Antarctic Treaty Meeting in Hiroshima Fails to Reach Accord

Hiroshima, May 21 (Jiji Press)–The 48th Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting ended its 11-day session in the western Japan city of Hiroshima on Thursday, without reaching an agreement on key issues, including the protection of emperor penguins. The meeting’s decision-making required unanimity among the consultative countries. A proposal to designate emperor penguins as a specially protected species was supported by an overwhelming majority, but China and Russia opposed it. The participating countries also failed to approve a proposal to allow Canada, Belarus and Turkey to become consultative countries. Regarding restrictions on Antarctic tourism, the meeting adopted a resolution urging countries to share information. During the meeting, the Ukrainian delegation claimed that a scientist from the country is detained by Russia and demanded the immediate release of the scientist. The Russian delegation disputed the claim. After chairing the meeting, Hideki Uyama, Japan’s ambassador in charge of the meeting, said at a press conference that the impact of geopolitical rifts on the meeting could not be denied. Still, he emphasized that the Hiroshima meeting sent a message of international cooperation even in an era of division and conflict. The Antarctic Treaty was adopted in 1959 during the Cold War. The Hiroshima meeting was the first consultative meeting held in Japan in 32 years. It was joined by about 400 people from 44 countries, including 29 consultative countries, such as the United States and China. The next meeting will be held in Incheon, South Korea, in May next year. END [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]