Prime Minister stresses Arctic sovereignty in first visit to far North

[CHIMO]

IQALUIT, Nunavut — There is vast economic potential in the Far North and enforcing Canadian sovereignty in the rich offshore waters of the Arctic is a priority, says Prime Minister Stephen Harper.

To that end, Mr. Harper promised an increased military presence in the North, as well as continued lobbying of the U.S. and other nations that have not yet ratified the international treaty that recognizes the 200-mile economic zone.

“We think we can make a strong case to the United States that Canada asserting fully its sovereignty is actually in the interests of the entire international community, including the United States itself,” Mr. Harper told reporters.

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20060812.wHarpNorth0812/BNStory/National/home

Bullshit makes the grass grow green.

Softwood?

NORAD and USNORTHCOM remain vigilant in light of UK activity

PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. – North American Aerospace Defense Command and U.S. Northern Command officials are monitoring the situation following today’s arrest in the United Kingdom of several suspects in a plot to blow up airliners bound for the United States.

Senior NORAD and USNORTHCOM officials were notified and began coordinating with Department of Homeland Security and other federal agencies to ensure full situational awareness and appropriate response posture because of this plot.

USNORTHCOM conducts operations to deter, prevent and defeat threats and aggression aimed at the United States, its territories and interests within the assigned area of responsibility and, as directed by the President or Secretary of Defense, provide military assistance to civil authorities, including consequence management operations.

http://www.norad.mil/newsroom/news_releases/2006/081006.htm