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Argentina marks Falkland invasion Argentina renews Falklands claim
(40 minutes later)
Argentina has been holding a series of events to mark 25 years since its 1982 invasion of the Falkland Islands, known by Argentines as Las Malvinas. Argentina has renewed its claim over the Falkland Islands on the 25th anniversary of invading them - and losing a subsequent war with Britain.
A memorial ceremony took place in the southern city of Ushuaia, with other services taking place in Buenos Aires. "The Malvinas are Argentine, they always were, they always will be," said Argentine Vice-President Daniel Scioli, using the Spanish name for the islands.
Argentina has continued to criticise the UK for refusing to discuss the sovereignty of the islands. Mr Scioli was speaking in the southern city of Ushuaia - one of a series of events marking the start of the war.
He urged the UK to resume talks on the sovereignty of the islands.
In the UK, Prime Minister Tony Blair presented the ex-servicemen - from the Scots Guards and Royal Navy - with veterans' badges and certificates to honour their "courage and professionalism".
Too much blood was spilled and that should never be repeated Jorge ChevalierHead of Argentine armed forces
More than 900 people died in the 74-day war, including 255 British servicemen, 655 Argentines and three islanders.More than 900 people died in the 74-day war, including 255 British servicemen, 655 Argentines and three islanders.
A UK military task force sailed for the Falklands in April 1982, and troops began a campaign to regain the islands by the end of the month.A UK military task force sailed for the Falklands in April 1982, and troops began a campaign to regain the islands by the end of the month.
Several major land and sea battles followed before the British eventually broke Argentine resistance, recapturing control of Stanley, the islands' capital, on 14 June.Several major land and sea battles followed before the British eventually broke Argentine resistance, recapturing control of Stanley, the islands' capital, on 14 June.
Vigils 'We will return'
Most in Argentina now regard the invasion, ordered by the country's ruling military dictatorship, as a mistake, says the BBC's Daniel Schweimler in Buenos Aires.
The public holiday is an opportunity to remember the dead but also to reiterate the country's claim to the islands, he adds.
What they are doing is not a commemoration but a military parade, a typical display of arrogance Jorge TaianaArgentine foreign minister Blair salutes veterans
Argentina continues to claim sovereignty over the islands, which it has done since 1833.Argentina continues to claim sovereignty over the islands, which it has done since 1833.
A formal commemoration service was held in Ushuaia, the closest mainland city to the islands. President Nestor Kirchner did not attend the main ceremony in Ushuaia, where one resident climbed on a mound of dirt and planted his own Argentine flag, with a drawing of the islands and the words: "We will return."
Vice-President Daniel Scioli and Foreign Minister Jorge Taiana led the ceremony, which took place in the central square attended by about 300 veterans of the conflict Addressing the veterans there, the Argentine vice-president said Argentina would never again resort to force.
President Nestor Kirchner did not attend. "Once again, we urge the United Kingdom to heed international calls and resume negotiations in the appropriate manner, through the United Nations," Mr Scioli told the crowd.
In Buenos Aires, dignitaries were due to attend a tree-planting ceremony, and vigils for fallen soldiers were being held around the country. It's a day to reflect on just how much, as a country, we owe to our armed forces Tony BlairUK Prime Minister class="" href="/1/hi/uk_politics/6519837.stm">Blair salutes veterans
"Too much blood was spilled and that should never be repeated," said the head of the armed forces, Jorge Chevalier.
Most in Argentina now regard the invasion, ordered by the country's ruling military dictatorship, as a mistake, says the BBC's Daniel Schweimler in Buenos Aires.
In London, former UK Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, who sent troops to recapture the islands, attended a private memorial ceremony in St Paul's Cathedral.In London, former UK Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, who sent troops to recapture the islands, attended a private memorial ceremony in St Paul's Cathedral.
'Arrogance'
The build-up to the anniversary has been marked by tensions between Argentina and the UK.The build-up to the anniversary has been marked by tensions between Argentina and the UK.
In a statement released on Sunday, UK Foreign Secretary Margaret Beckett expressed "continuing regret" over the lives lost on both sides.
But her Argentine counterpart, Jorge Taiana, criticised British refusals to discuss the sovereignty of the islands.
Plans to commemorate the start of war in London smacked of triumphalism, he added.
"What they are doing is not a commemoration but a military parade, a typical display of arrogance."
Last week Argentina unilaterally scrapped an oil and gas exploration treaty with the UK.Last week Argentina unilaterally scrapped an oil and gas exploration treaty with the UK.