Press Releases

Minister of Foreign Affairs Jonas Gahr Støre commented, “Norway strongly condemns the increasing use of violence in Syria, where thousands have been killed. We deeply deplore the Syrian authorities’ gross human rights violations against the country’s own population.”

The Government decided Friday that Myanmar should no longer be excluded from the Generalised System of Preferences (GSP). “This is a signal that Norway recognises the political reforms in Myanmar and hopes to see further democratic developments,” said Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.

“I condemn the killing of the Secretary-General of the Syrian Arab Red Crescent, Dr Abd-al-Razzaq Jbeiro, in the strongest possible terms. Volunteers from the Syrian Red Crescent give life-saving first aid to the wounded and injured in an impartial and neutral way. I am deeply concerned by the lack of respect for their efforts. Norway calls on all the parties to the conflict in Syria to respect humanitarian personnel and ensure their safety,” commented Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.

“If we are to be able to develop the Barents Sea as a new energy province, we must have the necessary technology to operate in vulnerable Arctic areas. Cooperation between public and private actors from Norway and Russia is essential if we are to succeed in developing this technology,” said Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Jonas Gahr Støre commented, “I am very pleased that a considerable number of political prisoners have been released in Myanmar. This is an important step forward on the country’s path to democracy, peace and reconciliation.”

The Government has decided that it will no longer urge Norwegian companies to refrain from trade and investment in Myanmar. This was an exclusively Norwegian policy. The decision has been made in response to the progress being made in Myanmar. Norway continues to align itself with the EU sanction regime, which will be considered more closely in the course of the spring.

“I condemn the recent brutal attacks that have affected so many Iraqis in the strongest possible terms. The meaningless wave of violence in Iraq is further exacerbating the unstable political situation in the country,” said Minister of Foreign Affairs Jonas Gahr Støre.

“The Commission of Inquiry on Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation has made a number of recommendations in its recent report. This is an important report, which will be studied closely,” said Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.

“I strongly condemn today’s attacks in Baghdad, which appear to have killed more than 50 people. It is particularly worrying that these attacks are taking place at a time when the political situation in Iraq is so fragile,” said Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.

“I deeply deplore the Israeli decision to build 1000 new housing units in East Jerusalem and the West Bank. The building of settlements on occupied territory is a violation of international law and further undermines the Quartet’s efforts to restart peace negotiations,” said Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.