MOSCOW (AP) - An ambitious Russian expedition intended to symbolically claim rich Arctic resources for Moscow was expected to reach the North Pole on Wednesday - part of the Kremlin's efforts to strengthen the nation's energy power and expand its global clout. The planned dive by two mini-submarines to the depth of more than 4,000 metres is intended to prop up Moscow's claims to almost 1.2 million square kilometres of the Arctic shelf - which by some estimates contains about nine billion tonnes of oil and gas deposits. The expedition is taking place amid an intensifying rivalry between Russia, Canada, the United States and other nations whose shores face the northern polar ocean for vast potential riches hidden in the Arctic. Canada has been claiming sovreignty over the North Pole for at least 100 yrs now And if the Canadian Armed forces doesn't like you - say you shot your mouth off at the wrong time to the wrong person etc Guess where they stick you to patrol ? As a side note - The Inuit (Eskimo) are incredible people very friendly and smart - seal blubber isn't all it is cracked up to be let me tell you - Jeff M Just the twice - No one is interested - thats too bad SCOTT A Well that leaves me with only one response Go Eskimo's go -