Norwegian Foreign Minister Eide criticizes Western silence on Gaza, urges clearer stance

Record ID: 1970098

  • Title: Norwegian Foreign Minister Eide criticizes Western silence on Gaza, urges clearer stance
  • Date: 24th April 2025
  • Summary: Norwegian Foreign Minister Eide criticizes Western silence on Gaza, urges clearer stance SHOTLIST: ANKARA, TÜRKİYE (APRIL 24, 2025) (TURKISH FOREIGN MINISTRY - ACCESS ALL) 1. NORWEGIAN FOREIGN MINISTER ESPEN BARTH EIDE SPEAKING AT JOINT PRESS CONFERENCE WITH TURKISH FOREIGN MINISTER HAKAN FIDAN 2. FIDAN AND EIDE SHAKING HANDS, LEAVING CONFERENCE HALL SCRIPT Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide on Thursday expressed concern over the “silence” on Gaza, warning that many Western countries are making a mistake by not taking a clear stand. Speaking at a joint press conference with his Turkish counterpart Hakan Fidan in Ankara, Eide said: "Norway is one of the first countries to say that Israel’s response to the Oct. 7 attacks has gone far beyond international human rights laws and the principle of proportionality" He urged Israel to defend and implement international human rights and laws, emphasizing the importance of consistency on the issue. Eide described Israel's breaches as "highly extreme and concerning," asserting they cause a great deal of unnecessary suffering for the Palestinian people. Oslo believes that there should be a ceasefire in Gaza, he said, adding that the two-state solution is the only way to end the war. Norway has signed several strategic agreements with the EU in the field of security and defense, he said, adding that thanks to this, Oslo is joining Europe’s defense preparedness initiatives for 2030. Describing the meeting as extremely useful, constructive, and productive, Eide said bilateral relations between the two nations are genuinely strong and continue to develop.” He noted that the war between Russia and Ukraine is at a critical point, emphasizing that his country and Türkiye share the same view on the need for a lasting peace agreement. On the negotiation process, he said if the US is less involved in the process, it will mean that the rest of the countries need to take more steps and assume more political and economic responsibility. He described the formation of a new government in Syria as a hopeful development, saying that during his visit to Syria in January, he urged Damascus to unite and emerge as one. He emphasized that ensuring national unity and cohesion in Syria requires a serious commitment and cooperation from all parties. Regarding his country's recognition of the State of Palestine, he said Oslo believes this recognition is critical in convincing Palestinians that a two-state solution is possible.
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  • Copyright Holder: Anadolu Agency
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