2013 Arctic Timeline - Developments in Foreign Policy

NASA says chemicals and extreme cold are to blame for Arctic ozone hole in 2011. [Link to Sotry]

Russian indigenous organization RAIPON has status restored. [Link to Story]

South Korean bid to join Arctic Council receives "strong" support from Sweden. [Link to Story]

Japan appoints ambassador in anticipation of joining the Arctic Council. [Link to Story]

Heather Exner-Pirot gives her opion on the potential for conflict in the Arctic. [Link to Story]

China plans first commercial trip through the Northern Sea Route this summer. [Link to Story]

Norway sends new managment and rescue vessel to Svalbard. [Link to Story]

Arctic sea ice reaches maximum extent for the winter and begins to melt. [Link to Story]

Cost of arsenic clean-up at Yellowknife mine site apporaches $1 billion. [Link to Story]

Russia opens new Northern Sea Route administration in Moscow. [Link to Story]

Centre for High North Logistics launches ARCTIS database, with focus on shipping in Arctic waters. [Link to Story]

Russia scraps plans for MiG base at Novaya Zemlya. [Link to Story]

Norway and Russia move towards closer military cooperation, including joint exercises. [Link to Story]

Russian naval planes begin Arctic patrols. [Link to Story]

Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Fauna and Flora says a ban on polar bear trade is not necessary. [Link to Story]

Green Peace leaks a draft copy of the Arctic Council's proposed oil spill treaty. [Link to Story]

Inuit caution Arctic Council over intentions of observer hopefuls. [Link to Story]

Canadian House of Commons transportation committee recommends launching a pilot project to test feasibility of airships. [Link to Story]

Putin approves Russian Arctic development strategy. [Link to Story]

Putin publicly notes "the danger of militarisation in the Arctic." [Link to Story]

Shell suspends offshore drilling season in Alaska. [Link to Story]

Russia to manage Northern Sea Route from new Moscow office. [Link to Story]

Russia orders two new ice-class SAR vessels from German yard. [Link to Story]

China to increase scientific presence in the Arctic region. [Link to Story]

Norway reportedly will support China as an observer on the Arctic Council. [Link to Story]

Nordic countries open to the concept of sharing weapons systems. [Link to Story]

EU moves forward on Arctic Information Centre for environmental impact. [Link to Story]

Canada moves ahead with firm commitment to RADARSAT Constellation satellite program. [Link to Story]