Argentina lost a 1982 war to Britain after its forces, then under the command of a military junta, invaded the islands. The 74-day conflict cost 907 lives on both sides but despite an official surrender Argentina never gave up its claim.

Next week Argentina will reignite the debate over reasons for its claim and will have senior regional officials putting forward the Argentine case.

Momentum in the Falklands row has come mainly from recent oil discoveries in North Falkland basis, which may be a precursor to larger finds of both oil and gas. Scientific reports point to reserves matching those in Saudi Arabia.

Deep-water exploration and development will entail massive cash investment, currently in short supply because of the global downturn and prospecting opportunities in more lucrative and easier oil fields elsewhere in Africa, Asia and Latin America.

The long-running Argentine claim stems from a historical incident, the founding of an Argentine settlement on the islands around 1826.

Most of the Argentine settlers were expelled by a U.S. warship in 1831 and a British expedition took control of the territory in 1832. Britain declared sovereignty 1833, although Argentina disputed it and the Falklands became an overseas territory under the British crown.

Britain says there is no dispute because the Falklanders exercised self-determination and chose to stay under British sovereignty after Argentine retreat in 1982.

At the U.N. Decolonization Committee, or C24, talks next week, Argentina plans to push the argument that the Falklands are colonized by Britain.

To counter this, representatives from the elected government of the Falkland Islands will also attend, officials said.

The C24 is an annual ritual notorious for a lot of talk and little action, diplomats said. This year, they said, the committee will face delegations that are poised to take the argument further.

Argentina wants the oil exploration activity stopped but with millions of dollars in private equity locked in recent financing of drilling and research operations that too seems unlikely.

British officials said military defenses on the islands are being bolstered because of Argentine pronouncements. Argentina won support for its cause from the Union of South American Nations, a grouping of nations that want to see U.S. -- and by implicit extension U.K. -- influence removed from South America and South Atlantic region.

Argentine media said the Buenos Aires team at the talks will be led by Foreign Affairs Minister Jorge Taiana and will include Fabiana Rios, governor of the Tierra del Fuego, Antarctica and South Atlantic Islands province.

Argentina is expected to make a presentation in defense of "its legitimate sovereign interests" over the Falklands, South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands plus adjoining maritime spaces.

The Argentine government wants Britain to enter into talks on Falklands sovereignty but London says there is nothing to discuss.

Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg said last week Britain "will not compromise the rights, preferences and sovereignty of the Falklands," adding that "we clearly want the Falklands to remain as part of the United Kingdom."

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