Argentine President Nestor Kirchner reiterated on Saturday his country's claim to sovereignty over the Malvinas Islands which are called the Falklands by Britons.

During celebrations of the 23rd anniversary of Argentine landing on the archipelago, Kirchner stressed that his country has legitimate sovereignty over the Malvinas Islands as they are part of its territory.

"It is vital and fundamental that we remember the heroic combat to recover our islands," he said.

The disputed islands, located in the southern Atlantic near the Argentine coast, were occupied by British forces in 1833.

Argentina fought a 74-day war with Britain in 1982 over the sovereignty of the archipelago, leaving 649 Argentine and 255 British soldiers dead. Britain later regained control of the islands.

Also present at the ceremony were Argentine Vice President Daniel Osvaldo Scioli, Defense Minister Jose Pampuro, head of the armed forces and veterans of the 74-day war.

Source: Xinhua