Press Release

The five Nordic foreign ministers discussed the situation in the Middle East today, focusing particularly on relations between Israel and the Palestinians in the wake of this week’s vote in UNESCO. Although the Nordic countries’ positions differed as regards the timing of Palestinian membership of UNESCO, they agree that the way forward must be based on a resumption of negotiations and the vision of a two-state solution.

Monday, the UNESCO General Conferance admitted Palestine as a Member of the Organisation. Norway voted for Palestinian membership.

Norwegian Minister of Foreign Affairs Jonas Gahr Støre commented, “I welcome the agreement between Hamas and Israel on the release of Gilad Shalit and exchange of prisoners. Norway’s position all along has been that Shalit’s imprisonment was unacceptable, and we have been among the countries actively working for his release.”

The Foreign Minister has decided to upgrade the Palestinian representation to Norway. Since August this year several countries, including France, Spain, Greece and Portugal, have upgraded Palestinian representation.

The peace talks between Israel and the PLO have entered a critical phase now that Israel has decided not to extend its partial moratorium on the construction of settlements in the West Bank. “I urge Israel and the Palestinians to do their utmost to make it possible to continue the negotiations,” said Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.

The international donor group in support of the Palestinians (AHLC) today reconfirmed its support for the Palestinian government program that aims to establish a Palestinian state by August 2011.

«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.»

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 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 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.