United States to appoint ambassador to the Arctic

In a written statement, Secretary of State John Kerry said he planned to name a "high-level individual of substantial stature and expertise to serve as Special Representative for the Arctic Region."

In a letter to Alaska Senator Mark Begich, who pressed for an ambassador or representative to the Arctic, Kerry said it was vital to elevate Arctic issues and interests within the State Department.

"For a long time now, I've shared the view that the Arctic region really is the last global frontier, and the United States needs to elevate our attention and effort to keep up with the opportunities and consequences presented by the Arctic's rapid transformation," Kerry wrote in the letter.

"Properly managed, this region provides an opportunity for creative diplomatic leadership – but truly establishing and capitalizing on this leadership role will require making the Arctic region a higher U.S. priority; greater attention paid by senior policy makers; and, in keeping with President Obama's call for 'national unity of effort' on the Arctic, coordination of operational departments," he added.

The United States will take over the rotating presidency of Arctic Council in 2015. The Council is an intergovernmental forum handling matters related to the Arctic Region.

Along with the United States, its members include Canada, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Russia and Sweden. It mostly deals with environmental issues related to the region and boundary or resource disputes.

John Kerry, in a separate statement, said the Arctic had an "enormous and growing geostrategic, economic, climate, environment and national security implications for the United States and the world."


Daily Sabah