NORWAY MAINTAINS THAT DECISION TO RECOGNIZE

C O N F I D E N T I A L OSLO 000292 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 03/23/2017 TAGS: PREL ISPA KPAL IS NO SUBJECT: NORWAY MAINTAINS THAT DECISION TO RECOGNIZE PALESTINIAN GOVERNMANT HAS NOT DAMAGED RELATIONS WITH ISREAL Classified By: Deputy Chief of Mission, Kevin M. Johnson for reasons 1.4 b and d ¶1. (C) In a March 23 meeting with the DCM, Kai Eide, Political Director of Norway's MFA, stated that Norway's relations with Israel have not been damaged by Norway's decision to recognize the Palestinian Unity Government. Eide said that Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Stoere spoke at length with Israeli Foreign Minister Livni on March 22 and plans to visit Israel as soon as his schedule permits. Eide claimed that the Isreali refusal to meet with Deputy Minister Raymond Johansen was more a question of the optics of seeing Johansen directly after a visit with the Palestinian government than a rejection of dialogue with Norway. ¶2. (C) Eide said Johansen reported back to the Foreign Minister that meetings with the Palestinians, while not producing any dramatic results, confirmed in his mind that the decision to recognize the government was the right one. Palestinian leaders assured Johansen that Corporal Shalit would be released "soon". (note: Eide added, "who knows what soon means. end note) Eide said that Norway has been in close consultations with Abbas and recieved numerous "green lights" from him regarding their decision. Norway believes that recognizing the government will strengthen moderate forces. WHITNEY