Norway, Russia nearing deal on Barents Sea border

OSLO (AP) -- Norwegian Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg says Norway and Russia have reached a compromise on how to share a long-disputed area in the Barents Sea.

Stoltenberg says a deal delimiting the border is expected to be signed "as soon as possible." He made the announcement Tuesday after meeting with Russian President Dmitry Medvedev.

For decades, Norway and Russia have failed to agree on a maritime border in the Barents Sea, which is rich in fish and a promising oil and gas province.

But Stoltenberg says the countries have reached "a good and balanced agreement" and only technical details remain to be worked out.

(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)