News - regjeringen.no

New MoU between Norway and Ethiopia

[10.05.2012]

Norway’s Minister of International Development Heikki Holmås and Ethiopia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Hailemariam Desalegn signed the MoU during Mr Holmås’s visit to Ethiopia this week.

Growing Norwegian–Polish cooperation

[09.05.2012]

“Relations between Norway and Poland continue to grow in both breadth and depth. Our cooperation with Poland has developed more rapidly over the last few years than that with almost any other European country,” commented Norwegian Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.

Nordic Foreign Ministers’ meeting in Stavanger

[04.05.2012]

Nordic cooperation is developing rapidly. The Nordic Foreign Ministers had a meeting in Stavanger on 4 May where they discussed ways of strengthening Nordic cooperation and a number of important international issues.

Roadmap for peace between Sudan and South Sudan

[04.05.2012]

“Norway supports the African Union’s roadmap for resolving the conflict between Sudan and South Sudan. It is urgent that the negotiations move forward. It is encouraging that the AU and the UN are now playing an active role in efforts to find a solution to this tense situation,” said Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.

Ukrainian Ambassador summoned to the Ministry

[03.05.2012]

“Norway is concerned about the treatment of former Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko and the status of the rule of law in the country,” said Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.

The EEA and Norway Grants: Solidarity and cooperation in Europe

[27.04.2012]

“This white paper thoroughly documents that Norway is making a difference for the new democracies in Europe,” said Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.

Verdict in Charles Taylor case

[26.04.2012]

The Special Court for Sierra Leone pronounced judgment today in the case against former Liberian President Charles Taylor. “The judgment is an important milestone in the effort to combat impunity for the most serious international crimes,” said Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.

Norway deplores new settlements in the West Bank

[25.04.2012]

“Norway deplores the Israeli Government’s decision to recognise the status of three illegal outposts in the West Bank as settlements. The building and expansion of settlements on occupied land is a violation of international law and the most serious obstacle to a two-state solution,” said Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.

Norway concerned about situation between Sudan and South Sudan

[24.04.2012]

“We are pleased to note that South Sudan has now withdrawn its armed forces from the disputed Heglig area. However, we see that Sudan has continued its bombing of South Sudan’s territory. We call for an immediate halt to the hostilities,” said Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.

Security Council resolution on Syria sends a positive signal

[21.04.2012]

“The resolution adopted unanimously by the Security Council sends a positive signal that the international community is now more united in demanding an end to the violence in Syria. The Syrian authorities must halt the violence immediately and facilitate the deployment of the observers,” said Norwegian Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.

Norway concerned over renewed clashes between Sudan and South Sudan

[12.04.2012]

“We are concerned by new reports of serious military clashes in the border areas between Sudan and South Sudan. It is vital that the two states respect each other’s sovereignty,” said Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.

Norway deplores expansion of Israeli settlement

[10.04.2012]

“Norway deplores the announcement by the Israeli authorities of an expansion of the Har Homa settlement in East Jerusalem. The building of settlements on occupied land is illegal, a violation of international law, and the most serious obstacle to the prospects of a two-state solution,” commented Norwegian Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.

Sudan must comply with international humanitarian law

[04.04.2012]

A Governor in Sudan has encouraged soldiers not to take prisoners when they enter enemy territory. Norwegian Minister of Foreign Affairs Jonas Gahr Støre commented, “This is a violation of humanitarian law and the Geneva Conventions.”

Election in Myanmar an important political step forward

[01.04.2012]

The by-election in Myanmar on 1 April is yet another important step forward in the country’s political reform process.

The agreement was signed by ambassador Thorsheim

Norway to cooperate with Portugal on climate change and public health

[28.03.2012]

Climate change and public health are priority areas in the new round of EEA Grants to Portugal. Some NOK 440 million has been allocated for the period 2009–14.

Norway calls on Sudan and South Sudan to refrain from military force

[27.03.2012]

Norway calls on Sudan and South Sudan to refrain from using military force along the border between the two countries.

Norway closes its embassy in Syria

[26.03.2012]

The Norwegian Embassy in Damascus has been closed until further notice because of the security situation.

