Peace and reconciliation efforts

The Niwano Peace Prize to Gunnar Stålsett

Tokyo, 16 May 2013

[Speech/article, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 16.05.2013]

Ambassador Arne Walther gave this message on behalf of Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Espen Barth Eide, at the award ceremony.

Public Financial Management

Somalia Conference, London, 7 May 2013

[Speech/article, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 07.05.2013]

- The sun shines on London - the same sun shines on Mogadishu. Let the same commitment that we are showing here today, be visible to the people of Mogadishu and the rest of Somalia, said Minister of International Development Heikki Eidsvoll Holmås at the Somalia Conference.

The situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question

Security Council meeting, 24 April 2013

[Speech/article, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 24.04.2013]

- Norway is committed to a democratic and unified post-Assad Syria. Military means alone will not lead to a lasting solution in Syria. Therefore the Security Council must find a way to promote a political transition towards a pluralistic, fully representative Syria, based on the Geneva communiqu., said UN ambassador Geir O. Pedersen in Norway's statement.

Statement at South Sudan International Partner Forum

[Speech/article, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 16.04.2013]

- This International Partner Forum comes at the right time. Oil has started to flow again. Still in small quantities, but it will increase. They must be busy in the Ministry of Petroleum and Mining, in the new building I was very happy to open in July last year, said Minister of International Development, Mr. Holmås, at the South Sudan International Partner Forum's meeting.

Norway following positive developments between Sudan and South Sudan closely

[Press release, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 15.04.2013]

Minister of International Development Heikki Eidsvoll Holmås is leading a high-level conference on South Sudan’s oil production together with the US authorities in Washington this week. State Secretary Arvinn Gadgil is visiting the capital of Sudan, Khartoum, and the capital of South Sudan, Juba.

Important oil agreement between Sudan and South Sudan

[Press release, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 12.03.2013]

Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide commented, “I am pleased that Sudan and South Sudan agreed today on how South Sudan’s vital oil production can start up again in two weeks’ time, and on the transport of the oil through pipelines in Sudan. I commend the two leaders for reaching the necessary compromises.”

Peace agreement for DR Congo gives cause for hope

[Press release, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 25.02.2013]

“This agreement on peace, security and cooperation in the Democratic Republic of Congo offers hope to a population that has endured great suffering,” said Minister of Foreign Affairs Espen Barth Eide.

Agreement on Kachin talks encouraging

[Press release, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 04.02.2013]

The Myanmar Government and the armed group Kachin Independence Organization (KIO) have agreed to continue talks with a view to finding a peaceful solution to the violent conflict in Kachin State. “This is encouraging news,” Minister of Foreign Affairs Espen Barth Eide commented.

Norway supports peace efforts in Syria

[News story, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 11.12.2012]

“The whole world is following developments in Syria with deep dismay. Lakhdar Brahimi is working on behalf of the UN and the Arab League to find a political solution to the conflict. His task is as important as it is difficult, and we are providing NOK 1.2 million to support his efforts,” State Secretary Torgeir Larsen said.

Broad support for Palestine resolution in the UN

[Press release, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 29.11.2012]

“I am delighted to see the overwhelming support the Palestinians have received for their application to become an observer state in the UN General Assembly,” said Minister of Foreign Affairs Espen Barth Eide.