A mini-submarine dropped a titanium capsule containing a Russian flag on the ocean floor at the North Pole Thursday, in a symbolic claim of the polar region's oil and minerals.
In this image made from an RTR TV broadcast, a Russian miniature sub is lowered Thursday from a research vessel, moments before diving under the polar ice to drop a capsule holding a Russian flag, staking a symbolic claim to the region's resources.
(RTR Channel/Associated Press) If recognized, the claim would give Russia control of almost half of the Arctic seabed, an area as large as the Prairie provinces that could be abundant in natural resources such as oil and gas.
The region is currently divided among Canada, the United States, Norway, Russia and Denmark. Russia is claiming a larger area, saying that the Arctic seabed and Siberia are linked by the same continental shelf. The UN rejected the claim, citing lack of evidence, but the country is set to resubmit the application in 2009.
Canada, meanwhile, plans to spend $7.5 billion to build and operate up to eight Arctic patrol ships in a bid to help protect its sovereignty.
Foreign Affairs Minister Peter MacKay said planting a flag will not change the claim to the region.
Full Story
Is Canada doing enough to press its claim to sovereignty in the Arctic?
More...
(RTR Channel/Associated Press)
The region is currently divided among Canada, the United States, Norway, Russia and Denmark. Russia is claiming a larger area, saying that the Arctic seabed and Siberia are linked by the same continental shelf. The UN rejected the claim, citing lack of evidence, but the country is set to resubmit the application in 2009.
Canada, meanwhile, plans to spend $7.5 billion to build and operate up to eight Arctic patrol ships in a bid to help protect its sovereignty.
Foreign Affairs Minister Peter MacKay said planting a flag will not change the claim to the region.
Full Story
Is Canada doing enough to press its claim to sovereignty in the Arctic?
More...