News from the Embassy

“It is positive that Israel has now decided to ease the blockade of Gaza. In my view, the blockade is counterproductive because it directly affects the civilian population and undermines the forces on the Palestinian side that are interested in peace. Moreover, it does not serve to enhance Israeli security,” said Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.

After two days of meetings with Norwegian officials on 14.- 15. June, King Abdullah II took the opportunity to see the Norwegian scenery from his motorbike, as he spent three days driving across the Norwegian coastline on his Harley Davidson. He drove southwards from Oslo and visited the coastal cities of Kristiansand and Bergen, before he continued his trip to Sweden to participate in the Swedish Crown Princess’ wedding.

June 14 and 15 King Abdullah II of Jordan visited Norway with a delegation consisting of Foreign Minister Nasser Judeh, Prince Ghazi and Minister of State Mega-Projects Imad Fakhoury. They met with Norway’s Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg, Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Støre and Minister of Environment and International Development Erik Solheim, as well as the Norwegian King Harald and the Crown Prince Haakon. The topics of discussion were mainly focused on the Norwegian and European roles in achieving peace in the Middle East, as well as the possibilities of Norwegian investments in the Jord...

7 June 2010 Norway and Iraq signed a bilateral agreement to continue the Oil for Development Program that has been operative during the last four years.

The UN Human Rights Council decided today to establish an independent fact-finding mission to investigate the Israeli boarding of a convoy of ships carrying humanitarian assistance to Gaza. The operation was carried out in international waters during the early hours on Monday this week and led to loss of life. On Monday a UN Security Council presidential statement was issued calling for the incident to be investigated as soon as possible.

In a statement dated 31 May, the UN Security Council condemns the acts that led to the loss of civilian lives when Israeli naval forces boarded the convoy carrying humanitarian assistance to Gaza. The statement underscores the need for a prompt, impartial and credible investigation of the incident.

“Norway is shocked that Israeli naval forces have shot and killed civilians while boarding a convoy carrying humanitarian supplies to Gaza. I condemn this use of military force against civilians,” said Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.

Norway and Indonesia agreed today to enter into a partnership to support Indonesia’s efforts to reduce emissions from deforestation and degradation of forests and peat lands. Indonesia will take immediate and decisive action to reduce its forest and peat related greenhouse gas emissions. Norway will support those efforts with one billion USD over the next few years.

The Jordan Ralley held by the Dead Sea in Jordan April 1st-3rd was the 3rd round of the FIA World Ralley Championship (WRC).

March 25th the UN Human Rights Council unanimously adopted a Norwegian proposal on strengthening protection of human rights defenders all over the world.