Friday, June 19, 2026
Defence

Norwegian Armed Forces Place Order for Programmable Carl-Gustaf Round

by Nadarajah Sethurupan
written by Nadarajah Sethurupan

The order is signed within a 15-year framework agreement that allows the Norwegian Armed Forces to place orders for Carl-Gustaf ammunition and weapons. This includes the new programmable high explosive round HE 448, among other ammunition types. In January 2021, Norway became the 14th user of the latest Carl-Gustaf M4. 

“We are pleased to continue to support the Norwegian Armed Forces with our Carl-Gustaf ammunition. These munitions will further strengthen Norwegian defence capability,“ says Görgen Johansson, head of Saab’s business area Dynamics.

The programmable high explosive ammunition HE 448 gives the Carl-Gustaf operator the ability to quickly configure a chambered round. The wide range of ammunition available for Carl-Gustaf further strengthens the system’s tactical flexibility, enabling faster engagement, increased hit probability and greater effectiveness for soldiers.

For further information, please contact:
Saab Press Centre,
+46 (0)734 180 018
presscentre@saabgroup.com

www.saab.com
Twitter: @Saab

Facebook: @saab  

LinkedIn: Saab 

Instagram: Saab

Saab is a leading defence and security company with an enduring mission, to help nations keep their people and society safe. Empowered by its 18,000 talented people, Saab constantly pushes the boundaries of technology to create a safer, more sustainable and more equitable world. Saab designs, manufactures and maintains advanced systems in aeronautics, weapons, command and control, sensors and underwater systems. Saab is headquartered in Sweden. It has major operations all over the world and is part of the domestic defence capability of several nations.

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Environment

Haskovo Discusses Norwegian Practices for Energy Efficiency

by Nadarajah Sethurupan
written by Nadarajah Sethurupan

Norwegian practices and solutions for energy efficiency were discussed at a seminar in Haskovo, organized within the framework of a joint two-day expert exchange meeting between Norway and Bulgaria held here, said the press centre of Haskovo Municipality. The lecturer, Anders Stolan, spoke about the experience of the Scandinavian country.

Haskovo Municipality implements the Rehabilitation and Modernization of Systems for Street Lightning project in partnership with International Development Norway. The progress of the project implementation was presented at the meeting by project manager Diana Dobrikova. On Wednesday, the partners will continue their work by visiting the settlements where the project is being implemented – the villages of Garvanovo, Vuglarovo, Klokotnitsa and the residential district of Bolyarovo in Haskovo.

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Oil & Gas

In Norway, old oil platforms are being slowly dismantled to get a second life

by Nadarajah Sethurupan
written by Nadarajah Sethurupan

At an industrial yard in southwestern Norway, decommissioned oil platforms are slowly being dismantled for a second life in the circular economy. Three gigantic disused platforms stand on the docks on the island municipality of Stord where they are being taken apart bit by bit-as much as 98 percent of their total 40,000 tonnes is suitable for recycling.

STORD, Norvege: Decommissioned oil platform Gyda set to be demolished is pictured in a yard in Stord (Norway). It could have been their cemetery, but in this construction site in southwestern Norway, old oil platforms, emblems of the age of fossil fuels, are experiencing a new life stamped with the seal of the circular economy. – AFP

“If you come here in a year-and-a-half, you will see nothing left”, says Sturla Magnus, a senior official at Aker Solutions, a group specialised in both building and dismantling oil platforms. Behind him, workmen in hardhats and fluorescent jackets are busy on the three structures: the platform from the Gyda field that was closed in 2020, and two others that have paid their dues at the Valhall field still in operation.

Once the security inspections are complete and the electrical equipment and dangerous materials like asbestos have been removed, the remainder-the giant, empty shells-are left to powerful cutting machines.

The most attractive waste are the tens of thousands of tonnes of high-quality steel, which can be reused on new oil platforms, other industrial structures or offshore wind turbines. “This is steel that has to stand up to the harsh weather conditions in the North Sea. In other words, this is the best there is”, says Thomas Nygard, project director for decommissioning at Aker Solutions.

