FM for political tensions free Arctic Council

Foreign Minister Timo Soini on Thursday underlined the importance of the Arctic Council remaining outside international political tensions.

Soini made the remarks when addressing the official launch ceremony of the Finnish chairmanship of the council in Helsinki.

Soini said the concept of security was understood somewhat differently in various countries, adding the discussion amongst foreign ministers at the meeting in Fairbanks, Alaska in the United States had been "colorful", but no one had intentions to militarize the area.

"But there is more under the polar ice than just fish," he said.

Soini said the increased international tension had not yet impacted the practical work of the Arctic Council. He said Finland wanted to concentrate on practical solutions.

The foreign minister said it was important that the Paris climate agreement and the goals of sustainable development were included in the declaration given in Fairbanks, but noted the United States was still defining its climate policy.

Soini also highlighted the work of the Arctic Economic Council, which is now headed by Tero Vauraste, the CEO of Arctia, a Finnish company that provides icebreaking and other maritime services. The Arctic Economic Council is an independent body that gives business advice to the Arctic Council.

At the opening on Thursday, a warning was issued against excessive economic utilization of the Arctic.

Tiina Sanila-Aikio, chair of the Saami Parliament representing the original peoples of northern Finland, used a panel discussion to express opposition to a planned arctic railroad across Finland. She said the improved transport with rail connection would enhance mining and other resources in the region.

She said the ownership rights to the natural resources in the far north still remained unresolved.

The Arctic Council comprises the five Nordic countries: Finland, Canada, the United States, Denmark, Iceland and Russia. Six representative bodies of indigenous peoples are also represented. There are 13 observers. The Arctic Council is also now beginning cooperation with the World Meteorological Organization.