Norway condemns violence in Burma

"Norway is extremely concerned about the use of violence against peaceful demonstrators in Burma," says Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.

“The events of the past few days have shown that the regime has to take the suffering of the people and the dramatic economic situation seriously and immediately initiate a dialogue with those who won the election in 1990 and the leaders of the various ethnic groups,” he says. 

In New York, the Foreign Minister has discussed the situation with the UN envoy to Burma, Ibrahim Gambari, and stressed that Norway is supporting UN efforts in Burma. Norwegian embassies have been instructed today to raise the situation in Burma with key countries in the region, including China and India. These countries are being encouraged to help to bring about a peaceful solution to the conflict. 

Norway has supported the Burmese people for a number of years. So far this year Norway has allocated NOK 55 million to support measures inside Burma and assist refugees on the border with Thailand and Bangladesh. 

Norway has repeatedly called on the regime in Burma to release Aung San Suu Kyi and all other political prisoners.