.2 of the UN charter highlights "self-determination", adding: "This is exactly what we're trying to protect."
Tensions between Argentina and Britain have risen as the 30th anniversary of the war, which cost 257 British and 649 Argentinian lives, approaches.
Falklands assembly member Dick Sawle welcomed Argentina's complaint, saying it would give the UN a chance to look at sanctions imposed on the islands by Argentina. "The Islanders do not wish to be taken over in any way, shape, or form," he said.
A Foreign Office spokesman said: "We are not militarising the South Atlantic. Our defensive posture remains un-changed." Ms Fernández urged David Cameron to "give peace a chance" as she sought to quash speculation her nation was gearing up for conflict.
