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