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