Hagel says nations must avoid conflict in Arctic
Source: Associated Press
Hagel says nations must avoid conflict in Arctic
By LOLITA C. BALDOR, Associated Press | November 22, 2013 | Updated: November 22, 2013 2:35pm
HALIFAX, Nova Scotia (AP) The U.S. will assert its sovereignty in the Arctic, Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel warned Friday, even as Russia, China and other nations stake claims and expand their use of the icy waters for military exercises and transit.
Speaking at a security forum, Hagel said energy exploration in the largely untapped Arctic region could heighten international tensions, but that countries must work together to avoid conflict,
"We will remain prepared to detect, deter, prevent and defeat threats to our homeland and we will continue to exercise U.S. sovereignty in and around Alaska," Hagel said, as he unveiled the Pentagon's new Arctic strategy.
With a nod to the increased interest in the Arctic's lucrative oil and gas deposits, he added: "Throughout human history, mankind has raced to discover the next frontier. And time after time, discovery was swiftly followed by conflict. We cannot erase this history. But we can assure that history does not repeat itself in the Arctic."
Read more: http://www.chron.com/business/energy/article/Hagel-says-nations-must-avoid-conflict-in-Arctic-5000826.php
Ash_F
(5,861 posts)"The U.S. will assert its sovereignty in the Arctic, Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel warned Friday"
<-- This emote is getting too useful.
Alamuti Lotus
(3,093 posts)"Hey! All you people better sit down and play nice as we make off with this loot!"
Ash_F
(5,861 posts)Arcanetrance
(2,670 posts)newfie11
(8,159 posts)When did that happen? Seems like Canada shiuld have more say then we do.
Solly Mack
(90,758 posts)There are 7 (8 total) other arctic states. (Russia, Canada, Finland, Sweden, Greenland (Denmark), Iceland, Norway.....and they have water rights as well. (and sovereignty)
QuestForSense
(653 posts)You know, UNITED in a common goal for the benefit of everyone?
maindawg
(1,151 posts)WWIII over arctic oil ! yay ! Wonder where we will bomb ?
Ash_F
(5,861 posts)wordpix
(18,652 posts)Just hope the Arctic weather and storms make them think otherwise. Not the place for big rigs and machinery, period.
CatholicEdHead
(9,740 posts)Since the Soviets started sending expositions there during Stalin's time.
NaturalHigh
(12,778 posts)Wouldn't that work?