LIMA: Peru on Monday cancelled a visit by a British navy frigate in solidarity with Argentina's claims over the British-controlled Falkland Islands.
The decision underlines Peru's support for Argentina over the south Pacific archipelago, known locally as the Malvinas, Foreign Minister Rafael Roncagliolo told the official news agency Andina.
The British frigate Montrose was set to dock in Lima's port of Callao on Thursday for a friendly visit.
Roncagliolo said the visit was cancelled as part of an agreement with the Union of South American Nations (UNASUR) supporting Argentina.
Foreign ministers from the 12 UNASUR nations on Saturday urged Britain to discuss the sovereignty of the islands with Argentina, "in line with United Nations resolutions."
The British embassy in Lima said it "lamented" that Peru had cancelled the invitation, noting that the Peruvian government had the chance to raise the issue with Foreign Office Minister Jeremy Browne, who was in Lima on Friday.
Argentine troops seized the islands on April 2, 1982, only to be routed by British forces 74 days later. In all, 649 Argentine troops, 255 British troops and three Falkland Islanders were killed in the conflict.
Adding to the renewed tensions is Britain's decision to allow offshore oil drilling near the islands, which lie 250 miles (400 kilometers) east of the South American mainland.
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