While the company is a player in the highly polluting oil industry and still makes more oil installations than it demolishes, it is in favour of recycling. According to various estimates, one kilo (2.2 pounds) of recycled steel generates 58-70 percent less greenhouse gas emissions than a kilo of new steel.

10,000 installations to dismantle

The North Sea is one of the oldest offshore oil and gas basins in the world and is gradually being depleted. Many of the oil platforms there are coming to the end of their life spans. In a 2021 report, the industry association Oil and Gas UK (OGUK) — which has since changed name to Offshore Energies UK (OEUK) — forecast that more than one million tonnes of North Sea platforms would need to be dismantled by the end of the decade.

That is a large market, and one that is growing. Several years ago, OGUK’s forecast was for 200,000 tonnes. “If you look globally, it’s probably close to 10,000 installations which are going to at some point in time come back to shore”, Magnus says.

Aker Solutions’ current workload is scheduled through 2028. Meanwhile, some platforms are being maintained despite their advanced age. One of Norway’s oldest platforms, Statfjord A, has been in use since 1979. It was due to be taken out of service in 2022, but oil giant Equinor decided in 2020 to extend its life span until 2027.

The same is true for two other platforms in the same field, Statfjord B and C, which are only a few years younger, but have been extended until 2035. The reprieve is due to the remaining oil reserves which are believed to be “considerable”, a decision sure to have been sugar-coated by soaring oil prices.

Environmental stakes

Nevertheless, even some environmental activists are reluctant to see the platforms disappear entirely. The earliest installations were made with legs of concrete-metal was preferred for later models-and according to the Norwegian branch of Friends of the Earth, the cement made for “fantastic” artificial corals because of its rough, pock-marked surface.

“All those who have worked on a platform will tell you: there are a lot of big fish that live nearby because there’s no industrial fishing and the fish can grow to be up to 10 years old”, says the group’s marine biologist, Per-Erik Schulze.

The organisation has therefore called for the cement pillars to be left at sea, difficult as they are to uproot. The rest can be dismantled and marine reserves created around the sites. After siphoning the depths of the oceans for decades, Norway’s oil sector could thereby end up helping to protect them-even if just a little. – AFP

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Asia and Norway

Norwegian Ambassador accepts letter from group opposing planned TRUE-DTAC merger

by Nadarajah Sethurupan
written by Nadarajah Sethurupan

The Group of Citizens for Freedom in Telecoms submitted a document to Norwegian Ambassador to Thailand – Kjersti Rodsmoen, on the issue to put on hold the planned merger of True Corporation Plc (TRUE) and Total Access communication Plc (DTAC).

The move to ask the Norwegian government comes as opposition to the planned merger continues and Norwegian government is a shareholder in Telenor which in turn is the single largest shareholder in DTAC.

The Group of Citizens for Freedom in Telecoms demanded the Norwegian government to pressure Telenor, Dtac’s parent company, to consider putting the imminent merger on hold, because it would cause a market monopoly in Thai mobile phone services.

A duopoly of the merged entity and Advanced Info Service Plc (ADVANC) would create a grievance for consumers and impact the rights and freedoms of the public, who face interference in their access to information if the deal goes ahead, the Group of Citizens for Freedom in Telecoms said. This would create a grievance for consumers and impact the rights and freedoms of the public, who face interference in their access to information if the deal goes ahead, they said.

“We are aware of the grievance and what has happened, and we have even taken this public announcement to Telenor and the Norwegian government. May I confirm that this matter will be investigated, and if there are irregularities or violations of good corporate governance in Norway, we will not be negligent when considering this merger. Telenor is Norway’s third largest company, and the embassy will assist as an intermediary to further this announcement.”

The group also handed a statement to the ambassador which reads as below.

The Statement of the Citizens’ Group for Freedom of Communication

On the Merger between True Corporation Public Company Limited (TRUE) and Total Access Communication Public Company Limited (DTAC)

The Citizens’ Group for Freedom of Communication is gravely concerned over the merger between True Corporation Public Company Limited (TRUE) and Total Access Communication Public Company Limited (DTAC).

