Norway concerned about violence in Xinjiang

Norway is concerned about the situation in Xinjiang province in China. The Norwegian authorities have expressed their concern to the Chinese authorities, deploring the violence and heavy loss of life. Norway has also aligned itself with an EU declaration about unrest in Xinjiang.

The text of the EU declaration is available on the EU website.

The Norwegian authorities have expressed their concern to the Chinese authorities, deploring the violence and the heavy loss of life.

Norway calls on all parties to refrain from further violence. This is a conflict that cannot be resolved by violent means. Dialogue is essential.

“We have called on the Chinese authorities to provide full transparency around what is going on and ensure that foreign journalists and diplomats are given unimpeded access and an opportunity to report on the unrest, with a view to clarifying the facts of the situation,” said State Secretary Elisabeth Walaas of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Norway is engaged in a longstanding human rights dialogue with China, in which the rights of minorities, including those of the Uighur people, and freedom of religion and expression are a key focus.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is following the situation closely.