INterview with David michaels

It would be a “diplomatic” solution to the conflict over sovereignty, says David Michaels, a British political and economic strategist.

The president of Argentina Javier Milei reiterated his intention to discuss the possession of the Falkland Islands (Malvinas) with Great Britain, but in an “adult” negotiation without urgency. “There is no instant solution,” he said in an interview with the BBC broadcast on Monday the 6th. (May)

In parallel to those messages involved in that dispute, some ideas have emerged. 

Inviting the islands to become associate members of Mercosur would be a step towards a “diplomatic” solution to the Falkland/Malvinas dilemma that could, simultaneously, ensure a peaceful “economic” remedy and dispel any future thoughts of aggressive acts, proposes David Michaels, a British political and economic strategist. 

Although Mercosur does not formally recognize this territory as a sovereign country, a solution could be created if Mercosur members recognized the regional economic benefits and merits of the initiative, he stated in an article at the end of April on the EIN Presswire portal. 

A central element of their proposal is the creation of a “Malvinas/Falkland Islands Development Fund” that would go towards greater exploitation of the islands' natural resources. 

Las Malvinas/Falkland would be the main managing partner of the fund. To solve this, the Inter-American Development Bank, the International Development Finance Corporation of the United States and other regional and international banking entities – including the central banks of the Mercosur countries – could be invited to subscribe to a minority percentage. The capital market could also be appealed to, via a consortium of Anglo-Argentine brokers, which would guarantee diverse and robust financial support, says Michaels. Furthermore, this initiative could be a catalyst to attract foreign investment capital to the entire South American Southern Cone.

The text includes the comment of a senior official in the United States Department of State: “The creation of an investment fund could provide the parties with a win-win situation, in which everyone saves face, and thus begin a long and fruitful collaboration.”

And he quotes a “very respected” Uruguayan foreign minister, who he does not identify: “Exploring a cooperation agreement between Mercosur and the islanders can be a first step in the right direction” and an “excellent instrument to build a civilized dialogue” between the islanders and Argentina.

The consultant, head of David P. Michaels Strategic Solutions, based in New York, was in Uruguay in April. When consulted by Search, he defined his proposal as “an economic initiative aimed at starting talks so that they can lead to a different type of solution” for the Falkland/Malvinas.

In 2021, Mercosur expressed its support for Argentina's claim to sovereignty over the Malvinas. The consultant understands that his proposal “is a way to achieve what Milei has said. Currently, no talks are taking place. This initiative could boost them” and “lead to a different type of solution.” He added: “Milei's goal is the economy and improving relations with the United States and the United Kingdom. It needs to bring foreign investment to Argentina and opportunities for its citizens. 

Capital is needed to create a better quality of life for Argentines, not short-sighted distractions and conflicts” that take focus away from the goal of solid economic development.

According to Michaels, the benefit to the British would be “a peaceful and economically viable alternative to confrontation.” This, he maintains, can also be an “important step in the Mercosur-UK talks.”
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David P. Michaels advises corporations and governmental entities on matters associated with conflict resolution, economic restructuring, and related political, financial, and economic negotiations. Notably, he is credited with anticipating the concepts behind the Brady Plan and the Enterprise for the Americas programs launched by the Bush (senior) Administration. During the 1980s sovereign debt crisis, he was the principal proposer of the “International Central Clearing House” for the registration of public and private sector debt instruments. David Michaels served as the President of the Foreign Press Association in the United States (founded in 1918) from 2014-2019.

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