Russia lays claim to the North Pole

[Banquo's Ghost]

On a serious note greenland if it employed the same tactic as russia did might have claim to some serious natural resources as well, and thats what jogged my memory of independence talk.

The Russians are basing their claim on the proposal that the Lomonosov Ridge (an underwater mountain range that goes right across the top of the world from Siberia to Greenland) is an extension of their continental shelf and most importantly (in terms of the Law of the Sea) geologically contiguous with their northern coast. This claim was rejected by the UN in 2001, but is about to be re-submitted.

Now, there is also evidence that the Lomonosov Ridge extends from Greenland, which would support a Danish claim if the Russian argument is held to apply. The Danes have a problem in that there is a big trench between Greenland and the Ridge, which means it is unlikely to be geologically contiguous. There is a suspicion that the same applies to the Russian end.

As for Greenland independence, they should ask the Scots how fast that prospect disappears once they are the key to oil reserves.

Russia has achieved a PR stunt that will prove popular at home (the press are drooling this morning) but in international terms makes no odds. The disputes will be settled under international law and the USA is likely to figure rather strongly now that they have been alerted to the consequences of inaction. Russia is too weak to capitalise on their little titanium flag - and since they have started bullying again (Belarus this time, and by proxy Poland and German gas supplies) no-one is going to be cutting them any slack at all.

Putin moved too soon, but at least he has the adoration of the mob. Again.