KIRUNA, Sweden (AP) — Arctic states agreed Wednesday to let nations that are located nowhere near the Earth’s north to become observers to their diplomatic council, boosting rising superpowers China, India and South Korea that are seeking to mine the region for its untapped energy and other natural resources.
The European Union also was tentatively granted observer status to the eightstate council but must first address several questions about its bid, including concerns about its ban on Canadian seal exports.
Officials estimate the Arctic holds 13 percent of the world’s undiscovered oil reserves, and 30 percent of undiscovered gas deposits.
Ministers suggested the inclusion of the energy-hungry nations at the Arctic Council will force them to uphold the diplomatic panel’s core goals of safeguarding the region.
In all, six nations — China, India, Italy, Japan, Korea and Singapore — were granted observer status to the council, joining several previouslyaccepted counties from Europe.
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