"That's a long way away": Trump casts doubt on British defense of the Falklands

 U.S. President Donald Trump cast doubt on Saturday on the United Kingdom's willingness to defend the Falkland Islands, amidst renewed tensions between London and Buenos Aires over sovereignty of the archipelago.

When asked during a press conference whether he had discussed the Falklands issue during the call he held on Monday with British Prime Minister Andy Burnham, Trump said he remembered when UK forces "went in and took over" the Argentine archipelago. He noted that, back then, the European country was "a little different."

He noted that the nation is now facing more pressing domestic issues—including immigration and energy—along with "various other problems that need to be addressed."

In this context, he questioned whether the British would be "willing" to travel "so far" for the Falklands. "That is a long way off. We are talking about weeks by ship," he pointed out.

The president also left open the possibility of stepping in as a mediator to resolve the dispute. "I am sure they will call me regarding that potential disaster. If they do, I will probably be able to resolve it," he maintained, adding that "right now, there are two countries that are unhappy."