Statement about the situation in Algeria

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We have heavy hearts this evening.

Many people from different countries have been killed in a brutal and senseless terrorist attack in Algeria.

Still we do not know what has happened to five Norwegians, but we do know that those who returned home today have been marked by horrendous experiences.

Our thoughts are with those who have been caught up in this nightmare, and with their loved ones.

Today I met several of them at Statoil’s centre for the next of kin in Bergen. Meeting them was a deeply moving and emotional experience. I was also met with warmth, from people who have lived with fear and uncertainty since Wednesday morning.

In Bergen I expressed the whole country’s heartfelt sympathy with those who were suddenly thrown into insecurity in such a cruel way, and who were suddenly and without warning torn so cruelly from their secure lives and filled with fear for their loved ones.

Once again we have seen that when crisis strikes, Norway is like a small, close-knit family.

I also informed the nearest of kin directly about the work the Norwegian authorities are doing to save their nearest and dearest.

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Over these last days and nights, we have focused on a single goal.

To do everything possible – for the hostages and for their families.

And we are continuing to do just that.

We are devastated by the loss of life, but we must also allow ourselves a sense of relief over those who have been saved.

Of the 13 Norwegians who were involved, eight have come away from the nightmare alive.

We must not lose hope for the five who are still missing, but we must steel ourselves for the possibility that Norwegian lives may also have been lost.

Nevertheless, the efforts to help those five the five Norwegians who are still unaccounted for are continuing unabated this evening.

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I would like to thank everyone involved in this difficult work.

All the Statoil employees who are anxious about their colleagues – including some of the company’s most experienced employees.

All those in the Foreign Service who are working tirelessly day and night.

The teams in the Norwegian aircraft that are standing ready to provide life-saving medical assistance.

There are so many who are doing so much.

We thank you all.

A few hours ago, Algerian forces took control of the gas facility.

This brought an end to one of the most brutal terrorist attacks against Norwegians abroad.

I condemn this terrorist attack and all forms of terrorism.

Norway will never give in to terror or to people who do not respect the rule of law or the principles of democracy.

No one can confer on themselves the right to take lives and inflict suffering.

We who believe in freedom and democracy must stand together in the fight against terrorism.