US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton took issue with Canada for not inviting all those with legitimate interests in the Arctic to what was supposed to be a gathering to enhance cooperation in the region.
Clinton said she had been contacted by representatives of indigenous groups who were disappointed they were not invited, according to prepared remarks for Monday’s Arctic Coastal meeting.
She also said that Sweden, Finland and Iceland — the three Arctic States not represented — had similar concerns.
“Significant international discussions on Arctic issues should include those who have legitimate interests in the region. And I hope the Arctic will always showcase our ability to work together, not create new divisions,” Clinton said.
DISPLEASURE
In what appeared to be a further expression of her displeasure, Clinton did not attend what was planned as a group news conference following the meeting.
Instead, Canadian Foreign Minister Lawrence Cannon ended up doing the news conference by himself.
Although the goal of the forum was to improve Arctic cooperation, just the US, Canada, Russia, Denmark and Norway were invited.
Sweden, Finland, Iceland and indigenous groups are a part of the broader Arctic Council group that meets regularly, but were not invited to the Canadian forum.
Clinton said she wanted to affirm her commitment to the Arctic Council, which she said seeks an “architecture for international cooperation that is inclusive and transparent.”
Cannon said he thought all the participants in the meeting made a clear distinction about the role of the Arctic Council and the responsibilities of Arctic coastal states.
He said the meeting was not meant to replace or undermine the Arctic Council.
HELPFUL
“As a matter of fact, I believe the deliberations today are very helpful to the Arctic Council and member states,” Cannon said.
Norwegian Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Stoere on Monday urged countries to lower the tension and rhetoric around the Arctic to promote greater cooperation.
Stoere said it was unfortunate that some countries were excluded.
“It’s not a good thing that the three who are not here are unhappy about it,” Stoere said.
The Arctic — believed to be rich in minerals and petroleum —already has neighboring countries vying for control.
Russia, Canada, the US and Denmark all have claims before a UN commission to extend their undersea boundaries into ice-blocked areas, and Moscow dramatically staked its claim to the region by planting a flag on the ocean floor at the North Pole in 2007.
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