Norway ready to strengthen sanctions against Russia – ambassador

Monday, November 17, 2014 - 18:47 (EET) Section: Latest news

Norway is ready to support the strengthening of sanctions against Russia if need be.
Norwegian Ambassador to Ukraine Jon Elvedal Fredriksen said this in an interview with Ukrinform.
“Until we see some positive changes in the actions of the Russian side, we will continue the effect of the existing sanctions…. Today, I think that our government will monitor the situation and will take a respective decision if need be,” Fredriksen said.
He noted that the introduction of sanctions would depend on Russia’s attitude to Ukraine and international law.
“We realistically appreciate Russia’s actions, as well as actions of the Ukrainian side, because Ukraine must also comply with its obligations,” the diplomat said.
However, he expressed hope that there would be no need for tougher sanctions, because they are undesirable for either Norway or the EU. However, Fredriksen said that Norway had consistently and firmly defended Ukraine’s territorial integrity.
“When we saw that Russia decided to blatantly violate international law by annexing Crimea, our government made the decision to join the sanctions. I want to emphasize that this was done not under the influence and pressure from the EU and the United States – it was a voluntary and independent decision of our government, taking into account our common point of view regarding the violation of international law,” the diplomat said.