Disputed Areas

V

Falkland Islands

Both the United Kingdom and Argentina claim sovereignty over the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas), which the United Kingdom controls. In 1982 Argentina invaded the islands, but the United Kingdom retained control after a brief regional war. Argentina continues to assert its claim to the islands.

VI

Gaza Strip

Israel occupied the Gaza Strip in 1967. Following negotiations between Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), the Palestinian National Authority (PNA) assumed administrative control of Palestinian areas in 1994. In 2004, Israel’s parliament approved prime minister Ariel Sharon’s plans to withdraw Israeli settlements and troops from the Gaza Strip. The evacuation of the settlements took place in August 2005. The final status of the region remains unresolved.

VII

Golan Heights

Israel occupied the Golan Heights region of Syria in 1967 and annexed it in 1981. Syria refuses to recognize Israel’s authority in the region.

VIII

Jammu and Kashmir

Pakistan, India, and China each claim all or part of the former princely state of Jammu and Kashmir. A ceasefire agreement in 1949 divided the region into two sectors: the eastern part administered by India as the state of Jammu and Kashmir and the western part administered by Pakistan as Azad (“Free”) Kashmir and the Northern Areas. In 1950 China occupied the north-eastern portion of Kashmir, known as Aksai Chin.

IX

Kenya/Sudan Border

Sudan and Kenya dispute the ownership of an area along their common border known as the Ilemi Triangle. This area is administered by Kenya but claimed by Sudan.