Foreign Minister Støre protests against treatment of foreign journalists

Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Støre had a telephone conversation this afternoon with his Egyptian counterpart, Ahmed Aboul Gheit, and urged the Egyptian authorities to take effective measures to stop the attacks on foreign journalists that have been going on for the past 24 hours.

 “We react strongly to what seem to be systematic attacks on foreign journalists. The media must be allowed to carry out their important tasks unimpeded,” said Foreign Minister Støre, who also informed Foreign Minister Gheit that Norwegian journalists had been in very threatening situations today. Mr Støre emphasised that those responsible for security must restore order and prevent attacks on peaceful pro-democracy protesters.

 In his conversation with Mr Gheit, Mr Støre stressed the urgent need for an orderly political transition and democratic reforms in Egypt.

 “The international community calls on the Egyptian authorities to initiate an inclusive dialogue with the opposition in Egypt that is also visible to the outside world,” said Mr Støre.