The Iraqi Minister of Migration and Displacement H.E. Sorya Y. Isho and the Norwegian Minister for Local Government and Regional Development Mrs Erna Solberg, met on 30 September 2004. Minister Solberg is the minister responsible for migration and refugee issues in the Norwegian government. The ministers discussed various topics of common interest.

Minister Solberg recognizes the great efforts taken on by Minister Isho in terms of finding solutions for Iraqi refugees and asylum-seekers, as well as the challenges concerning internally displaced persons in Iraq. Minister Isho recognizes in principle that Norway from a legal point of view has the right to return rejected Iraqi asylum-seekers. For the time being Norway does not return rejected asylum-seekers by force due to the present situation in Iraq, but makes it a priority to facilitate returns on a voluntary basis.

The ministers agreed to continue a dialogue and colaboration at all levels with a view to strengthening the capacity-building of Iraqi authorities in matters concerning repatriation, and interally displaced persons.

During her visit to Norway H.E. Soya Y. Isho also met with representatives of the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and with members of the Norwegian Parliament.

H.E. Minister Isho also had a meeting with the Nordic representative of the International Organization for Migration, as well as with representatives from Iraqi groups and associations in Norway. Representatives of the Norwegian Refugee Council, Norwegian People’s Aid, Norwegian Red Cross, the Norwegian Organisation for Asylum Seekers and Norwegian Church Aid also met with H.E. Soya Y. Isho during her two-day visit to Norway.