Norway's Prime Minister on terror attacks in USA: "An unbelievable disaster"

“USA has today been exposed to a broad-scale terrorist attack. What now takes place in New York, Washington DC and other places in the USA, indicates an act of terror which the world has never before seen. We are witnessing an inconceivable disaster shaking and shocking the entire world”.

Norway’s Prime Minister, Mr. Jens Stoltenberg, said this in Oslo on Tuesday evening, following reports on major terrorist attacks in New York and Washington DC.

“This is an attack against the USA and the American people. But it is also an attack against the open, democratic society. All democracies now have an obligation to join in an uncompromising struggle against international terrorism”, the Prime Minister said.

“USA is Norway’s close ally. Many Norwegians live there, and our bonds to the US and to the American people are strong and numerous. On behalf of the Norwegian Government I strongly condemn these acts of terror. I also express our solidarity with the American people, and extend the Norwegian Government’s deepest condolences to the thousands of Americans who have been stricken”, Mr. Jens Stoltenberg said.

On behalf of the Norwegian Government the Prime Minister on Tuesday sent the following letter of condolences to the president of the USA, Mr. George W. Bush:

”Dear President Bush,

On behalf of the Norwegian government, I wish to express profound shock and grief after the massive terrorist attack on the American nation. We condemn in the strongest possible terms these barbaric acts targeting a large number of innocent civilians.

The United States of America is Norway's close ally. I want to express our strong solidarity with the American people and with your government. These actions are a blatant attack on democracy and on our societies. It underlines the importance of uniting in the fight against all forms of terrorism.

We offer our most sincere condolences to the families of the victims and to the American people.

Yours sincerely,
Jens Stoltenberg

Hon. George W. Bush
President of the United States of America
Washington DC”.