Cablegate: Russian Response: Jurisdiction Over Antarctic Tourist

VZCZCXYZ0048
RR RUEHWEB

DE RUEHMO #3212 3051321
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
R 311321Z OCT 08
FM AMEMBASSY MOSCOW
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 0594
INFO RUEHSA/AMEMBASSY PRETORIA 0302

UNCLAS MOSCOW 003212

DEPT FOR OES/PCI, OES/OA, EUR/RUS, AND AF/S

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: SENV EFIS RS
SUBJECT: RUSSIAN RESPONSE: JURISDICTION OVER ANTARCTIC TOURIST
EXPEDITIONS

REF: STATE 95270

In response to reftel request, Vasily Titushkin, the MFA Legal
Department's Executive Secretary in charge of Antarctic Treaty
issues, informed Post that Russia has no jurisdiction over the
companies named in reftel. The GOR understands that The Antarctic
Company (TAC) and Antarctic Logistics Centre International (ALCI)
are both incorporated in South Africa and therefore subject to South
African law. ALCI has provided logistical support for GOR
activities in connection with the International Polar Year and
occasionally for other transportation needs in Antarctica, and ALCI
has leased Russian-built aircraft. However, Russia assumes no
regulatory oversight over ALCI or TAC expeditions.

BEYRLE

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