Statement about the situation in Algeria

The situation for the hostages at the gas plant in Algeria is still unclear. 

In my conversation with Algerian Prime Minister Sellal at noon today, he said the country's military forces were engaged in an operation. 

In the hours since then there have been numerous and conflicting pieces of information about the outcome of this operation. 

We have not yet received any confirmed information, but we see this as a serious situation. 

According to Statoil, the status for the Norwegians involved is that four of them are outside the site, while we lack certain information for nine of them. 

# 

Since we were informed about this terrorist action yesterday morning, Norwegian authorities have been working ceaselessly to save the life of our citizens. 

I ask you to understand that I cannot go into detail about all our efforts. 

One measure is that the Ministry of Defence has preepared a plane with medical personnel and equipment. This plane will shortly take off for Algeria. 

We have also been concerned that the relatives of the Norwegian hostages have been well cared for. 

We have been cooperating closely and in full confidence with Statoil, and we have had frequent dialogue with the authorities of other countries. 

My message to Prime Minister Sellal was that the consideration for the life and health of the hostages should have top priority. 

# 

Tonight we are all deeply concerned because we do not know what has happened to our fellow citizens and the other hostages. 

I want to express my sympathy with the relatives who have been forced to handle shifting and in some cases terrible speculations. 

This has also been an extreme situation for Statoil's employees. 

I want to commend Statoil's leaders and employees for the way they are handling this crisis. 

# 

We do not know the motive of the terrorists. But whatever the motive, what has happened is unacceptable and abhorring. 

Statoil's employees have become innocent victims of people who obviously do not fear any means in order to reach their goals. 

We strongly condemn this terrorist act.