Argentina's Milei Criticizes UN as 'Useless' at General Assembly, Cites Falkland Islands

Argentine President Javier Milei used his address at the United Nations General Assembly to sharply criticize the organization, describing it as "useless" and arguing that the UN "looked the other way" over the long-running dispute concerning the Falkland Islands, known in Argentina as the Malvinas.

Milei argued that the principle of self-determination should not apply to the islands' population, asserting that residents there were "implanted by the occupying power" rather than representing an indigenous population with an independent claim to the territory. The remarks reflect Argentina's longstanding position on sovereignty over the islands, which remain a British overseas territory.

Timing Alongside Other UN Speeches

Milei's remarks came just hours before Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was scheduled to address the same General Assembly session, though as of the report there had been no public comment from Zelenskyy or Ukraine's foreign minister, Andrii Sybiha, on Milei's comments specifically.

The overlapping schedule of high-profile addresses is typical of the UN General Assembly's annual high-level week, during which dozens of heads of state and government deliver speeches on a wide range of international issues, from territorial disputes to broader geopolitical concerns.

Longstanding Dispute

The sovereignty dispute over the Falkland Islands between Argentina and the United Kingdom dates back decades and remains a recurring theme in Argentine foreign policy statements, including at international forums such as the UN General Assembly. Milei's comments reiterate a position that previous Argentine governments have also raised on the same platform.

The UN has not issued an official response specifically addressing Milei's characterization of the organization as "useless" in connection with the territorial dispute.