Talks between New Zealand and the Kingdom of Antarctica have ended without agreement, with tensions continuing to escalate over the disputed Ross Dependency.
The Kingdom of Antarctica said negotiations concluded without a deal after it had asked New Zealand to provide evidence supporting allegations made against it.
Antarctica said it had entered the discussions “in good faith”, but maintained that its sovereignty was not open for negotiation.
“The only matter the Kingdom would not discuss was its sovereignty, because that matter is not open.”
The kingdom also disputed New Zealand’s ultimatum, saying it had been issued before talks took place and with less notice than required under its interpretation of the Rules of War.
It said the validity of New Zealand’s casus belli — the justification given for military action — remained under review.
Antarctica warns it will defend territory
The Kingdom of Antarctica said it would respond if New Zealand proceeded with military 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 also said it would hold New Zealand accountable before the international community for any conflict it chose to begin.
Despite the breakdown in talks, Antarctica said its offer of peace remained open.
The kingdom also cited what it described as an International Court of Justice ruling in Antarctica v New Zealand, claiming the court had rejected a historical New Zealand claim over Antarctica.
Cook Islands backs New Zealand
The Cook Islands has meanwhile declared its support for New Zealand and condemned the Kingdom of Antarctica over alleged environmental damage.
The Cook Islands government accused Antarctica of causing “massive damages” to the natural environment, including territory claimed by New Zealand in the Ross Dependency.
The Cook Islands Security Intelligence Service also alleged that it had uncovered evidence of the torture of penguins in an underground facility.
The allegation has not been independently verified.
The Cook Islands described the alleged conduct as an act of war and said its Defence Force stood behind New Zealand.
Pressure grows on New Zealand government
In Wellington, the New Zealand government says it is facing growing domestic pressure to take action against Antarctica.
The government said protests and threats against officials had taken place, with three arrests reported.
New Zealand’s Governor-General also said he had attended an unscheduled meeting at UN headquarters after being invited by the Kingdom of Antarctica.
According to the Governor-General, the meeting failed to make progress on the Ross Dependency dispute.
In a statement, he described the meeting as “very emotionally charged” and accused the Antarctic representative of behaving in a “rude and hostile” manner.
“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 dissatisfied with the conduct during the meeting.
Diplomatic dispute continues
The latest developments leave the dispute unresolved, with New Zealand facing domestic pressure to respond, while Antarctica has warned that it will defend its territory if military action is taken.
The Cook Islands has now publicly aligned itself with New Zealand, adding another government to the dispute.
Both sides continue to maintain opposing positions over the status of the Ross Dependency, while the Kingdom of Antarctica says its offer of peace remains on the table.