Asia

United Nations staff and delegates, led by Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, today mourned the loss of at least 40 of their colleagues who perished in the line of duty over the past week with a wreath-laying ceremony at the world body’s headquarters in New York. Read more

“The Norwegian Government condemns in the strongest terms today’s attack on a UN compound in Mazar-e-Sharif in Afghanistan, in which a Norwegian UN worker was among those who were killed,” said Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Støre. Read more

“A stronger and broader US involvement in order to ensure development and stability in Afghanistan is important, and this gives direction to the international efforts that Norway is supporting, Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Støre commented, following President Barack Obama’s presentation of the new US strategy for Afghanistan in a speech last night. Read more

Norway calls on the Afghan government to demonstrate a genuine interest to fulfil basic and crucial commitments towards its people and the international community. If not, President Karzai’s new administration may risk losing support. Read more

“We condemn the terrorist attacks that have killed innocent people in Pakistan and Afghanistan today. It is particularly serious that the UN was once again the target. Our thoughts and sympathy go to the victims and their families,” said Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Minister Støre on Wednesday 28 October, 2009. Read more