Today the Government adopted regulations on special measures against the Republic of Zimbabwe.

The regulations have been laid down pursuant to the Act of 27 June 2003 No. 58 on special measures against the Republic of Zimbabwe.

In addition to introducing targeted measures against the Mugabe regime, as many other countries have already done, Norway has urged Zimbabwe’s neighbouring states, in particular South Africa, to intensify their efforts to encourage dialogue between the government and the opposition in Zimbabwe with a view to finding a negotiated solution that will ensure democracy and respect for human rights in the country.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs may repeal the regulations if the situation in Zimbabwe improves and the parties find a negotiated solution.

The regulations include the following:

• a ban on the export of arms and related material, and on providing technical training or assistance related to such items to Zimbabwe

• a ban on the export of any equipment which might be used for internal repression

• a prohibition against the entry into or transit through Norway of persons associated with the Mugabe regime

• a requirement to freeze funds, other financial assets or economic resources belonging to such persons and a prohibition against making funds, financial assets or economic resources available to them.

Anyone who contravenes the regulations will be liable to prosecution.

The regulations will enter into force immediately