Additional Norwegian assistance to terror victims in Beslan

Yesterday the Ministry of Foreign Affairs offered Russia additional assistance in connection with the tragedy in Beslan. According to Foreign Minister Jan Petersen, the Ministry has informed the Russian authorities that Norway is prepared to assist in building a new school in Beslan. Norway has also invited children affected by the hostage operation to Norway for rest and recreation, and offered to send more medical equipment. “The more information we get, the more we realise the enormity of what has happened. Norway is particularly concerned to help the children who have survived,” said the Foreign Minister.

In connection with the events in Beslan, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has given priority to getting the necessary humanitarian assistance to the victims as quickly as possible. The hostage drama has put a tremendous strain both on those who were directly involved and on all the people in the region.

Therefore, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs decided as early as Saturday 4 September to allocate funding for medical emergency relief to Russia, and contacted the Russian authorities the same day with an offer of medical assistance to the victims. It was accepted at once. The Ministry then contacted the Norwegian health authorities and asked them to immediately begin putting together equipment, which was sent to Russia on Tuesday morning. The Ministry would like to commend the Norwegian Red Cross and the Norwegian health authorities highly for the rapid and effective way they responded to the request for equipment and expertise.