Argentina has launched a new 50-peso banknote featuring a map of the Falkland Islands to commemorate the 32nd anniversary of the invasion of the islands. The note was presented by the Argentinian president Cristina Kirchner in Buenos Aires.

The value of the new note is around £4 (US $7). The front of the note displays a map of the islands using the same colours as the Argentine flag, white and a blue. The reverse of the note is an image of controversial figure Antonio Rivero (a cowboy who led an uprising against the British in 1833).

The Falkland Islands are self-governed though any foreign affairs and defence matters are handled by the British government. Argentina has long disputed the island’s British involvement which saw a brief but bitter war over the territory in 1982 resulting in the Argentine forces being ejected by a British military task force. Tensions have recently been rising since 2010 when a British company began exploring for oil near the Falkland’s waters.

At the banknote unveiling a government spokesman described the creation of the new banknote as an “act of historic, social and political re-vindication of our sovereign rights.” President Kirchner then removed an Argentinian flag covering a giant mock-up of the banknote describing the Falklands by their Spanish name of Islas Malvinas, saying “This is a homage to our Islas Malvinas and to all those who gave their lives to this cause. It will compel every Argentinian to keep alive on a daily basis the flames of love for our islands which are and always will be Argentinian.”

In 2013 a referendum was held by the people inhabiting the Falkland Islands who voted overwhelmingly to remain as a UK overseas territory – 99.7% were in favour.

Source: Various