"The attacks on the Norwegian embassy in Damascus are totally unacceptable. The Norwegian government responds with sharp diplomatic protests," states Norway’s Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg.

"The Syrian government is responsible for the security of the Norwegian embassy in Damascus. Hence, we will seek indemnification from Syria for the damage incurred by the attack and we will raise the issue in the United Nations," says the Prime Minister.

"Fortunately, no Norwegian citizens were harmed in the attack as far as we have registered," confirms the Prime Minister.

"In the current situation, it is of key importance to use the available channels of dialogue, both internationally and in Norway, in order to reduce the level of conflict. The development of this situation must not be allowed to be decided by extremists," says the Prime Minister.

Today, the Prime Minister has met with the Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, the Minister of Labour and Inclusion Bjarne Håkon Hanssen and the Minister of Justice Knut Storberget.

Norway’s Prime Minister has also discussed the situation with Denmarks Prime Minister Anders Fogh Rasmussen. Furthermore, he will discuss the issues with the Secretary-General of the UN.

The Norwegian government has been in touch with a number of governments and organisations, both in the Middle East and beyond.

The Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has instructed Norwegian embassies to raise the situation in Damascus with their local host governments and to request that the necessary security measures are taken.