Argentina on Tuesday lodged a formal diplomatic protest with the UK Embassy in Buenos Aires over what it called the "illegitimate" extension of offshore hydrocarbon licenses in the Falkland Islands.

The protest, issued on the instructions of Foreign Minister Pablo Quirno, strongly rejected the extension of the licenses and the approval for Navitas Petroleum Atlantic Limited, a subsidiary of Israel's Navitas Petroleum, to acquire a 65% stake in license area PL001.

The Argentine Foreign Ministry reaffirmed the country's sovereignty claim over the continental shelf, arguing that unilateral exploration of its resources violates international law.

"All hydrocarbon activity on the Argentine Continental Shelf that lacks explicit authorization from competent national authorities constitutes an illegal act," the ministry said.

Buenos Aires said the actions violate UN General Assembly Resolution 31/49, which calls on Argentina and the UK to refrain from adopting unilateral decisions that could alter the situation while the sovereignty dispute remains unresolved.

Argentina also cited UN General Assembly Resolution 2065 (XX), which recognizes the existence of a sovereignty dispute between the two countries and calls for negotiations toward a peaceful solution.

The ministry said Argentina does not recognize the jurisdiction of foreign authorities to grant concessions or approve investment commitments in the disputed area.

It warned that individuals or companies directly or indirectly involved in unauthorized hydrocarbon activities could face civil, administrative and criminal sanctions under Argentine law.

Despite the diplomatic tensions, Argentina reiterated its willingness to engage in constructive dialogue with the UK.

The ministry called for the resumption of bilateral negotiations to peacefully resolve the sovereignty dispute over the Falkland Islands, South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands. (AA)