Argentina bans British ships from docking

BUENOS AIRES, Aug. 3 (UPI) -- Argentina has passed legislation banning ships flying the British flag from docking in Buenos Aires province ports, officials said.

The legislation, passed Thursday, is aimed at stopping British ships from conducting oil explorations in waters belonging to the Falkland Islands.

"It is a tool that continues our fight for the sovereignty and natural resources of the Malvinas [the name for the islands in Spanish]," said Patricia Cubria, who brought the bill forward in June.

The bill prohibits vessels sailing under the British flag from "mooring, loading or carrying out logistical operations" in any of Buenos Aires province's ports.