Ivanov: Russian arctic claim in compliance

MOSCOW, April 19 (UPI) -- Russian First Deputy Prime Minister Sergei Ivanov says his country's claim to a portion of the arctic continental shelf complies with international law.

Ivanov said during a Russian Marine Collegium meeting Friday that Russia has obeyed all international laws in making its claim to areas under the Arctic Ocean, which are thought to hold valuable oil and gas resources, RIA Novosti said.

"We have repeatedly addressed the issue of the continental shelf's outer border, and I would like to point out that our country has always strictly complied with international law and its commitments," Ivanov said.

The meeting also included a request from Natural Resources Minister Yury Trutnev for $64 million to further investigate the borders of Russia's continental shelf.

Ivanov told those in attendance that legitimizing Russia's claim to the valuable underwater region was important in both economic and political terms.

"Legalizing Russia's rights to the continental shelf will secure more territory to our fatherland," he said.