Norwegian journalist killed in Afghanistan

The Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirms that the Norwegian journalist Carsten Thomassen was killed in a terrorist attack today. Mr Thomassen was one of a number of journalists who were accompanying the Foreign Minister on his visit to Afghanistan.
 
"I am appalled by the killing of Carsten Thomassen. I was deeply saddened to learn that Carsten's life could not be saved following the terrorist attack on Hotel Serena," said Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.
 
"Carsten was one of Norway's most outstanding journalists. He combined sound journalistic skills with integrity and great knowledge. He accompanied me on many trips, and until the end he was dedicated to his work as a journalist. All of us who were together with Carsten in Kabul on 14 January are filled with grief and despair. My thoughts are with his loved ones and his friends and colleagues," the Foreign Minister concluded.