Prime Minister Kjell Magne Bondevik of Norway today and yesterday called his colleagues in Austria and the Czech Republic, Chancellor Wolfgang Schüssel and Prime Minister Vladimir Spidla, to express the Norwegian Government’s compassion in relation to the serious floods that have hit the two countries.

To the Czech Premier Mr. Bondevik said Norway is ready to respond to the country’s request for assistance from abroad. The Norwegian Embassy in Prague is now working out assistance details with Czech authorities. The Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs is in touch with the Norwegian Directorate for Civil Defence and Emergency Planning, concerning what kind of equipment Norway can offer.

The Norwegian Government is prepared to spend NOK 2 million on flood assistance to the Czech Republic.