The Chilean Defense Ministry said that tensions with Argentina over the Strait of Magellan had been “settled” following comments from the head of the Argentine Air Force, who suggested that his country had to maintain a presence along the sea route to protect its “sovereignty.”
Chile had threatened to send a formal protest letter to Argentina after Air Force chief Brigadier General Gustavo Javier Valverde made the comments during an interview that aired on Sunday.
The Chilean Defense Ministry said in a statement on Thursday that Argentine Defense Minister Carlos Alberto Presti — an active lieutenant general — called his Chilean counterpart, Fernando Barros Tocornal, on Wednesday evening to clarify Valverde’s comments.
“Presti attributed those comments to confusion and sloppiness, stating that his country’s high-ranking air force officer is familiar with the applicable laws, treaties, and court rulings on the matter and that there is no dispute that the Strait of Magellan belongs to Chile,” the Chilean Defense Ministry said.
The communiqué added that Argentine Foreign Minister Pablo Quirno and Valverde will also call their Chilean counterparts to make amends.
