Tanzanian Association Oslo

Norway condemns fighting

 in the Middle East

- Norway appeals to both sides in the Gaza conflict to stop the fighting, and the Government condemns the actions from both Hamas and Israel, while urging them to allow humanitarian aid to reach the victims of the conflict.

- Undersecretary of State Raymond Johansen deply regrets that the ceasefire was called off and that a peaceful solution is becoming less and less likely.

- The ceasefire must be restored in one way or another. This cannot continue, Johansen says.

Norway has had running contact with both sides but has not succeeded in its efforts to maintain the ceasefire.

- Of the nations in the region it is first and foremost Egypt which has the possibility to influence both Hamas and Israel. President Hosni Mubarak must now use this possibility for all it  is worth, Johansen says.

He also appeals to both sides to allow humanitarian aid to reach the victims of the conflict.

Source: NRK/Norway Post