Borrell condemns 'Israel' revoking Norwegian diplomats' accreditation

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
9 Aug 2024 08:34

EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell says the European Union stands in "complete solidarity" with Norway.

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High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell attends a meeting with Vietnam's Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son (not pictured) at the Government Guest House in Hanoi on July 30, 2024. (AFP)

EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell on Thursday condemned "Israel's" decision to revoke the diplomatic status of Norway's envoys to the Palestinian Authority, calling it "unwarranted".

Yesterday, Israeli occupation Foreign Minister Israel Katz announced that he had ordered the "termination of any representation on behalf of the Norwegian Embassy in Israel vis-a-vis the Palestinian Authority."

"I strongly condemn this unwarranted decision, which contradicts the spirit of Oslo Accords and disproportionately disrupts the normal relations and cooperation with the Palestinian Authority," Borrell stated.

He emphasized that "Norway has played a major role on the Middle East Peace Process and in support of the Palestinian population."

It is noteworthy that Norway was the key facilitator of the negotiations that culminated in the Oslo Accords in the 1990s.

Borrell further confirmed that he had a telephone conversation with Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide following "Israel's" decision and assured that the European Union stands in "complete solidarity" with Norway.

"Upon my instructions, the Head of the EU Delegation in Tel Aviv has conveyed our position to the Israeli Government," the EU foreign policy chief added in a statement.

"This is not a bilateral question between Israel and Norway, but one of interest for all those working for peace and stability in the Middle East."

Katz pointed to Norway's recent recognition of a Palestinian state and its support for a pending International Criminal Court (ICC) case implicating Israeli leaders in war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.

In response, Oslo condemned the Israeli decision, describing it as an "extreme action" that would "have consequences".

Norway's Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide said the move revealed the Netanyahu government's active opposition to a "two-state solution."

"We are considering what measures Norway will take to respond to the situation that the Netanyahu government has now created," he indicated.

However, Eide pointed out that "Norway is and will always be a friend of Israel and the Israeli people."

"At the same time, Norway has been clear in our criticism of the occupation (of Palestinian territories), the way in which the war in Gaza has been conducted and the suffering this has inflicted on the Palestinian civilian population," he explained.

Later, the Norwegian foreign minister announced that he had summoned an Israeli embassy official in response to the decision.

"We have all along expected there may be reactions to the position we have chosen (on the recognition of a Palestinian state), but we are surprised that they chose to do this, and especially right now," Eide told journalists.

"During my meeting with the Israeli representative I asked for an explanation," he said, adding that she "was unable to provide one on the spot."

The United States, "Israel's" biggest ally, also criticized the decision to revoke the diplomatic status of Norway's envoys to the Palestinian Authority, stressing that Oslo has played a significant role in the Middle East.

"Norway has a long history of playing a productive role when it comes to engaging with the government of Israel engaging with the Palestinian Authority," State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller told reporters.

"We don't think steps to prevent them from playing that role are particularly helpful," he added.

In late May, Spain, Ireland, and Norway announced their decision to recognize a Palestinian state, drawing a strong rebuke from Israeli leaders, who have repeatedly spoken out against Palestinian statehood.