UNITED NATIONS -- (AFP) -- Argentina has renewed Buenos Aires' claim to sovereignty over the British-ruled Falkland Islands at a meeting of the UN Decolonization Committee.

The panel adopted a resolution calling for London to open talks on the windswept South Atlantic archipelago.

Argentina and Britain fought a brief but bloody war in 1982 over the islands -- which Argentines call the Malvinas -- with London retaining control.

Britain has said sovereignty over the Falklands is not negotiable without the consent of the islanders, most of whom say they want to remain under British rule.

Argentine Foreign Minister Guido Di Tella stressed to reporters the importance of Argentine President Carlos Menem's upcoming visit to Britain, the first by an Argentine president since the 74-day war over the islands.