Move over, Henry Kissinger. Diplomacy has a new kid on the block, and he's solved the ongoing dispute over the sovereignty of that frozen island up north where Denmark and Canada have been sparring with GPS units.
His friends and family know him as Cavan van Ulft, but you can call him His Serene Highness, Prince of Tartupaluk. If they know it at all, Canadians know this new principality as Hans Island.
A few weeks ago, van Ulft launched an elaborate website for the fledgling state he says has wrested sovereign control over the island from Denmark and Canada, which both claim the bitterly cold, 1.3-square-kilometre Arctic rock.
"Tartupaluk becomes the world's 203rd sovereign State and the first country to declare independence since Montenegro on 3 June," van Ulft, 27, announced on Aug. 13, the date he claims to have travelled to Hans Island to take the land for himself. Since then, the Carleton University biology student claims to have semt more than 200 letters to foreign governments, declaring his new country. He swears it's not a stunt. "I'm serious about it," he said. "I really believe in this project and I hope to see it grow."
Adds van Ulft's father, Theo: "Some kids go off to Europe after university. This is his project."
the rest is here
Why not drop by the official goverment website of this new country and congratulate His Highness on establishing his reign in such a civilized and peaceful manner.
Perhpas it would not be unsuitable for a delegation to visit the new principality...
UPDATE: It appears that there is a revolutionary movement threatening the Prince's claim:
we are not certain at this time as to the extent of the revolutionary force, based out of Greenland; but will keep you posted as the situation developsIn the meantime, I suggest we all use the most helpful tool of diplomacy:
Alexander Keith was proclaimed mayor of Halifax in 1834, based on his ability to brew a fine beer. I suggest that the Prince and the Revolutionary movement have a brewing contest; the winners will become the true sovereigns...
I'm actually seriously considering the dual citizenship application.
Posted by: Uncle MacK | September 19, 2006 at 11:59 PM
I'm looking forward to their holiday excursion packages.
Posted by: joseph | September 20, 2006 at 11:32 PM
Shouldn't the prince be live on the island? It seems that a life of exile would assume no right or control to that island. However, it seems like a good idea, other than the fact it is darn cold up there. but hey, cold islands probably attract less of the pirates and drug smugglers a warmer one would.
Posted by: steve the z | September 21, 2006 at 03:24 PM
Abandon Tartupaluk! Belongs to Inughuit.
FREE:
Tibet - Palestine - Kurdistan - Inuit Nunaat/Greenland & TARTUPALUK!
F..k:
Canada - Nunavut(where is the support from inuit) - Denmark - Cavan van Ulft & all kinds of Monarchy!
http://www.tartupaluk-kommune.olesen.gl/documents/23.html
Taima! Tartupaluk Resistance Movement!
Posted by: Ortooraq | September 21, 2006 at 06:36 PM
It appears that the Prince may be suffering from a dispute about his Kingship. We await further developments, and I will keep our readers informed.
PS - the above website from Ortooraq has some great photos of the island.
Posted by: joseph | September 21, 2006 at 09:10 PM
Great photos, but no English words. What language is it? What are they saying, exactly?
I think many Canadians would be highly suspicious of a group that advocates free Kurdistan. (Or is that just me?)
Posted by: Scott Gilbreath | September 22, 2006 at 12:44 PM
I am hoping that His Majesty might issue a public statement on this development sometime soon.
Posted by: joseph | September 22, 2006 at 01:09 PM
Hi!
The language in this site is only in greenlandic!! haha
Posted by: Finn Alfred Olesen | October 05, 2006 at 07:11 PM
His Serene Highness, Prince of Tartupaluk ullaassaq anisitaavoq Tartupalummiit :D:D
Tamanna pivoq sakkulersorneqanngitsumik Ellesmere Island-imut Gummibåd-iminik ipulluni ikaarpoq.
Akuerineqarani nunasisuunera pissutaanerulluni anisitaavoq.
in.in.
Borgmester
Finn Alfred Olesen
Posted by: Finn Alfred Olesen | October 05, 2006 at 07:36 PM
Finn: His Majesty seems to be unavailable for comment at this time.
I suggest more beer :^)
Posted by: joseph | October 05, 2006 at 10:22 PM
Hi Joseph!
Yes He's gone with hes rubber dinghy to ellesmere island yesterday moorning hehe
Finni
propose a toast to Tartupaluk kommune LOL
Posted by: Finn Alfred Olesen | October 06, 2006 at 06:03 AM
Any news?? hehe
Posted by: Finn Alfred Olesen | October 09, 2006 at 08:17 AM
Hey Finn:
I have not been able to get in touch with the Prince, but this is a Canadian Holiday weekend, so I'm not sure if he is using Canadian Holidays, or if he is merely busy with official duties.
In the meantime, I think that Tartupaluk needs a new official language. Since I'm a fan of Latin, I think we should use it as the language of diplomacy. :^)
Posted by: joseph | October 09, 2006 at 09:58 PM
I am a citizen of Tartupaluk and a member of the Legislative Assembly. Please keep me posted on the revolutionary movement, please.
Posted by: The Honorable Michael N. Mazur, MLA | May 01, 2007 at 08:41 AM