News

Direct peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians

Mon, 30 Aug 2010 10:07:21 GMT

«I welcome the news that the US has invited Israel and the Palestinians to resume direct talks,» said Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Støre. «Norway urges the parties to respond positively to the US invitation, and to seize this opportunity to make progress in the negotiations. This will put the peace process back on track.»

Norway voted in favour of UN resolution on an international investigation of Israel’s boarding

Fri, 04 Jun 2010 16:09:30 GMT

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.

Norway supports the Security Council’s demand for a transparent, impartial investigation of the Israeli operation against the Gaza convoy

Wed, 02 Jun 2010 13:48:53 GMT

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 calls for an international investigation of Israel’s boarding of the convoy carrying humanitarian supplies to Gaza

Tue, 01 Jun 2010 09:47:58 GMT

“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.

Budget support

Thu, 18 Feb 2010 08:45:58 GMT

Norway has transferred NOK 240 million to the Palestinian Authority (PA), in accordance with its pledge made at the Paris Conference in December 2007. The funds have been provided to support implementation of the Palestinian Reform and Development Plan (PRDP). The support will enable the PA to maintain the services available to the Palestinian population in the areas of education, health and safety.

East Jerusalem

Mon, 18 Jan 2010 13:36:05 GMT

“Norway is concerned about developments in East Jerusalem. The Palestinian population is subject to ever-increasing pressure,” said Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.

Norway deplores Israel’s building plans for East Jerusalem

Thu, 31 Dec 2009 08:10:28 GMT

“Norway deplores Israel’s plans to increase building activity in East Jerusalem,” said Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.

Norway provides NOK 60 million to promote women’s rights

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 14:44:47 GMT

Norway will provide NOK 40 million (USD 7 million) to UN efforts to combat female genital mutilation and violence against women in developing countries. At the same time, Norway will contribute NOK 20 million (USD 3.5 million) to the new UN Fund for Gender Equality.

UNIFEM

Fri, 09 Oct 2009 16:11:35 GMT

On Thursday 8th October 2009 the Representative Office of Norway, on behalf of the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, signed a three-year agreement with UNIFEM regarding the Programme “Socially Responsible Development Planning: Healthy Food through Women-run School Canteens”, Phase II. This came after a Pilot Project (Phase I) was successfully implemented last year in close cooperation and partnership with the Palestinian Ministry of Education & Higher Education (MEHE) and local NGOs.

Donor group welcomes plan to establish Palestinian state

Wed, 23 Sep 2009 13:42:24 GMT

Donor group welcomes plan to establish Palestinian state The donor group for the Palestinian Authority (AHLC) today welcomed the political program of the Palestinian government for establishing a Palestinian state within the next two years.

Situation in the Middle East

Fri, 28 Aug 2009 14:18:36 GMT

The situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question

Wed, 02 Sep 2009 20:47:44 GMT

Norway called on the parties in the Middle East to resume negotiations and to honour their commitments by freezing settlement expansion and ending violence against civilians. Statement to the Security Council by Ms. Berit Enge, Minister Counsellor, on 27 July 2009. Norway fully supports the current efforts to resume final status negotiations. A political framework for a two-state solution – bas...

International Ibsen Scholarships 2010

Wed, 03 Jun 2009 14:15:29 GMT

The statutes below were determined by the Ministry of Culture and Church Affairs on February 9th, 2009. The international scholarships for Ibsen-related projects were established by the Norwegian parliament in relation to the central government budget for the fiscal year of 2007. 1. Scholarships are awarded to individuals, organizations or institutions within the artistic and cultural community...

Norwegian support for the Palestinian Authority

Tue, 02 Jun 2009 14:33:21 GMT

Nordic Foreign Ministers ask for additional support for Gaza and UNWRA

Tue, 02 Jun 2009 14:33:35 GMT

At a special meeting of Nordic Foreign Ministers in Oslo, the five Ministers issued a joint statement on support for Gaza and UNWRA.

Norwegian major general to lead UN peacekeeping operation in Middle East

Tue, 02 Jun 2009 14:35:19 GMT

The appointment of Robert Mood as Head of Mission and Chief of Staff of UNTSO, the UN peacekeeping operation in the Middle East, will strengthen Norway’s presence in the region.

Facts about Norway’s position with regard to Hamas

Tue, 02 Jun 2009 14:33:31 GMT

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has recently received a number of questions about Norway’s position with regard to Hamas. A short summary of the facts is given below. Norway has never recognised Hamas, or established relations at political level with the movement. (According to international law, it is only states, not governments, that can be recognised by other states). Norway de...

Increased Norwegian humanitarian aid to Gaza

Tue, 02 Jun 2009 14:33:34 GMT

Norway’s Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg today met with Czech Prime Minister Mirek Topolánek, on the occasion of the Czech Republic’s role as EU presidency. A central topic was the crisis in the Middle East. Stoltenberg announced that Norway will increase its humanitarian aid to Gaza from NOK 30 to NOK 50 million. “We want to increase our aid to the population of Gaza, seriously hit by the figh...

Foreign Minister Støre condemns attack on UN building and hospital

Tue, 02 Jun 2009 14:33:39 GMT

The Gaza headquarters of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) was in flames this morning after it was shelled by the Israeli armed forces. The Al Quds Hospital, which is run by the Palestinian Red Crescent, was also hit. “We strongly condemn these actions,” said Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Støre. Hundreds of Palestinians have sought refuge at the UNRW...

Norway grants an additional NOK 20 million to Gaza

Tue, 02 Jun 2009 14:33:08 GMT

Humanitarian needs caused by the fighting in Gaza are acute. The Norwegian Government has today granted an additional NOK 20 million to organisations reaching Gaza’s civilian population. In total Norway has now granted NOK 50 million to emergency humanitarian aid since the fighting started in December. “We want to increase our aid to the population of Gaza, seriously hit by the fighting. The Go...