Norwegian assistance for negotiations on African maritime boundary

[26.03.2012]

Norway is assisting the two West African countries Sierra Leone and Guinea in negotiations on delimitation of the maritime boundary between them. This weekend, Sierra Leone and Guinea signed an agreement on submissions to the Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf, with a view to resolving outstanding border issues.

Norway condemns coup in Mali

[22.03.2012]

“I condemn the coup against the legally elected Government of Mali and President Touré. The armed forces must return power to the legitimate authorities as soon as possible,” said Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.

Continued international support for the Palestinian Territory

[21.03.2012]

The Ad Hoc Liason Committee (AHLC) for assistance to the Palestinians met today in Brussels, and confirmed the international community’s continued support for economic development and reforms in the Palestinian Territory. “We have a collective responsibility to make sure that the Palestinian state-building project is continued, so that a foundation is laid for a Palestinian state,” Norwegian Minister of Foreign Affairs Jonas Gahr Støre said.

Largest ever cooperation agreement between Norway and Romania

[21.03.2012]

Romania and Norway have entered into their largest ever cooperation agreement. In the new round of funding of the EEA and Norway Grants, NOK 2.3 billion has been allocated to programmes and projects in Romania. Priority has been given to strengthening the justice and home affairs sector and improving the situation for the Roma population.

Norway condemns executions in Belarus

[20.03.2012]

“Norway condemns the execution of Vladislav Kovalyov and Dmitry Konavalov in Belarus this weekend,” said Minister of Foreign Affairs Jonas Gahr Støre.

Norway condemns use of landmines in Syria

[14.03.2012]

Norway is concerned by reports that Syria has planted new landmines near its borders with Turkey and Lebanon.

Norway calls for the death sentence against Timothy Shaun Stemple to be reversed

[13.03.2012]

Norway regrets the death sentence against US citizen Timothy Shaun Stemple, who is due to be executed in the state of Oklahoma on 15 March.

Violence must be stopped

[12.03.2012]

Around 100 Israelis and Palestinians have been injured and 23 people in Gaza have been confirmed dead since Friday. Norwegian Minister of Foreign Affairs Jonas Gahr Støre commented, “I urge all parties to refrain from new acts of violence.”

Historic UN debate on sexual orientation and gender identity

[08.03.2012]

Yesterday, the UN Human Rights Council held the first debate on how the UN can help to combat violence and discrimination on grounds of sexual orientation and gender identity. Norwegian Minister of Foreign Affairs Jonas Gahr Støre commented, “This is a historic moment for the UN. Under the leadership of South Africa, we have at last had a debate on how the international community can promote effective protection of human rights for all.”

Important statement from the Security Council on Sudan and South Sudan

[07.03.2012]

Norwegian Minister of Foreign Affairs Jonas Gahr Støre commented, “Norway shares the Security Council’s concern about the escalating violence and deadlocked negotiations. The statement makes it very clear that the Security Council is united on this issue and is taking the situation seriously.”

NOK 105 million for research on Russia and the High North

[06.03.2012]

“Our intention is to enhance knowledge about Russia and the High North. These are key areas in Norwegian foreign policy, and we need to have up-to-date information at all times if we are to be able to develop sound policies,” Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Støre said.

Presidential election in Russia

[05.03.2012]

“The results indicate that Prime Minister Vladimir Putin has won a clear victory in the Russian presidential election and that voter turnout was high. Norway is ready to further develop its close cooperation with Russia. At the same time, despite improvements compared with the Duma elections in December, we are concerned by reports from international observers from the OSCE and the Council of Europe of serious shortcomings in the way the election was conducted. We will now await the election observers’ final report,” said Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.

Important decisions on Kosovo and Serbia

[02.03.2012]

“Norway welcomes the EU’s decision to grant Serbia candidate status and to start working towards closer cooperation with Kosovo. These are important contributions to the stabilisation of South East Europe,” said Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.

Closer cooperation with Asia

[02.03.2012]

At the ASEM (Asia-Europe Meeting) Senior Officials' Meeting in Copenhagen on 1 March it was decided that Norway would be admitted to the forum. “I am very pleased with the decision taken in Copenhagen. This opens up a new and meaningful forum for dialogue for Norway,” said Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.

