MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

ARA Irizar begins Antarctic season

Argentine Navy icebreaker “Almirante Irizar” sails from Buenos Aires this Monday to begin the “full” Antarctic 2003/2004 campaign.

The icebreaker will be visiting and supplying Argentine bases and stations in the Antarctic continent plus giving logistic support to the several scientific research missions in the area.

Last Friday during the symbolic farewell ceremony Defence Minister Jose Pampuro emphasized the special interest of President Nestor Kirchner in "maintaining and expanding the Argentine presence in Antarctica". "This summer campaign will be fully and amply developed", said Minister Pampuro, because contrary to other "previous limited efforts, we have the necessary resources for the whole accomplishment of the task".

Further on Mr. Pampuro underlined the "particular importance for Argentina of the 2003/04 campaign" and congratulated the military and civilian personnel who will be participating.