L.23 The Coming Conflict in the Arctic.ppt

Lesson 23 The Coming Conflict in the Arctic ___By Vladimir Frolov Background Knowledge 1. the Arctic Petroleum and natural gas fields, , polymetallic nodules, sand and gravel aggregates, fish, seals and whales can all be found in abundance in the region. The political dead zone near the center of the sea is also the focus of a mounting dispute between the United States, Russia, Canada, Norway, and Denmark. It is significant for the global energy market because it may hold 25% or more of the worldundiscovered oil and gas resources. 2.the “lobster summit” at Kennebunkport ─Lobster is the seafood of choice at Kennebunkport, the small town in York County, Maine, United States. It is best known as the location of the summer home of former president George H.W. Bush- the famous “Bush Compound.” Historically a fishing village, in recent decades the town has become a popular seaside tourist destination.It is home to President Bush senior’s summer retreat and is now the place for talks between his son and Vladimir Putin. It is a meeting that mixes fishing and dining with serious talks. 3. Vladimir Putin ─ Born 7,October,1952 ─ A Russian politician who served as the second President of the Russian Federation and is the current Prime Minister of Russia, as well as chairman of United Russia and Chairman of the Council of Ministers of the Union of Russia and Belarus. He became acting President on 31 December 1999, when president Boris Yeltsin resigned in a surprising move. Putin won the 2000 presidential election and in 2004 he was re-elected for a second term lasting until 7 May 2008. ─ Achievements: is credited with bringing political stability ; has been credited with restoring the territorial integrity of Russia via the Second Chechen War; the Russian economy grew for nine straight years, seeing GDP increase by 72%; passed into law a flat income tax of 13%, a reduced profits tax, a