The Diplomat
The Norwegian Ambassador to Spain, Nils Haugstveit, called on the parties involved in the current Middle East conflict to respect international humanitarian law and protect the civilian population.
Nils Haugstveit made this demand in his speech during a reception held last Thursday at his residence on the occasion of Norway’s National Day, which was also attended by the Norwegian parliamentarian and former Minister of Culture and Equality, Abid Raja, whose family is of Pakistani origin.
In his speech, the ambassador underlined that for the third year in a row, the celebration had, in addition to the Norwegian colours, the Ukrainian colours (blue and yellow). “Our commitment to Ukraine and to NATO is stronger than ever,” he said, recalling that Norway “has been very clear and forceful in speaking out against Russian aggression in Ukraine”.
Referring to the conflict between Israel and Hamas, Nils Haugstveit insisted that the parties “must act in accordance with international humanitarian law and ensure the protection of the civilian population”. “Upholding the UN Charter and its principles is the only way to peace,” he added.
The ambassador also pointed out that, on the 30th anniversary of the entry into force of the agreement on the European Economic Area, Norway, although not part of the EU, is working with Europe “more closely than ever”. He also took the opportunity to congratulate Spain on its “successful presidency of the Council of the European Union” in the second half of 2023.
The reception was attended by numerous ambassadors, as well as representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and different sectors of Spanish society and the Norwegian community in our country.
