NORWAY SUPPORTIVE OF IMPLEMENTATION OF

UNCLAS OSLO 000390 SIPDIS SENSITIVE E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: XA KCRM KJUS EWWT PHSA PREL NO SUBJECT: NORWAY SUPPORTIVE OF IMPLEMENTATION OF UNSCR 1816 ON SOMALI PIRACY REF: SECSTATE 74305 ¶1. (SBU) On July 11, 2008, Poloff spoke with Torfinn Stenseth, Assistant Director General of the Section for Global Security Issues and CIS Countries of the MFA, to deliver reftel demarche. Stenseth said that piracy off the coast of Somalia is a serious issue with which the GON is very concerned. He noted Norway,s central role in the International Contact Group on Somalia and its continued provision of humanitarian assistance. Stenseth emphasized that the delivery of humanitarian aid to Somalia is of importance to Norway, one of the largest donors to the country. He also mentioned that as a shipping nation, Norway is concerned with securing the right of safe passage, particularly since pirates have been attacking farther and farther out from the Somali coast. ¶2. (SBU) Stenseth affirmed that although Norway would like to "contribute as much as possible," he could make no firm promises. He indicated that piracy could potentially turn into a more urgent issue for Norway if it were to be directly affected, as has happened, for example, with Denmark. Stenseth closed by saying that he would like to continue a dialogue about Somali piracy in a few weeks time and that he would be contacting Norway,s Ministry of Defense, along with other agencies. WHITNEY