EU condemns Israel decision to revoke diplomatic status of Norway envoys

The High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, yesterday condemned the Israeli government’s decision to revoke the status of Norwegian diplomats at the Norwegian embassy, banning them from working as representatives of their country in the State of Palestine, the Palestinian Information Centre reported.

Borrell said: “Today I received a phone call from Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide, following the decision taken by Benjamin Netanyahu’s government to revoke the diplomatic status of Norwegian diplomats dealing with the Palestinian Authority.”

“I strongly condemn this unjustified decision, which contradicts the spirit of the Oslo Accords and disproportionately disrupts normal relations and cooperation with the Palestinian Authority,” he added.

“Upon my instructions, the Head of the European Union Mission in Tel Aviv conveyed our position to the Israeli government. This is not a bilateral question between Israel and Norway, but one of interest for all those working for peace and stability in the Middle East,” he stressed.

Borrell further explained that “as chair of the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee for the Coordination of International Assistance to the Palestinian People (AHLC), Norway has played a major role in the Middle East Peace Process and in support of the Palestinian population.”

He stressed that “the EU stands in full solidarity with Norway, an invaluable partner in our efforts to promote peace, security and prosperity in the region.”

Israel said it was taking the action as a “punishment” for Oslo’s unilateral recognition of the State of Palestine as well as its anti-Gaza war position.

Read: Israel rejection of Norwegian diplomats in Palestinian areas is extreme, Norway says