Finland and Sweden miffed at being excluded from Arctic meeting

Finland, Sweden, and Iceland not invited to gathering in Canada

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Finland and Sweden have criticised Canada for not inviting the two countries to a meeting of countries with Arctic shoreline, writes the Associated Press on Tuesday.
      In addition to Finland and Sweden, Iceland was also excluded from the meeting that brought together the United States, Canada, Russia, Denmark and Norway, aimed at closer cooperation in the Arctic region. Sweden and Finland feel that the matters should be discussed in the Arctic Council.
      Finnish Foreign Ministry official Anna-Maria Liukko said on Tuesday that Finland is concerned that this kind of a meeting limited to countries with shoreline on the Arctic Ocean might undermine the prestige and competence of the Arctic Council.
     
The Arctic Council is a cooperative body of eight countries, whose main aim is to promote sustainable development in environmental, social, and economic matters in the Arctic region. Also taking part in the activities of the council are representatives of indigenous peoples living in the Arctic regions.
      Liukko nevertheless does not want to prevent the shoreline states from meeting among themselves.
      “Naturally the shoreline countries can discuss matters that pertain only to them, such as questions of the continental shelf, or the organisation of Arctic rescue work. However, we hope that this kind of meeting outside the council does not become a permanent habit."
     
US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton came out in favour of the Finnish view in the matter on Tuesday, criticising Canada for excluding some of the Nordic Countries, and indigenous representatives.


Previously in HS International Edition:
  Finland wants stronger role in Arctic region (29.4.2009)

Links:
  Arctic Council

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