Travel ban for Norwegian citizen in Egypt lifted

[01.03.2012]

The Norwegian citizen charged in the case against NGO workers in Egypt left the country last night after a travel ban was lifted by the Egyptian authorities.

Norway deeply deplores developments in Belarus

[29.02.2012]

“Norway deeply deplores the latest developments in Belarus in which the EU and Polish ambassadors have been asked to leave the country. It is difficult to see how this will benefit the country,” said Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.

Norway to provide NOK 50 million to alleviate food crisis

[29.02.2012]

From Senegal in the west to Eritrea in the east, people are on the brink of a major disaster. Norway is therefore providing NOK 50 million to help those affected by the drought and ensuing food crisis.

Norway transfers NOK 240 million to the Palestinian authorities

[28.02.2012]

Today, Norway transferred NOK 240 million in budget support to the Palestinian Authority (PA). Norway is one of the first donor countries to transfer its contribution for 2012.

Norway concerned about reports that Iranian pastor may be executed

[25.02.2012]

“Norway is deeply concerned about reports from Iran that the execution of Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani, who has been sentenced to death, may be imminent. We appeal to the Iranian authorities to stop the execution, and we will repeat this in no uncertain terms,” said Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.

Norway provides NOK 22 million in emergency relief to Syria

[24.02.2012]

Norway is contributing NOK 22 million to organisations that are providing emergency relief to Syria and assisting Syrian refugees. “I am deeply concerned that the Syrian authorities are not allowing aid organisations necessary access to provide emergency relief in conflict areas, particularly in the city of Homs,” said Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.

Norway deplores expansion of Israeli settlements

[23.02.2012]

Minister of Foreign Affairs Jonas Gahr Støre commented, “I deeply deplore the recent authorisation by the Israeli authorities of housing units in the West Bank. The building of settlements on occupied land is illegal and a violation of international law.”

Norway to support stabilisation in Somalia

[23.02.2012]

Norway is to donate NOK 11 million to a new fund for Somalia. The international Stability Fund will improve the lives of Somalis by supporting local efforts to promote reconciliation.

Hans Olav Karde new chair of Government’s High North committee

[20.02.2012]

Hans Olav Karde, CEO of Sparebank 1 Nord-Norge, has been appointed as the new chair of the Government’s High North committee. “I would like to welcome Mr Karde as chair of the committee, and I look forward to continued close and fruitful cooperation with the committee in the time ahead,” said Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.

NOK 20 million of Côte d’Ivoire’s debt to be cancelled

[17.02.2012]

The Government has decided to cancel around NOK 20 million of Côte d’Ivoire’s debt to Norway. This debt cancellation is in line with an agreement reached in the Paris Club – an informal group of creditor countries – on 15 November last year.

Investing in women’s health pays off

[15.02.2012]

A new Norwegian-led research project is to identify the economic benefits of investing in women’s health.

Important resolution on Syria in the UN

[04.02.2012]

“The Government is deeply concerned about the situation in Syria. It is both dangerous and unacceptable, and is looking more and more like a civil war. This is underscored by the latest, unconfirmed reports of new attacks in Homs,” said Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.

Football tragedy in Egypt

[02.02.2012]

“I would like to express my deepest condolences to the Egyptian authorities and the people of Egypt for the tragic incident at the football stadium in Port Said yesterday evening,” said Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.

Norway condemns violence in Syria

[31.01.2012]

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.”

Further easing of restrictions on trade with Myanmar

[27.01.2012]

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.

Norwegian kidnapped in Yemen now released

[27.01.2012]

“I am very pleased and relieved that the Norwegian who was kidnapped in Yemen has been released and that he is unharmed,” said Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.

Norway condemns killing of head of the Red Crescent in Syria

[26.01.2012]

“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.

NOK 6 million to petroleum technology assessment project for the Arctic

[26.01.2012]

“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.

Committee presents review of Norway’s agreements with the EU

[17.01.2012]

The committee appointed to review the consequences of the EEA Agreement and Norway’s other agreements with the EU presented its report today.