Press Release

«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.

“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 plans to increase building activity in East Jerusalem,” said Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.

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.

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.

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 – based on the Road Map – is necessary in order to mobilize broad international support for Palestinian state building. Without such a political framework, we fear that international support may be eroded....