Today marks the 89th anniversary of the signing of the Spitsbergen Treaty. This event effectively recognized the full and absolute sovereignty of Norway over the arctic archipelago of what is known today as Svalbard. Also, the treaty demilitarized the area and helped decrease tensions between Norway and Russia.
For a time, anyhow.
Since 1977 there have been some disputes between Russia and Norway regarding fair and equal economic use of the waters surrounding the area. Lately it's been quiet, though. Let's hope it stays that way, right?
Monday, February 9, 2009
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