Russia lays claim to North Pole, Greenpeace reacts

Moscow.— Reacting tonews that Russia has submitted a claim to the seabed around the North Pole,Greenpeace Russia Arctic campaigner Vladimir Chuprov said: "The melting ofthe Arctic ice is uncovering a new and vulnerable sea, but countries likeRussia and Norway want to turn it into the next Saudi Arabia. Unless we acttogether, this region could be dotted with oil wells and fishing fleets withinour lifetimes.

We have a once in ageneration chance to do things differently. Millions of people are asking for aprotected sanctuary in the uninhabited area around the North Pole where natureis left wild. This would not affect the sovereign rights of the countriesinvolved, but would be an act of cooperation from our leaders which wouldsecure their legacy forever.

Today’s news feelsominous, but it need not be. The protection of the Arctic is a defining issuefor our times and it can help bring countries together.”