Norway condemns killing of Hamas leader Sheikh Ahmed Yassin

"Norway condemns the killing this morning of Hamas leader Sheikh Ahmed Yassin," said Foreign Minister Jan Petersen.

"This act will lead to greater tension in the area and impede implementation of the Roadmap for Peace and Israel’s withdrawal from Gaza," said the Foreign Minister. "We realise that Hamas has been responsible for a number of terrorist operations, which we have deeply deplored. This does not, however, justify extrajudicial killings like the one we have now seen."

"The killing of Sheikh Yassin has created an extremely dangerous situation. I urge the parties to refrain from further violence and lay the groundwork as soon as possible so that the Roadmap for Peace can be implemented," Mr Petersen emphasised. "Efforts to implement an agreed Israeli withdrawal from Gaza must be given top priority," he said.