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Russia Claims Much of Arctic

news.bbc.co.uk

Russia is launching an underwater expedition to the North Pole in order to back up its claim to a massive section of the Arctic, which may contain vast energy reserves. “The Arctic is ours and we should demonstrate our presence,” said a Russian parliamentarian and explorer who will participate in the flag-planting expedition.

BBC:

The team aboard the mini-submarine Mir is expected to carry out scientific experiments and measurements on the sea bed.

Reports say it will also leave behind a Russian flag and a capsule with a message for future generations.

“The Arctic is ours and we should demonstrate our presence,” Mr Chilingarov told Russian TV.

His colleague and fellow parliamentarian Vladimir Gruzdev was quoted as saying: “We must remind the whole world that Russia is a great polar and scientific power.”

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TAGS: arctic diplomacy energy exploration gas oil russia science u.n.

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By Lefty, July 26, 2007 at 6:18 am #
(952 comments total)

Re: #89610 by DennisD on 7/25 at 8:35 pm
(Unregistered commenter)

Who gives a shit, as if they don’t have enough ice in Russia to keep the vodka cold already. Take it and good luck, just don’t complain when it melts and try to give it back later.
====================================================
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!

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By Skruff, July 26, 2007 at 5:37 am #
(Unregistered commenter)

89430 by RAE on 7/25 at 11:03 am

“We in Canada are outraged at the arrogance of the USA’s administration when it ignores our traditional territorial claim from the 49th parallel to the North Pole, from the Pacific to the Atlantic.”

As a US citizen, let me be the first to appoligize to the citizens of Canada for the reprehensible behavior of my government in its dealings with those whom most US folks consider our best friend, and our most stable trading partner. I agree (as do most folks hereabouts) that the Northwest passage is yours. The claim backed by the exploration and planting of the Union Jack (and the bodies of his crew) by Captain Franklin.

“I sure hope we don’t come to blows over this because, of course, Canada would lose.”

But come-on now… Where would the U.S. government go to get mercenaries (citizens sure wouldn’t fight) which would fight above the 46th. If Canada and The US got hostile, it would benefit neither side and, many US citizens would change nationality. After all, the closest pharmacy (to my home) is across the Canadian border.... and my government has already made that journey more difficult.

I have a great idea.... Howabout we let Bush and Harper fight it out personally? We could put it on TV and call it “Canican Gladiator”

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By DennisD, July 25, 2007 at 8:35 pm #
(Unregistered commenter)

Who gives a shit, as if they don’t have enough ice in Russia to keep the vodka cold already. Take it and good luck, just don’t complain when it melts and try to give it back later.

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By BobNSF, July 25, 2007 at 4:57 pm #
(Unregistered commenter)

It will be fascinating to watch the Bush administration try to make an internationalist, environmentalist argument with a straight face…

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By RAE, July 25, 2007 at 11:03 am #
(353 comments total)

Good for the Russians. Hope they have greater success in curbing the USA’s seemingly insatiable appetite for claiming and invading other nation’s territories.

We in Canada are outraged at the arrogance of the USA’s administration when it ignores our traditional territorial claim from the 49th parallel to the North Pole, from the Pacific to the Atlantic. Just because we don’t have a million armed guards stationed strategically throughout those lands to enforce our boundaries doesn’t mean the USA or anyone else is welcome to claim it and trespass at will. The “wild west” days are OVER!

The Canadian government has moved, finally, to establish military outposts in appropriate locations throughout the Arctic to “show the flag” and to demonstrate in no uncertain terms that most of the Northwest Passage has always been, and is today, part of CANADA - not as the USA claims, “international waters.”

I sure hope we don’t come to blows over this because, of course, Canada would lose. However, USA, do keep in mind that Canada’s OIL and GAS is currently keeping your country operating - we, not OPEC, are your MAJOR supplier of fuel. I shudder to think of the inconveniences that would arise should that supply ever be curtailed or cut off altogether!

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By Mudwollow, July 25, 2007 at 10:29 am #
(211 comments total)

If it works for George, why won’t it work for PooTon?

I do hope the American media doesn’t, with a straight face, accuse Russia of trying to grab natural resources.

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By Bob Wallace, July 24, 2007 at 9:22 pm #
(Unregistered commenter)

Makes good copy. Gives the appearance of momentum. If Russia can’t go forward, then she can at least go back to colonialism. It gives people the hope of progress. Much like planting the flag on the moon.

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By Rosco, July 24, 2007 at 8:27 pm #
(10 comments total)

Maybe we can make a deal with them. Like we did with Alaska. Might cost a bit more though.

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By Lefty, July 24, 2007 at 7:30 pm #
(952 comments total)

NEXT IRAN, AND THEN THOSE DIRTY TRAITORS, RUSSIA!!!

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By louis stroud, July 24, 2007 at 6:09 pm #
(Unregistered commenter)

bush boys have taken our country to its knees, everyone with a slingshot can now move in and take over, our borders are completely non-exixtant, save the road to tiujuana, and a few others, anyone speak chinese?

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By Dale Headley, July 24, 2007 at 5:50 pm #
(Unregistered commenter)

I don’t think Russia understands: America owns the Solar System, which, of course, includes the Arctic.

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By Leefeller, July 24, 2007 at 5:49 pm #
(1234 comments total)

Great for the Russians, at least they will not have to kill moslems to get their oil or whatever. Republicans with egg on their faces, will now kick in with the greed factor, they missed out on a no brainer, even though that is what they do best. Now we will be planting flags on the moon, or did we already do that?

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