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In spite of the fact that it was discovered by man over 163 years ago, this continent is in many ways unknown to man. If you combine both Mexico and the United States, Antarctica would be the same landmass size. Only 2% of Antarctica is not trapped beneath an enormous cap of ice. This provides for another one of Antarctica's distinctive features: it's natural resources have been largely undisturbed. Potential oil off the coasts, widespread protein-filled krill that roam the waters offshore, and natural resource minerals which may hide beneath the icecap are all unused. Being almost deathly silent, the peacefulness of Antarctica is an unusual feature. Having been peacefully governed for many years, we trust that present developments in the political arena will not have an adverse effect on that peacefulness in the years to come. From the 1940s, to the 30s and then the 20s, Antarctica experienced a time of competing international activities rather that just its quiet scientific studies. The cold and the storms and the dark finally convinced those governments that it would be too costly to fight in Antarctica. The continent is just too menacing to support military involvement. The peace which ensued was established officially in 1959 by the Antarctic Treaty. The treaty was drawn up and signed by representatives of the twelve nations in attendance in Antarctica, for the International Geophysical Year (IGY) of 1957-1958. The focus of those nations was to find a means of working cooperatively with science as the main objective. This prevented any country from taking hostile action there. The only purpose for which armed forces can be used is to assist scientific undertakings. The storage of radioactive wastes, explosion of atomic weapons and all military action is strictly precluded. The Antarctic Treaty is also the only arms control agreement that provides for on-site inspections of a unilateral fashion. The treaty has not resolved some existing territorial claims, but scientific expeditions are allowed to travel freely on the continent or within the waters surrounding Antarctica. To this point, the United Nations has had no direct involvement in Antarctica. In fact, United Nations activities have been completely discouraged by the treaty powers. The members of the treaty believe that the current administration that monitors the science, protection and expeditions It was not long ago that Antarctica had the potential to be a point of serious contention among wealthier nations and the areas of the world which were developing. Recent evolutions have come forth that have provided some very interesting developments. Certain of the larger developing nations, such as China, India and a few in the Americas, have shown interest in aligning themselves with the Antarctic Treaty. The treaty just granted "acceding powers" status to a few Latin American countries. While they agree to the terms of the treaty, they are unable to vote due to the fact that they are not currently active on the continent for scientific purposes. In this way, the industrializing nations do not remain outside the tent hurling rocks at it, but instead are included under the big tent.
Article Source: http://www.bharatbhasha.net Article Url: http://www.bharatbhasha.net/travel.php/236703 Article Added on Monday, May 3, 2010 | ||||||||
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