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China granted observer seat on Arctic Council

May 15, 2013 20:30
By Patricia Zengerle KIRUNA, Sweden (Reuters) - The Arctic Council agreed on Wednesday to admit China and other Asian nations as observers, reflecting growing global interest in the trade and energy potential of the planet's far north. The organization, which coordinates Arctic policy, is gaining clout as sea ice thaws to open up new trade routes and intensify competition for oil and gas - estimated at 15 percent and 30 percent respectively of undiscovered reserves.

Canada pushes development as it takes over Arctic Council

Agence France-PresseMay 15, 2013 16:47
Canada said Wednesday it will promote unprecedented industrial development in the far north as it takes over the helm of the Arctic Council, while activists called for a ban on oil drilling. Leona Aglukkaq, minister for northern affairs, told a teleconference from Sweden: "With the help of our Arctic Council partners, we will focus on creating economic development and sustainable northern communities." It is a priority embraced by all Arctic Council members, she said, adding that it must be done in an "environmentally sustainable manner."

Nations nowhere near the north eye Arctic resources, become observers to regional council

The Canadian PressMay 15, 2013 15:45
KIRUNA, Sweden - Arctic states have agreed to let nations that are located nowhere near the Earth's north to become observers to their diplomatic council. The decision Wednesday by the Arctic Council boosts rising superpowers China, India and Korea that seek to mine the region of its untapped energy and other natural resources. The European Union also was tentatively granted observer status to the eight-state council but must first address several questions about its bid, including concerns about its ban on Canadian seal exports.

Arctic Council admits China, six others as observers

Agence France-PresseMay 15, 2013 12:45
The Arctic Council, at a meeting Wednesday in northern Sweden, granted permanent observer status to China and six others, in a powerful signal of the polar region's growing international importance. Foreign ministers of the eight-member council, including US Secretary of State John Kerry, made the decision at a biennial gathering, which took place in the town of Kiruna.

Canada takes over newly broadened Arctic Council

The Canadian PressMay 15, 2013 11:32
KIRUNA, Sweden - Canada has officially taken over leadership of a newly broadened circumpolar world, beginning a two-year stint as head of an eight-member group of countries around the North Pole that is the primary international forum on northern issues. "The time has come to embrace the Arctic and realize the tremendous potential and opportunities it has to offer for all of us," said federal Health Minister and Nunavut MP Leona Aglukkaq, who will serve as Arctic Council chairwoman during Canada's leadership.

China awaits decision on Arctic Council status

Agence France-PresseMay 15, 2013 05:31
China expressed hope Wednesday that the Arctic Council, a group of nations with strong ties to the frozen north, will soon accept its bid for permanent observer status. The eight-country intergovernmental forum groups Canada, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Russia and the United States, and is holding a ministerial meeting Wednesday in the northern Swedish city of Kiruna. China is the world's second largest economy and has been seeking a foothold in the Arctic, which is believed to hold rich resource potential.

Aboriginals call for Arctic energy moratorium as circumpolar leaders meet

The Canadian PressMay 13, 2013 20:31
A growing number of Arctic aboriginals have called for a moratorium on energy development in the North in a statement that seeks an end to offshore drilling and a pause in northern energy projects unless local aboriginals consent.

Business to have role in Arctic debates, says Aglukkaq

The Canadian PressMay 12, 2013 17:30
Creating a bigger presence for industry at the world's premiere international forum on northern issues won't distract from its work on environmental problems, says the Conservative cabinet minister about to lead the group. "Absolutely not," said Leona Aglukkaq, who will assume the chairmanship of the group of the eight nations that ring the North Pole starting on Wednesday. "That research, the work of interest to all the Arctic regions, that will continue during our chairmanship."

As Arctic thaws, global rivalries and lucrative resources spur security concerns

The Canadian PressMay 10, 2013 18:15
WASHINGTON - The icy Arctic is emerging as a global economic hot spot — and one that is becoming a security concern for the U.S. as world powers jockey to tap its vast energy resources and stake out unclaimed territories. Diplomats from eight Arctic nations, including Secretary of State John Kerry, will meet next week over how to protect the thawing region as its waterways increasingly open to commercial shipping traffic.

Frenchman aims for both poles in a year in world first

Agence France-PresseApril 22, 2013 12:00
A French adventurer hopes to reach both the North and South Poles alone and unaided within one year in what would be a world first, he said Monday after completing the first half of his trek. Faysal Hanneche, 40, reached the North Pole on April 15 on his own, pulling two sleds loaded with 120 kilos (265 pounds) of equipment across hundreds of kilometres in temperatures dropping to -42 degrees Celsius (-44 Fahrenheit). "It's a French first. I did it alone, without anything to pull me (such as a sail), I pulled everything myself, all alone," he told AFP on his return to Oslo.
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