–Falkland Islands will hold referendum in first half of 2013

–UK says it will support the choice of Falkland Islanders

LONDON–The Falkland Islands on Tuesday announced plans to hold a referendum on their political status next year, in a bid to end the territorial dispute between Britain and Argentina 30 years after the two countries fought a brief, but bloody war over the oil-rich archipelago.

U.K. Prime Minister David Cameron said Britain would be “resolute” in supporting their choice. Officials from Argentina’s foreign ministry couldn’t be reached for comment. But Argentina has long rejected self-determination as a answer to the question of sovereignty.

The announcement comes as the South Atlantic archipelago prepares to mark 30 years since British forces wrested back the islands from 74 days of Argentine military occupation. More than 900 Argentine and British military personnel were killed in the conflict.

Jeremy Browne, a U.K. foreign office minister, is currently in the Falklands to commemorate the war’s end on June 14, 1982.

Tensions between Argentina and the U.K. have increased in recent months ahead of the anniversary. The prospect of oil and gas finds off the islands has also fueled the dispute.

Gavin Short, chairman of the islands’ legislative assembly, said he has no doubt that Falklanders wish to be considered part of the U.K.

“We certainly have no desire to be ruled by the government in Buenos Aires, a fact that is immediately obvious to anyone who has visited the islands and heard our views,” he said.

“We have thought carefully about how to convey a strong message to the outside world that expresses the views of the Falklands people in a clear, democratic and incontestable way. So we have decided, with the full support of the British government, to hold a referendum on the Falkland Islands to eliminate any possible doubt about our wishes.”

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