A joint team from the United States and the Russian Federation concluded a six-day inspection of foreign research stations, installations and equipment in Antarctica on January 28, 2012, pursuant to the Antarctic Treaty of 1959 and its Environmental Protocol. The team inspected the following stations: Concordia (France/Italy), Mario Zucchelli (Italy) and Scott Base (New Zealand).
Officials from the U.S. Department of State and the Russian Federation Ministry of Foreign Affairs led the inspection.
The U.S.-Russia team examined the Treaty Parties' adherence to their obligations, including with respect to limiting environmental impacts, ensuring that Antarctica is used only for peaceful purposes and that Parties honor the prohibition on measures of a military nature.
The United States appreciates the assistance provided by the French, Italian and New Zealand personnel at the visited stations.
An inspection report will be jointly presented by the United States and Russia to the other Treaty Parties at the next Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting, to be held in Hobart, Australia, in June 2012.
For further information on the Antarctic Treaty, visit http://www.state.gov/e/oes/ocns/opa/c6528.htm.
