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
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"The U.S. will assert its sovereignty in the Arctic, Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel warned Friday"
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