  1. The merger proposal of the two companies violates Section 21 of the Telecommunications Business Act, which states that:

“In the telecommunications business operation, other than being subject to the law on trade competition, the Commission shall prescribe specific measure according to the characteristics of the telecommunications business operation to prevent the licensee from carrying out any act that is monopolistic, or that reduces or limits the competition in the provision of telecommunications service in the following matters:

(1) subsidisation of services;

(2) holding in businesses of the same category of service;

(3) abuse of market power;

(4) anti-competition behavior;

(5) protection of small entrepreneurs.”

  • The merger between True Corporation Public Company Limited (TRUE) and Total Access Communication Public Company Limited (DTAC) will result in a decrease in the number of telecommunications businesses. To be precise, only two main service providers will remain. This will affect the consumers both in terms of service quality as well as pricing. It will also impede the development and competition in a digital economy, for which Thailand and countries all over the world strive in this modern world. At present, DTAC owns a mobile subscriber market share of 19.6 million numbers (20%), TRUE has 32.2 million numbers (34), while AIS has 44.1 million numbers (46%). It is evident that the merger between True Corporation Public Company Limited (TRUE) and Total Access Communication Public Company Limited (DTAC) will reduce the number of major service providers to two and increase the combined market share to more than half allowing the merged company to influence the market both in terms of pricing and service quality.
  • In addition, the Group is concerned for the people’s freedom of communication, which should remain free from interference by private companies or the state. Given the potential reduced number of telecommunication service providers, the interference, harassment, restriction, and blocking of the access to information will be allowed to happen more easily. This is especially the case now, when the spyware technology is regularly used by the state to obtain an unauthorized access to activists and dissidents’ data. According to the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs), corporates also have the responsibility to respect human rights. In the second pillar, it has been stressed that business individuals and enterprises, regardless of their categories or size, have the responsibility to respect human rights.

The Group is aware that Telenor, the mother company of Total Access Communication Public Company Limited (DTAC), recognizes the importance of good governance and human rights, as seen in Telenor’s opinion that telecommunication is crucial in people’s exchange and communication and is a part of the freedom of expression as well as right to privacy. Maintaining this value will be proven difficult, if the merger involves a domestic company having in place human rights and privacy policies that are below Telenor’s standards.

Therefore, we would like to urge Telenor to halt this merger proposal between True Corporation Public Company Limited (TRUE) and Total Access Communication Public Company Limited (DTAC). Moreover, we would also like to request the Government of Norway to consider whether the merger proposal between True Corporation Public Company Limited (TRUE) and Total Access Communication Public Company Limited (DTAC) is in accordance with the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.

            These three demands are urgent as the voting of the meeting of the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications is set to take place on 10 August 2022.

            Thank you in advance for your consideration.

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Africa and Norway

Africa Leads on Another Step to End Plastic Pollution

by Nadarajah Sethurupan
written by Nadarajah Sethurupan

The Governments of Rwanda and Norway have jointly launched a High Ambition Coalition to end plastic pollution (https://bit.ly/3PLioJZ). The coalition was first initiated following the historic UNEA 5.2  resolution passed in March 2022 to start negotiations of an international legally binding instrument to end plastic pollution.  Canada, Peru, Germany, Senegal, Georgia, Republic of Korea, UK, Switzerland, Portugal, Chile, Denmark, Finland, Sweden, Costa Rica, Iceland, Ecuador and France are among the first countries to join this coalition.

In response to these developments, Greenpeace Africa’s Climate and Energy Campaigner, Nhlanhla Sibisi, said: “It is encouraging to see countries come together and take urgently needed actions towards a plastic-free future. This move shows that our governments are slowly recognising the threat plastics pose to life on this planet, to our ecosystems and the climate. We hope that this recognition will energise them to tighten their opposition to plastic production which is projected to rise significantly in the next decade. Plastic pollution is a global crisis and governments need to collaborate in a more coordinated approach to solve it. 

