Russia polar researchers on Tuesday are to set off in deep-sea submersibles for the country's first exploration of the North Pole in a bid to establish Russian claims to the area, DPA reported. The submersibles manned with Russian scientists are to dive to a depth of 4,261 metres to the seabed, and plant a symbolic Russian flag made out of titanium. According to Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, the goal of the expedition is to collect evidence that the underwater range of mountains on the North Pole is connected to mainland Russia. The Russian minister added that the question of ownership has to established on the basis of international law. The Untied States, Canada, Denmark and Norway also have made claims to the territory, which may contain untapped deposits of oil and gas.
