Argentine President Javier Milei has renewed his country's sovereignty claim over the Falkland Islands, urging the United Kingdom to seriously reconsider returning the disputed territory to Argentina through peaceful means.

In remarks made ahead of the United Nations General Assembly, Milei said the Falkland Islands, known in Argentina as the Malvinas, belong to his country "from both a historical and legal perspective," arguing that Argentina's claim is well documented.

Milei also argued that the current population of the islands was established after earlier inhabitants had been removed, saying the dispute should not be viewed through the principle of self-determination.

Calling for a diplomatic solution, Milei urged London to reassess its position and return the islands peacefully to Argentina, stressing that Buenos Aires remains committed to pursuing its sovereignty claim through political and diplomatic means rather than military action.

The Falkland Islands have been the subject of a long-running sovereignty dispute between Argentina and the United Kingdom.

The two countries fought a 10-week war over the South Atlantic archipelago in 1982, after which British forces regained control of the islands.

The dispute has regained momentum in recent weeks after the Argentine government announced tougher measures against companies involved in oil exploration around the islands, arguing that such activities violate Argentina's sovereign rights.

The United Kingdom continues to reject Argentina's claim, maintaining that the islands are a British Overseas Territory and pointing to the 2013 referendum in which an overwhelming majority of voters chose to remain under British sovereignty. (ILKHA)