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Canada watching Russian Arctic moves

(Agencies)
Updated: 2009-08-01 02:18

HALIFAX, Nova Scotia: Canada's defense minister said Friday the Canadian government is closely watching Russian plans to drop paratroopers in the Arctic next April.

Defense Minister Peter MacKay said any country approaching Canadian airspace will be met by Canadians. MacKay didn't give any specifics on what Canada will do in April, but he said Canada is prepared to protect its borders.

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A Russian general announced plans this week to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the first parachute drop at the North Pole by sending paratroopers to the same site.

Russia, the United States, Canada, Denmark and Norway have been trying to assert jurisdiction over parts of the Arctic, which is believed to contain as much as 25 percent of the Earth's undiscovered oil and gas.

All five nations have agreed to abide by international law while scientists map the Arctic seabed.

The dispute over the Arctic has intensified amid growing evidence that global warming is shrinking polar ice, opening up new shipping lanes and new resource development possibilities.

In February, Canada sent fighter jets to intercept a Russian bomber flying toward Canadian airspace.

MacKay said there have been no recent intrusions of Russian bombers.

"We have scrambled F-18 jets in the past, and they'll always be there to meet them," he said.

Many countries have beefed up their military presence in the Arctic.