General Makarov’s statement is not a threat

Norwegian Deputy Minister of Defence Espen Barth Eide sees yesterday’s statement from Russian general Makarov as an expression of a higher interest towards the High North, not as a threat.

As BarentsObserver already reported, Head of the Russian Armed Forces General Nikolai Makarov has said that Russia will respond to any attempts to militarize the Arctic.

In an interview with Norwegian newspaper Aftenposten, Norwegian Deputy Minister of Defence Espen Barth Eide is not inclined to interpret the statement as a threat, but sees it as an expression on the background of all polar states seeing that the High North is constantly gaining more importance.

- The increased importance of the region leads to increased activity. This activity, especially when it comes to surveillance, often comes in a “military form”, Eide says. But he does not worry that the Russians will perceive civilian activities as military movements:

- We have to be clear about our aims. Openness and close dialogue is important, Eide says.

Norway does not want any militarization or arms race in the High North, but will not let the Russians do whatever they want in the region:

- We do not want to hand over this area to Russia alone. A western power vacuum can make it a Russian interest zone. So far Eide has met understanding from the Russians towards Norway’s policy.

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