- Norway has played an active role in facilitating this, and we attach importance to ensuring that future oil revenues should benefit the whole population, Holmås said.
The Minister is leading a high-level conference on South Sudan’s oil production together with the US authorities in Washington this week. State Secretary Arvinn Gadgil is at the same time visiting the capital of Sudan, Khartoum, and the capital of South Sudan, Juba.
Oil production in South Sudan and its transit and export through Sudan’s pipeline has been stopped since January 2012 due to disagreements over the sharing of revenues. This resulted in the economic situation in both countries becoming critical. Last month, both parties signed an implementation matrix for the Sudan–South Sudan agreements on oil, security arrangements, border issues, economic matters and other issues. Both countries have now taken important steps. Forces have been withdrawn from the border zone, an international security force that monitors the buffer zone has been expanded, and measures have been taken to facilitate the resumption of oil exports, which are expected to begin again in a few months’ time.
“The reestablishment of economic relations is very important for both countries, and not least for the hard-hit population. We are now seeing the results of sustained efforts and a close engagement with both states and the African Union. We are pleased to see that Norway’s efforts are bearing fruit,” Mr Gadgil said.
While in Sudan, Mr Gadgil will stress the importance of continued cooperation with South Sudan and the need to ensure humanitarian access to the civilian population in South Kordofan and Blue Nile states. In South Sudan, he will raise the issue of the authorities’ responsibility for ensuring the sound management of the country’s oil resources.
He will also discuss the countries’ efforts to draw up new constitutions, and he will emphasise the importance of inclusive and democratic processes in the lead-up to the elections in both countries in 2015. Mr Gadgil is due to meet representatives of the central authorities and of civil society, the media, and women’s and youth organisations.
(Press release)
Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Ede says Norway condemns the killing of 12 UN employees in South Sudan.
Five Indian UN soldiers and seven civilian employees in the UN operation in South Sudan (UNMISSS) were killed in an ambush at Jonglei in South Sudan on Tuesday.
- This attack is not only an attack on the UN, but also against the civilian population in South Sudan, which the UN is there to assist, says Foreign Minister Eide.
- It is important the the international society ..
Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide has welcomed this week's important oil agreement between Sudan and South Sudan...
South Sudan and Norway have entered into two new development cooperation agreements. (Photo: Minister of International Development Heikki Eidsvoll Holmås)
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The Norwegian Police Security Service (PST) has arrested a Sudanese man at his home in Trondheim, charging him with spying on refugees from Sudan.
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Norway and the World Food Programme (WFP) have signed a four-year agreement on Norwegian funding of NOK 245 million a year, amounting to a total of nearly NOK 1 billion. (Photo: Minister of International Development Heikki Holmås)
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Norway welcomes the reported progress made in the negotiations between Sudan and South Sudan at the weekend. The parties are said to have reached agreement on the sharing of future oil revenues, among other things. (Photo: Minister of International Development Heikki Holmås.)
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Minister of Foreign Affairs Jonas Gahr Støre says the humanitarian situation in South Sudan gives cause for grave concern. Norway is therefore allocating a further NOK 30 million for humanitarian efforts in the world’s newest country.
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The Norwegian ambassador to Khartoum confirms that he will meet with officials from the Sudanese Department of Foreign Affairs on Monday to dicuss the situation for the Norwegian de-mining expert who was detained Saturday.
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A Norwegian de-miniing expert working for the Norwegian People's Aid, is one of four foreigners detained by Sudanese forces in the sensitive Heglig oilfield area, scene of recent fighting with South Sudanese forces.
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Norway is concerned by new reports of serious military clashes in the border areas between Sudan and South Sudan. "It is vital that the two states respect each other’s sovereignty,” says Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.
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Norwegian Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Støre says Sudan must comply with international humanitarian law, with regard to prisoners of war.
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Every year, since 1974, NRK (The National Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation) is granted the responsibility for organizing a national donation effort. The money collected on a nationwide basis is dedicated to national and international charitable purposes.
The NRK Telethon is the world's largest voluntary community initiative and this year the funds raised goes to Norwegian People's Aid's work to clear mines, cluster munitions and other remnants of war and conflict.
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