Antarctica and ice shelves south of 60° S for the purposes of the Treaty System. The treaty was signed by twelve countries including the Soviet Union (and later Russia), the United Kingdom, Argentina, Chile, Australia, and the United States. It set aside Antarctica as a scientific preserve, established freedom of scientific investigation and environmental protection, and banned military activity on Antarctica. This was the first arms control agreement established during the Cold War. In 1983 the Antarctic Treaty Parties began negotiations on a convention to regulate mining in Antarctica. A coalition of international organisations launched a public pressure campaign to prevent
Uruguayan Antarctica Day" ("Día de la Antártida Uruguaya") and promote the study and dissemination of the issue among the younger generations. In the preamble, Lacalle argued that "we have chosen the 28th of August, as the foundation of the Uruguayan Antarctic Institute, inspired by the teachings of Professor Julio C. Musso, has been the area where the Antarctic vocation of our country was born and raised." Uruguayan Antarctica Uruguayan Antarctica () is the name given by Professor Julio César Musso to refer to the area of the Antarctica where it is believed that the Oriental Republic of Uruguay should exercise its sovereignty.