[Nethra K Putti]

ANTARTICA TREATY SYSTEM

- the Antartica Treaty System regulates international relations with respect to Antartica, Earth's only continent without a native population. for teh purposes of the treaty system, Antartica is defined as all land & ice shelves south of the southern 60th parallel. The treaty has now been signed by 46 countries , including the Soviet Union & the United States , & set aside Antartica as scientific preserve, established freedom on that continent. this was first arms control agreement established during cold war. the treaty was opened for signed on December 1, 1959, & officially entered inot force on June 23, 1961.

- the main objective of the ATS is to ensure in the interests of all mankind that Antartica shall continue forever to be used exclusively for peaceful purpose & shall not become the scene / object of international discord. the treaty forbids any measures of military nature, but not presence military personnel per se. it avoided addressing the question of existing territorial claims aserted by some nations & not recognised by others. High points on Antartica Treaty System are:

• area to be used for peaceful purpose only, military activity , such as weapons testing , is prohibited, but military personnel & equipment may be used for scientific research .
• freedom of scientific investigation & cooperation shall continue.
• free exchange of information & personnel in cooperation with UN & other international agencies.
• No new claims shall be asserted while the treaty is in force.
• prohibits nuclear explosions / disposal of radioactive wates.
• includes under the treaty all land & ice shelves south of 60 degrees 00 minutes south.
• allows for jurisdiction over observers & scientists by their own states.
• frequent consultative meetings take place among member nations.
• deal with upholding , interpreting & amending the treaty among involved nations.

Protocol on environment protection to the Antarctic Treaty was signed October 4, 1991 & entered into force on Jan 14 1998. this agreement prevents development & provides for the protection of the Antartic environment through five specific annexes on marine pollution, fauna, & flora, environment impact assessments, waste management, & protected areas. it prohibits all activites relating to mineral resources except scientific.