Norway wants dialogue with the parties to the Middle East conflict

Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Støre takes note of the fact that Israel has called off today’s meetings with State Secretary Raymond Johansen. “In my view it would have been useful for us to have an opportunity to discuss the situation directly with the Israeli authorities,” said the Foreign Minister.

Israel’s cancellation of the meeting did not come as a surprise as the Israelis have responded in a similar fashion previously. “Despite the fact that Norway disagrees with Israel’s view of the new Palestinian Government, we respect Israel’s standpoint. Nonetheless we maintain that differences of opinion can best be resolved through dialogue, not the opposite,” the Foreign Minister emphasised.

Mr Støre does not agree with Israel’s claim that Norway is damaging the peace process. “Norway is Israel’s friend. We are making a constructive contribution to efforts to get the peace process back on track. We are using our dialogue with the Palestinians to underscore Israel’s right to live in peace and security, and to demand that the Palestinian Government do everything in its power to improve the security situation and put a stop to the rocket attacks against Israel,” said Mr Støre.