Finland, Norden censure Israeli decision to close Norway´s Palestine mission

Finland together with other Nordic countries expressed concern over the Israeli decision to close the Norway's Representative Office in West Bank town Al-Ram, Palestine and urged Israel to reconsider the decision.

The Nordic countries on Thursday issued a joint statement, which also said that the decision will directly impact consular services for some of the Nordic citizens, said the Ministry for Foreign Affairs in a release.

“As Nordic countries, Denmark, Finland, Iceland and Sweden deeply regret Israel’s decision to no longer facilitate Norway’s representation to the Palestinian Authority (PA) and revoke the diplomatic status for Norwegian diplomats dealing with the PA,” the statement readout.

“As a consequence of Israel’s decision, Norway's Representative Office in Palestine is closed until further notice, which also directly impacts consular services for some of our citizens,” the statement added.

The decision is a set back against the fulfilment of the Oslo accords and the two-state solution.

Norway has a long history of working constructively for peace and stability in the Middle East, said the statement.

“The current situation calls for more diplomacy – not less – to promote de-escalation and foster long-term stability, to the benefit of Israelis and Palestinians alike,” it added.