14.02.2024, 08:20
Russia has suspended the payment of annual contributions to the Arctic Council
Source: OREANDA-NEWS
OREANDA-NEWS Russia has suspended the payment of annual contributions to the Arctic Council, Moscow may consider withdrawing from this organization, but so far this is not the case, the Foreign Ministry told RIA Novosti.
"At the moment, Russia's payment of annual contributions to the budget of the Arctic Council has been suspended until the resumption of practical work in this format with the participation of all member countries," the ministry said.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, we are talking about the implementation of joint projects affecting such important issues for all Arctic states as the preservation of the fragile ecosystem of the Arctic, conducting polar research, including marine scientific expeditions, developing humanitarian ties, improving the quality of life and well-being of the population of the Far North, including indigenous peoples.
Answering the question about what actions of the Council will become a "red line" for Russia, after which Moscow will withdraw from it, the Foreign Ministry recalled the statement of the official representative of the department Maria Zakharova. The diplomat explained in early February that such a question could arise if the Arctic Council evolves into an unfriendly institution.
The ministry added in this regard that "the options may be different," stressing that the Russian side "would not like to engage in hypothetical reasoning now."
At the same time, the Foreign Ministry stressed that "today, the question of a possible withdrawal from the Arctic Council is not in the practical plane."
The Arctic Council, established in 1996, is a high-level intergovernmental forum that promotes cooperation in the region, especially in the field of environmental protection. The Council includes Denmark (including Greenland and the Faroe Islands), Iceland, Canada, Norway, Russia, the USA, Finland and Sweden. The rotation of the Chair countries takes place every two years.
In March 2022, the Western member countries of the council announced the suspension of participation in any events of the association in protest against the events in Ukraine. In May 2023, Norway assumed the presidency of the Council.
"At the moment, Russia's payment of annual contributions to the budget of the Arctic Council has been suspended until the resumption of practical work in this format with the participation of all member countries," the ministry said.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, we are talking about the implementation of joint projects affecting such important issues for all Arctic states as the preservation of the fragile ecosystem of the Arctic, conducting polar research, including marine scientific expeditions, developing humanitarian ties, improving the quality of life and well-being of the population of the Far North, including indigenous peoples.
Answering the question about what actions of the Council will become a "red line" for Russia, after which Moscow will withdraw from it, the Foreign Ministry recalled the statement of the official representative of the department Maria Zakharova. The diplomat explained in early February that such a question could arise if the Arctic Council evolves into an unfriendly institution.
The ministry added in this regard that "the options may be different," stressing that the Russian side "would not like to engage in hypothetical reasoning now."
At the same time, the Foreign Ministry stressed that "today, the question of a possible withdrawal from the Arctic Council is not in the practical plane."
The Arctic Council, established in 1996, is a high-level intergovernmental forum that promotes cooperation in the region, especially in the field of environmental protection. The Council includes Denmark (including Greenland and the Faroe Islands), Iceland, Canada, Norway, Russia, the USA, Finland and Sweden. The rotation of the Chair countries takes place every two years.
In March 2022, the Western member countries of the council announced the suspension of participation in any events of the association in protest against the events in Ukraine. In May 2023, Norway assumed the presidency of the Council.
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