KIRKENES: U.S. Ambassador to Norway Barry B. White says there is no competition for resources or a race for the Arctic. “We all have a common interest in preserving the Arctic area even as we pursue sustainable development.”

KIRKENES: Transnational ideas and interaction is a powerful engine for development, Guvernor Dmitry Dmitriyenko says in the Kirkenes Conference.

Next January marks the 20th anniversary of signing the Kirkenes declaration establishing the Barents cooperation. Norway now wants to take successful cross-border cooperation a step further and asks for input to a Kirkenes declaration, part II.

Landslide victory in Finland’s presidential election.

Norwegian Government relocates State Secretary – no longer responsible for Barents.

Russian authorities have boosted military salaries to unprecedented levels. Military servicemen in Murmansk now earn twice as much as others.

Igor Orlov is suggested by Russia’s President Dmitry Medvedev as Governor of Arkhangelsk Oblast.

Two candidates ready for second round of Finland’s presidential election.

Dmitry Dmitriyenko today opened a meeting in the regional government, and the rumors of his resignation seem to have been somewhat exaggerated.

Yelena Kudryashova is one of three persons United Russia suggests to be considered by President Medvedev for the post as Governor of Arkhangelsk Oblast.