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Special Note from the President (1 March 2010)

Colleagues,

It has been brought to my attention that, due to an automated posting system, articles reporting the UK's intentions in regard to islands offshore of Argentina were mistakenly posted to the Oslo IPY Conference news site. As a co-sponsor of the Oslo Conference, SCAR deeply regrets that these items were posted to the Conference web site which is (and should solely be) a forum for science and cooperation.

SCAR carefully guards and values its independence and objectivity as an international, scientific organization and does not endorse or in any way condone the postings (or the messages that they included). I have been assured by the Oslo organizers that it was an oversight and that these items have been removed.

The endorsement by SCAR of any event is carefully considered by the President, the Secretariat, and the Executive Committee to ensure that no conflicts of interest are involved and that the SCAR name or logo is only used for the highest purposes in concert with SCAR's vision, mission, and goals. Sponsorship has been denied in the past.

This incident is unfortunate and serves to highlight that while SCAR is a non-governmental, independent international scientific organization, it operates in what can be a highly charged political environment. I, as President have staunchly maintained that SCAR must avoid involvement in political discussions at all levels and restrict its activities to science and science-based advice. This position, in my opinion, is non-negotiable and should be inviolate for SCAR in all of its dealings and actions.

I offer my apologies to anyone, or government, that may have been offended by this incident and reaffirm that SCAR does not endorse (or in any way approve) the actions that occurred. I am available to answer any and all questions regarding SCAR's position in regard to this matter or any other questions that may arise.

Chuck Kennicutt
President of SCAR

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