MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Argentina “thankful” for HMS Endurance support offer

British Amb. John Hughes with Defence Minister Nilda Garré

Argentina officially thanked this Monday Great Britain's cooperation offer in support of Argentine Antarctic activities.

Argentina's Antarctic activities have been severely handicapped following the fire which broke out in icebreaker Almirante Irizar a few weeks ago leaving her non operational for an undetermined period of time. Defence Minister Nilda Garré received Ambassador John Hughes who said both the British government and the Royal Navy were most grateful and satisfied with the support given to icebreaker HMS Endurance last year when she underwent repairs in Puerto Belgrano. Ambassador Hughes said that HMS Endurance could sail to Antarctica with hold space available for supplies and other provisions for delivery to Argentine bases in ice locked areas. Minister Garré received Ambassador Hughes next to Military Affairs Secretary José María Vásquez Ocampo who was also thankful for the UK "Endurance" offer. However Minister Garré also mentioned the "most generous" offer from the Brazilian government that anticipated full support for Argentine Antarctic activities. Another issue addressed during the interview was the coming meeting of the Antarctic Treaty scheduled to take place in India. Finally Minister Garré briefed Ambassador Hughes on the Argentine Armed Forces reform and restructuring process.