Jorge Rafael Videla

Jorge Rafael Videla Redondo (born August 2, 1925 in Mercedes) was the de facto President of Argentina from 1976 to 1981. He came to power in a coup d'état that deposed Isabel Martínez de Perón. After the return to democracy, he was placed on house arrest.

Conflict with Chile

During Videla's regime, a dispute arose with Chile over three islands in the Beagle Channel at the southern tip of America, Picton, Lennox and Nueva. By 1977 Pinochet's Chile and Videla's Argentina were on the brink of open war.

Related Topics:
Beagle Channel - Picton - 1977 - Pinochet's - Chile

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In 1978, however, Pope John Paul II opened a new mediation process. His representative, Antonio Samoré, successfully prevented full-scale war.

Related Topics:
1978 - Pope John Paul II - Antonio Samoré

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The conflict was not completely resolved until 1984 with the Treaty of Peace and Friendship (Tratado de Paz y Amistad). Chilean sovereignity over the islands is now undisputed.

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