Press Release

No: 143/1999
Date: 15 October 1999

Norway’s Premier congratulates “Doctors Without Borders”

“It is with great joy I have received the news that the organisation has been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for 1999. This is a recognition of the vitally important work carried out by this organisation, as well as a recognition of all humanitarian work”.

Norway’s Prime Minister, Mr. Kjell Magne Bondevik, said this in a comment following today’s announcement by the Norwegian Nobel Committee.

“Developments over the last year, with large groups of people being driven from their homes in Kosovo, East Timor and Africa, have demonstrated the need for efficient humanitarian organisations that can contribute to the alleviation of human sufferings, the Prime Minister said.

“With its global network, its independent position and its will and ability to work in particularly difficult areas, Doctors Without Borders holds a very important role in the international humanitarian field. I see this award as a recognition of all individuals who courageously engage themselves in humanitarian efforts”, Mr. Bondevik said.

The Prime Minister said Doctors Without Borders is an important channel for Norwegian humanitarian assistance. “Over the last couple of years, a sum of more than 100 million Norwegian Kroner has been distributed via this organisation, which since 1996 has had its own office in Norway”, Prime Minister Kjell Magne Bondevik said.