MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Antarctic meeting in Russia

Almost 300 representatives from the Antarctic Treaty country members are holding a Consultation Meeting in St. Petersburg, Russia, to consider conservation and sovereignty issues. The meeting that will extend until July 20th., also includes scientists and environment experts in one of the world's most vulnerable continents. One of the main issues is linked to the compliance of the 1991 Madrid Protocol to protect Antarctic environment and keep it de-militarized and exclusively for scientific research. The document which has yet to be ratified by all countries, established a 50 years moratorium to all kind of mineral resources exploitation. Another issue which is expected to be brought up is Argentina's proposal to locate a permanent Secretariat for the Antarctic Treaty in Buenos Aires. Although Argentina appears as the only candidate with the support of several countries, Great Britain and the United States still have to express their opinion.