Norway calls for end to Arctic claims

abc.net.au ^ | 2007/08/18 | BBC

[JohnA]

Russia recently planted a flag under the North Pole. (Reuters: Reuters Television)

Norway has called on countries with land bordering the Arctic region to stop the race to claim sovereignty over the region's vast mineral resources.

Two weeks ago, a Russian mission to the North Pole planted a Russian flag on the Arctic sea-bed, while Denmark and the United States have sent expeditions to the region.

But Norwegian Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Stoere says there are established procedures to deal with the issue.

"If anybody is under the belief that we solve this by racing up there with flags or other demonstrations of sovereignty, those who say that are wrong and they should be told they are wrong," he said.

"There's no need to see this as a race, it is not the way you settle these kind of issues."

[wastedyears]

*** “There’s no need to see this as a race, it is not the way you settle these kind of issues.” ***

Oh no? We had a competition with the Soviets. It was called the Space Race. They beat us in putting a satellite and a man in space. We got to the Moon first, and we’re still the only country that has gone there. We won

[JohnA]

I suggest if you are going to comment on this issue that you get a law degree.

[tet68]

Wait, let me rephrase that as a liberal would.

Russian moon team comes in second,
American team next to last.
It’s all Bush’s fault.

[Nitro]

Russian moon team comes in second,

Who came in first?

[PAR35]

Who came in first?

The Germans, of course.

[Nitro]

Clever bastards aren’t they.

[yooper]

Russia planted a flag in Bill Clinton's ass about forty years ago. It still stands.

Anyone who doubts that claims like this have no legacy is denying history.

Norway is very rightly trying to head off what could be a disasterous argument somewhere down our road. Tusind Takk Norge!

[JohnA]

Financial Times was right: This is headed for the sort of resolution called for by international law. This is why Bush wants the Law of the Sea Treaty part of US law, or however you phrase it.

Also, another British paper, I forget which, said that Russia put out the bait and Canada and the US went for it.

It's just show biz and a bit mischief aimed at Russian voters and to speed up the Bush decision, or whomever Bush needs to consult on it. Maybe Congress.

Norway has an interest, at least as contractor, though Statoil, in Schtokman. I'm glad they are telling everybody just to calm down.

[bill1952]

Yes, thats the ticket.

We will let lawyers handle this matter of Global import.

I suggest that you get a degree in maneuvering the 5th Fleet since you a;ready understand the phrase “de facto.”

The issue is currently settled.

[JohnA]

My, bill, you are the tubthumper tonight.

[P-40]

racing up there with flags

That would give all those polar bears something to cling to. :)

[lowbridge]

Who came in first?

I don't know.

He's on third....

[Grizzled Bear]

I suggest if you are going to comment on this issue that you get a law degree.

---

Nah. The winner is the last man breathing.

[Ben Ficklin]

Any nation, in this case Russia, has 10 years after signing the treaty to make their claims. Russia signed in 1997.

OTOH, Canada signed in 2003 and are worried that they will not be able to get all their technical data collected to make their claim by 2013.

[bill1952]

>My, bill, you are the tubthumper tonight.

My my, Ivan Ivanich you just got thumped right out of FR.

Damn russian trolls.