“We need to work towards an ambitious, legally-binding global plastics treaty that will cap and reduce production and use, and ultimately end single-use plastic. A strong treaty will keep oil and gas in the ground, make big polluters accountable and pressure them to switch to refill and reuse systems and ensure a fair and equitable transition for affected workers.

“Governments in Africa and around the world must recognize that this is an opportunity to stem the tide of a global crisis. The members of the High Ambition Coalition should work to ensure that the plastics treaty lives up to its promise and becomes an instrument to finally turn off the plastic tap for the sake of our communities, our climate, and our planet.”

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Oil & Gas

Norway eyes high gas output until 2030, says energy minister

by Nadarajah Sethurupan
written by Nadarajah Sethurupan

Norway plans to maintain its current high gas production level until the end of the decade as Europe plans to ditch Russian imports over Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine, its energy minister said on Tuesday.

“I expect that we can maintain the production levels we are at now until 2030,” Terje Aasland told Reuters in an interview.

“We see that there are projects and also plans for development and operation coming now that can help maintain the high gas volumes going forward,” he said.

The Nordic country is expected to produce some 122 billion cubic metres (bcm) of gas this year, according to official forecasts made in May, an increase of 8% from 2021, possibly beating a record set five years ago.

The Norwegian Petroleum Directorate predicted in January that gas output would be at 118 bcm – lower than the current level – in 2026, the furthest year out forecast by the regulator.

Norway is now Europe’s biggest supplier of gas, according to Refinitiv Eikon data, overtaking Russia, which has cut back on its gas deliveries.

The minister said he was also more confident about long-term demand for Norwegian gas in Europe after the non-EU member and the European Union signed an agreement in June to enhance gas imports from the Norwegian continental shelf.

“This is an important message to get from the EU,” Aasland said.

Norway has already responded to higher demand from Europe by diverting more gas for exports instead of injecting it back into the ground to boost crude oil production.

The price of European gas TRNLTTFMc1 has almost tripled this year, having repeatedly hit new records. Still, Norway does not plan to sell gas at below market price, as some analysts and media have proposed.

“In principle, the market is predictable. When there is scarcity, prices are high. That also contributes to increasing production and steers the gas to the markets that need it most,” Aasland said.

“To disturb the market and make… rules that look good right now could contribute to ruining some of the ground for building stability and trust over time.”

He added Norway did not plan to introduce a windfall tax on Norwegian oil companies, despite them reaping record-high cash flows.

“We are not having any discussions now about extra taxes. The additional revenue companies are potentially making now is forming the basis for future investments and the basis for the entire transformation of the energy sector,” Aasland said.

Norway’s largest oil and gas producer, majority state-owned Equinor EQNR.OL, aims to boost investments in renewable energy and low-carbon technologies to become a ‘broad energy’ company.

The company however has said that it would step up exploration for new resources to meet demand in Europe for Norwegian hydrocarbons.

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Asia and Norway

NRC urges Afghan authorities, world to engage effectively

by Nadarajah Sethurupan
written by Nadarajah Sethurupan

The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) has said Afghanistan’s de facto authorities and the international community’s unwillingness to engage effectively have pushed millions of Afghans into despair.

On the eve of the regime change anniversary in Afghanistan, the NRC Country Director Neil Turner in a statement said: “We have witnessed shocking levels of poverty and suffering in Afghanistan over the past year. The economic restrictions imposed on the country and the unwillingness of both the de facto authorities and the international community to effectively engage with one another have pushed millions of Afghans into despair.

“The families we meet are in crippling debt, facing an ever-increasing pressure on their household budgets. For a staggering number of people, money can no longer buy enough food to survive. Humanitarian efforts are not enough to put an end to the crisis. Frontline actors have done all in their power to provide emergency support to the affected populations and mitigate the situation.

“Yet one year on, Afghanistan stands at a precipice, with its people being punished for the Taliban’s takeover of the country. Despite repeated calls from humanitarian actors, nothing seems to have changed. Afghanistan’s foreign reserves remain frozen, the Afghan Central Bank is still not functional, and development assistance remains withdrawn.

