MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Argentine/Chilean lawmakers hold joint session in Antarctica

Argentine and Chilean members of the Congressional Foreign Relations Committees will hold symbolic meetings in Antarctica on Thursday to underline bilateral links and the two countries commitment to the Antarctic Treaty and the Environment Protection protocol.

“This a historic milestone since it will be the first time members of Congress from both countries meet ahead of the bi-centenary celebration of 2010”, said Chilean deputy Carlos Abel Jarpa.

The Chilean lawmaker added that the meetings had two main purposes: strengthen bilateral close links and reaffirm both countries commitment to protect, following on international accords signed half a century ago, the Antarctic platform for the future generations not only of Chile and Argentina, but for the whole world.

The initiative is one of many following the United Kingdom’s (2007) announced intention of considering claims of over a million square kilometres of Antarctic sea shelf , and for which the UK and the rest of coastal countries, have until next May to make formal claims before a special United Nations committee.

“We want to clearly signal the rights of Argentina and Chile over those vast frozen territories and adjoining platform”, said Argentine deputy Ruperto Godoy.

Thursday agenda begins with a first bilateral session at the Chilean base President Eduardo Frei, under the chair of Renan Fuentealba, president of the Chilean Foreign Affairs committee, which will be followed by a second similar event at the Argentine Juba base with Deputy Ruperto Godoy, chairman of the Lower House Foreign Affairs committee presiding over the meeting.

At the sessions according to local media reports Congress members will underline their support for the Antarctic Treaty instruments (environment protection and continental platform rights) and their commitment to uphold Antarctica for peaceful uses and joint scientific research.