Russian bombing completely unacceptable

“The hostilities that have broken out in Georgia have reached a scale that is unparalleled since the conflict in the Balkans in the 1990s. The civilian population is being subjected to terrible suffering. The conflict represents a violation of key principles of international law, and can have consequences for security in the whole region,” commented Minister of Foreign Affairs Jonas Gahr Støre.   

Norway supports the international community’s call for Russia, Georgia and the two separatist regions, South Ossetia and Abkhazia, to cease hostilities immediately and seek to find political solutions.

“The Russian bombing and military actions in Georgian territory are completely unacceptable and must stop. The withdrawal of Georgian troops from South Ossetia is a step in the right direction. A major responsibility now lies with Russia in terms of helping to bring the hostilities to an end and showing respect for Georgia’s territorial integrity,” said Mr Støre.

“Norway fully supports the efforts by the OSCE and EU to encourage a political solution,” Mr Støre continued. He has expressed Norway’s support to the OSCE Chairman-in-Office, Finnish Minister for Foreign Affairs Alexander Stubb. Mr Stubb is on his way to Tblisi and Moscow together with the French Minister of Foreign Affairs Bernhard Kouchner, who is representing the EU presidency, to seek to contribute to a political solution.

Mr Støre has also had talks with the Swedish Minister for Foreign Affairs, Carl Bildt, who chairs the Committee of Ministers in the Council of Europe.
“Norway’s views will also be communicated to the Russian and Georgian authorities,” added Mr Støre.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued travel advice for Georgia, and advises Norwegian nationals against travelling to Georgia. Those who are already in the country are advised to leave. The Embassy is maintaining close contact with Norwegian nationals in the country.