“The international community must acknowledge the humanitarian impact of the economic measures imposed one year ago and step up to address the drivers of the crisis. Without a swift response to the current near economic collapse, including viable development assistance, support to key state infrastructure and fully funded emergency appeals, ordinary Afghans will continue to pay the highest price for the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan.”

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Defence

Joint US-Norwegian jet-propelled artillery projectile successfully tested

by Nadarajah Sethurupan
written by Nadarajah Sethurupan

Giant US aerospace and defence group Boeing and Norwegian defence and aerospace company Nammo have successfully test fired an artillery projectile powered by a ramjet. Announced on Tuesday, the test took place on June 28, at Norway’s Andøya Test Centre.

A ramjet is a structurally simple form of jet engine, with no moving parts; such an engine is composed of an inlet, a combustor (with a fuel injector and a flame holder) and a nozzle. To work, a ramjet has to already be in forward motion, as it is this motion that forces air into its inlet. The inlet slows the air down, converting dynamic pressure (from velocity) into higher static pressure. In the combustor, fuel is mixed with the air and ignited. The exhaust gases from this combustion then pass out through a nozzle, shaped to accelerate the flow of these gases. As this exhaust flow has greater velocity than the flow of the outside air around the engine, it generates thrust. (In a ramjet, combustion and exhaust flow are always subsonic in velocity.)

With the projectile tested by Boeing and Nammo, the discharge of the artillery gun provided the initial forward velocity which enabled the ramjet to work. The test involved a 155 mm calibre Boeing ramjet projectile fired from a “cannon” (as Boeing described the gun). In the test, the ramjet successfully ignited, and the projectile demonstrated stability in flight, while the engine combustion process was “well-controlled”.

“We believe the Boeing Ramjet 155, with continued technology maturation and testing, can help the US Army meet its long-range precision fires modernisation priorities,” stated Boeing Phantom Works VP and GM Steve Nordlund. “This successful test is evidence that we are making great progress.”

“This is a historic moment for Nammo,” highlighted Nammo CEO Morton Brandtzӕg. “The test results demonstrate that ramjets are viable and can fundamentally change the future of artillery. We have great confidence in the ramjet concept. The test – with all aspects from cannon firing, to the projectile body, fins and trajectory all functioning perfectly – represents a real technological breakthrough in artillery, and a major success for Boeing, Nammo and the US Army.”

The two companies started the development of the ramjet projectile in mid-2019, funded under Phase I of the US Army’s XM1155 programme. Last year, they received a Phase II technology development contract.  

The US Army is seeking long-range guided artillery projectiles, to be able to hit targets significantly deeper behind an enemy’s front line than conventional artillery can, but not as far as achievable using surface-to-surface missiles (which the US Army already has and is having new types developed, for future deployment). The ramjet 155 mm projectile is regarded as a hybrid between a shell and a missile. The current war in Ukraine has dramatically highlighted the huge importance of long-range but precision artillery, rocket and missile fire.

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Svalbard

Polar bear killed after injuring tourist on Norway’s Svalbard Islands

by Nadarajah Sethurupan
written by Nadarajah Sethurupan

A polar bear has been killed after it attacked a campsite in Norway’s remote Arctic Svalbard Islands on Monday, injuring a French tourist.

The authorities said the woman was part of a tour group of 25 people camping at Sveasletta, in the central part of the Svalbard archipelago, more than 500 miles north of the Norwegian mainland.

The campsite is across a fjord from Longyearbyen, the main settlement in the Arctic Svalbard archipelago.Authorities responded to the news of the attack, which came shortly before 8:30 am, by flying there in a helicopter, chief superintendent Stein Olav Bredli said.

“The French woman suffered injuries to an arm. Shots were fired at the polar bear, which was scared away from the area,” he said.

The unidentified woman, who was reportedly in her 40s, was flown by helicopter to the hospital in Longyearbyen, but further details of her injuries weren’t disclosed.

Mr Bredil later told Norwegian paper Svalbardposten that the animal has been “badly injured” and following “a professional assessment” it was put to sleep. It was unclear exactly how it was killed.

