Talks between New Zealand and the Kingdom of Antarctica have ended without agreement, as a dispute over the Ross Dependency continues to escalate.
Antarctica confirmed the breakdown of negotiations in a statement from Adélieville, saying it had attended talks “in good faith” but would not negotiate over what it considers its sovereignty.
New Zealand, meanwhile, accused the Antarctic delegation of refusing to meaningfully discuss the Ross Dependency during an unscheduled meeting at United Nations headquarters.
The diplomatic breakdown follows an ultimatum issued by New Zealand demanding, among other measures, the withdrawal of Antarctic civil and military services and recognition of the Ross Dependency as New Zealand territory.
Antarctica rejects sovereignty demands
The Kingdom of Antarctica said it had asked New Zealand to provide evidence supporting allegations made against it, but claimed this had not been provided during the talks.
It said sovereignty was the only issue it would not discuss.
“The only matter the Kingdom would not discuss was its sovereignty, because that matter is not open.”
Antarctica cited a judgment in Antarctica v New Zealand, which it says found New Zealand held no historical claim over Antarctica and recognised the kingdom across the continent.
“No meeting, ultimatum or deadline alters that judgment.”
The kingdom also questioned the validity of New Zealand’s ultimatum, claiming it was issued before negotiations took place and without sufficient notice under the Rules of War.
It said the legal basis for any New Zealand military action remained under review.
Kingdom warns it will defend territory
Antarctica warned that it was prepared to defend itself if New Zealand proceeded with action.
“Should New Zealand proceed regardless, the Kingdom will defend its territory and its people by every means the law of the United Nations permits.”
It said it would seek to hold New Zealand accountable internationally for any conflict that followed.
However, Antarctica maintained that a diplomatic solution remained possible, saying: “The Kingdom’s offer of peace remains on the table.”
New Zealand reports arrests amid domestic pressure
New Zealand says its government is facing significant pressure at home to take action.
Officials in Wellington reported protests and threats against government representatives, saying three arrests had been made.
New Zealand’s Governor-General said he had been invited by Antarctica to an unscheduled meeting at UN headquarters earlier in the day but claimed the discussions failed to address the central territorial dispute.
He also criticised the conduct of the Antarctic representative during the talks.
“I found the meeting to be very emotionally charged. Rather than attempting to settle politely, Metrix behaved rudely and hostile towards myself.”
The Governor-General said New Zealand was “not pleased” with the conduct of the meeting.
Antarctica has disputed New Zealand’s wider account of the negotiations, saying it had attempted to obtain evidence supporting Wellington’s allegations and had remained willing to discuss matters other than sovereignty.
Cook Islands backs Wellington
The Cook Islands has publicly backed New Zealand in the dispute and accused Antarctica of causing extensive environmental damage.
Its foreign minister condemned what the government described as damage to Antarctica’s natural environment, including areas within the Ross Dependency claimed by New Zealand.
The Cook Islands Security Intelligence Service has also made the serious allegation that penguins were tortured in an underground facility operated within the kingdom.
No evidence supporting that specific allegation was included in the statements provided to BBC News, and the claim has not been independently verified.
The Cook Islands described the alleged treatment as an “act of war” and said its Defence Force stood with New Zealand.
What happens now?
The latest statements leave the two sides publicly divided over both sovereignty and the circumstances surrounding their failed negotiations.
New Zealand has demanded Antarctic authorities leave the Ross Dependency, restore alleged environmental damage, pay clean-up costs and issue an apology.
Antarctica rejects New Zealand’s territorial position and says it will defend what it regards as its sovereign territory, while maintaining that its peace offer remains open.
With the Cook Islands now publicly supporting Wellington and New Zealand facing pressure domestically, attention is likely to focus on whether further diplomatic talks can take place before either side takes additional action.
BBC News has not independently verified the competing territorial, legal and environmental claims made by the governments involved.