Minister of Foreign Affairs Jan Petersen condemns the terrorist bombing in Tel Aviv yesterday. Twenty-three Israelis have died so far and more than 100 were wounded.

"Norway strongly condemns yesterday’s atrocious terrorist bombing in Tel Aviv," said Foreign Minister Petersen. "It was a ruthless and cynical attack on innocent civilians, carried out by groups that wish to obstruct peace."

"Those behind this appalling attack must be brought to justice. We expect the Palestinian Authority to cooperate fully to find the perpetrators and to mobilise Palestinian society against such actions. The terrorists must not be allowed to dictate the agenda. I reiterate our call to the parties and the international community to start a political process that will pave the way out of the tragic situation we have been witnessing since the autumn of 2000. Norway will continue to work intensively to support the peace efforts in the region," said Foreign Minister Petersen.