Norway’s governor to the Svalbard archipelago has demanded that Russian authorities remove an illegally erected satellite station in Barentsburg, a settlement of mainly Russian and Ukranians.
Odd Olsen Ingerø said on 24 February that the Russian State Arctic and Antarctic Research Institute has until 15 May to remove three concrete foundations for satellite antennas, cable trays and two container cabins from a mountain next to the settlement.
He said the Russian authorities had commenced construction despite having been told during a meeting that they should wait for the necessary permits.
The satellite station is part of Russia’s strategy for ‘Securing Russian Presence on Svalbard’, which was adopted in December 2011.