Phil
GOFF
Labour Leader
Maryan
STREET
Spokesperson for Foreign Affairs

23 July 2011

MEDIA STATEMENT

Labour sends condolences following Norwegian attack

The New Zealand Labour Party sends its deep condolences in the wake of two apparently related attacks in Norway overnight, says Labour Leader Phil Goff and Labour’s spokesperson for Foreign Affairs Maryan Street.

“We stand with the Prime Minister and the government of Norway as they reel from this worst attack since World War two,” Phil Goff said.

“Labour has been in touch with the Labour Party in the Norwegian government .While they are deeply shocked, they are resolute in their determination to bring the perpetrators to justice.

“I have also sent my personal condolences to Norwegian Minister of Foreign Affairs Jonas Store, who I worked closely with as both Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade,” Phil Goff said.

“This attack is all the more appalling given Norway’s prominent peace keeping position in the global arena. Norway hosted and worked hard to negotiate the Oslo Accords in an attempt to resolve the on-going Israel-Palestine conflict, and made a huge effort in its work to find peace in war embattled Sri Lanka.

“We are deeply saddened by these events, in the home of the Nobel Peace Prize no less,” Maryan Street said.

“Norway is a country very like ours in many respects and we in the Labour Party have many personal contacts with Norwegian politicians.

“Our profound condolences go to the families of all those killed or injured in these attacks and while it is important those responsible are brought to justice we must not to jump to conclusions about the identity of the perpetrators,” Maryan Street said.

ends

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