Press Release

No: 19/1999
Date: 7 February 1999

Norway's Premier sends condolences after King Hussein's death

Following today's official announcement of the death of King Hussein of Jordan, the following letter of condolences from Prime Minister Kjell Magne Bondevik will be presented to Prime Minister Fayez Tarawneh in Amman:

"His Excellency Dr. Fayez Tarawneh
Prime Minister
Amman

On the sad occasion of the death of His Majesty King Hussein I would like to express the condolences of the Norwegian Government.

One of the most eminent leaders in the Middle East has now died. His death is a sad loss to Jordan and also to the Middle East. The fact that a small country in such a turbulent region has managed to enjoy many years of uninterrupted peace, growth and development is a major achievement. The key to this is the King's ability to strike a balance between conflicting interests. The signing of the peace agreement with Israel in 1994 is another example of the political and personal courage and vision that marked all the King's efforts.

King Hussein will be remembered for his personal and political courage, his vision, his skill and his great statesmanship.

Please convey the heartfelt sympathy of the Norwegian Government to the Royal Family.

Kjell Magne Bondevik
Prime Minister".