Argentina appoints Malvinas Secretary to push Falkland Islands issue According to a statement from the Argentine embassy in London, Mr Filmus's brief will include: "Bilateral actions, negotiations, strategies and co-ordination of actions with all countries to defend the Argentine rights and interests at the multilateral levels, as well as the promotion of Argentine rights worldwide." Falklanders in the grounds of Christchurch Cathedral in Stanley celebrate the 98 percent Yes vote Hector Timerman, the Argentinian foreign minister, said the appointment was "historic." "Never before in Argentina's history has this matter, a question of territorial integrity, occupied such an important place in a government and we are very pleased that the president has elected none other than Daniel Filmus as secretary," he said. Taking up the position, Mr Filmus said: "It is unacceptable that in the 21st century Argentina is unable to take decisions over its entire territory and that a part of this territory is being occupied by a colonial power." The Foreign Office said: "We are aware of the appointment of Daniel Filmus, but this does not affect our position nor the position of the Falkland Islands people, who voted to remain British by 99.8 per cent in last year's referendum. "The UK has no doubt about its sovereignty over the Falkland Islands and surrounding maritime areas, nor about the Falkland Islanders" right to decide their own future, the right of self-determination as enshrined in the UN Charter and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights." Mike Summers, a member of the Falklands assembly, said: "We have noted the developments of a new Secretariat in the Argentine Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Whilst it may be anticipated that this will result in an increase in activity on the part of the Argentine government, in trying to persuade others of their right to colonise the Falkland Islands, it will not result in any strengthening of their weak claim to our Islands, and is unlikely to address the fundamental human rights issues underlying Falkland Islanders rights to self determination. Diplomatic rhetoric over the windswept territory in the South Atlantic soared to fever pitch in 2012 - the year that marked the 30th anniversary of the Falklands conflict. Argentina invaded the islands in April 1982, leading to a 74-day conflict that left 649 Argentinians, 255 Britons and three Falkland Islanders dead. There are currently ongoing oil exploration efforts in the waters surrounding the islands. Argentina has made several demands for sovereignty at the United Nations, and has received support from other South American countries. Buenos Aires has launched several recent diplomatic and verbal attacks on Britain, including referring to Prince William as a "conquistador" during his tour of duty in the islands with the Royal Air Force in February 2012. In his Christmas message last month, David Cameron, the Prime Minister, promised to defend the Falkland Islands after a "momentous" year in which residents voted to remain a British overseas territory. "2013 will be remembered as a momentous year in the history of the Falkland Islands," Cameron said. So as we look to 2014, you can count on the British government's continued support in countering the Argentine government's campaign to claim the islands' resources and to inflict damage on your economy. Mr Cameron said Argentina's attempts to damage the islands' economy involved recent "shameful attempts to discourage hydrocarbons exploration" in Falklands waters. Mr Timerman responded last week by mocking Britain as an impotent colonial aggressor on the wrong side of history in the Falklands dispute, insisting it will not be cowed by "verbal and military threats" as "the lion roars but does not inspire fear."