Putin seeks accord over Arctic energy

Vladimir Putin, the Russian Prime Minister, urged Arctic nations yesterday to cut a deal on how to explore the region's rich mineral resources, and dismissed dire warnings of looming battles over its oil and gas wealth.

Canada, Russia, Norway, the US and Denmark are racing to file territorial claims over oil, gas and precious metal reserves that are looking more accessible as the ice cap shrinks.

"Serious political and economic interests are indeed crossing over in the Arctic. But I have no doubt that problems, including the continental shelf problem, can be solved in the spirit of partnership," Mr Putin told an Arctic forum in Moscow.