Peru’s decision to allow the visit of a British warship has cause controversy in Argentina, reported El Comercio.

The Peruvian government authorized the British ship to dock in the port of Callao from Thursday 22 to Monday 26 of March. The ship’s visit was approved by Peru’s congress on February 27 2012.

The ship’s stop in Peru caused controversy due to ongoing tension between the UK and Argentina over the Falkland Islands.

Argentina’s ‘Ambito Financiero’ newspaper said the visit was a “fissure in UNASUR” – the Union of South American Nations -, and said Peru was “the region’s first casualty.”

The Royal Navy’s vessel, with a crew of 186, will be in Peruvian waters for four days, reported El Comercio.

"The Peruvian government’s decision to authorize the visit of a British warship is sure to stress the situation in Argentina amid tensions with the United Kingdom," Argentina’s Clarin newspaper said.

Last month President Ollanta Humala sent a letter of support to his Argentine counterpart Cristina Fernandez, to express Peru’s support regarding the Falkland Islands dispute with the United Kingdom.

According to Peru21, Humala expressed his solidarity and support on behalf of the Peruvian people and government, for the “legitimate rights of Argentina’s sovereignty.”

Update: Peru's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Rafael Roncagliolo announced the Peruvian government has suspended the visit.

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