Svalbard is dotted with warnings about polar bears, with visitors who choose to sleep outdoors being told by authorities to carry firearms for protection. 

At least five people have been killed by polar bears since the 1970s. 

In 2011, Horatio Chapple, a British teenager was killed and the last time a fatal polar bear mauling was reported on Svalbard was in 2020, when a 38-year-old Dutchman was killed.

Following that attack, there was a debate as to whether people should be allowed to camp in tents but no ban has yet been introduced.

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Politics

Norwegian Refugee Council urges immediate ceasefire in Israel’s war on Gaza to save lives

by Nadarajah Sethurupan
written by Nadarajah Sethurupan

The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) today urgently called on all parties to refrain from targeting civilians and work towards an immediate ceasefire, following Israel’s assault on Gaza that began on Friday.

At least 31 Palestinians have been killed since the escalation of hostilities, including a five-year-old girl killed in an Israeli airstrike on Khan Younis, southern Gaza.

“Every single escalation of violence in Gaza comes at the cost of ordinary people, who pay the highest price for military actions. We urge all parties to protect civilians by all means, put an end to hostilities and work towards an immediate ceasefire,” NRC’s Middle East Regional Director Carsten Hansen said.

Israeli airstrikes on Gaza began Friday afternoon and were met with retaliatory rocket fire from Gaza into Israel.

“Innocent children and families have been caught up in the vicious circle of violence for as long as they can remember. Many in Gaza are still recovering— both psychologically and physically — from last year’s eleven-day crisis,” said Hansen.

Israel closed the Erez/Beit Hanoun civilian crossing and Kerem Shalom/Karm Abu Salem commercial crossing in the Gaza Strip on 2 August, stopping the entry and exit of people and goods, including fuel, necessary to operate Gaza’s sole power plant, which was forced to cease operation on Saturday. The electricity supply in Gaza is expected to be only four hours per day, said NRC, calling on Israel to immediately allow the flow of fuel and other goods to enter Gaza. 

“The repeated cycles of violence only entrench the conflict further, without addressing its root causes including lifting Israel’s 15-year blockade of Gaza and ending its occupation of Palestinians,” said Hansen.

Parties must cease fire at once as international law prohibits the use or threat of force, except in self-defense. Under international humanitarian law (IHL), an occupying power can only use lethal force against civilians as a means of last resort when facing an imminent threat of death or serious injury. Pre-emptive strikes, like the ones launched by Israel, are inevitably acts of aggression, and may amount to a grave breach of IHL, including willful killing or causing of serious injury to body or health, said NRC.

Under IHL all parties must take all necessary precautions to protect civilians and refrain from targeting civilians and civilian objects, it stressed.

M.K.

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Diplomatic relations

French, Norwegian firefighters join colleagues in Greece

by Nadarajah Sethurupan
written by Nadarajah Sethurupan

Firefighters from France and Norway have arrived in Greece to help their Greek counterparts combat the numerous wildfires ravaging the country.

The French contingent consists of 25 firefighters that will remain in Attica throughout August and the Norwegian mission, which arrived on Sunday, is made up of 27 people who will be deployed in two teams stationed in Tripoli, in central Peloponnese.

A Finnish team of 48 firefighters is expected to arrive later in the day.

Climate Crisis and Civil Protection Minister Christos Stylianides welcomed the French unit at a welcoming ceremony at the Fire Service Academy. “I am certain that your presence here today, considering the well-known difficulties that France is facing [with wildfires], is proof of what we call European solidarity and fraternal relations between France and Greece,” he said.

The new teams are replacing the 28 Romanians who left the country on July 29.

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Srilanka and Norway

Norway concerned about crisis in Sri Lanka: Norwegian Foreign Minister

by Nadarajah Sethurupan
written by Nadarajah Sethurupan

Norway is concerned about the food and nutrition crisis witnessed in Sri Lanka, Minister of Foreign Affairs Anniken Huitfeldt said.

‘I am concerned about the food and nutrition crisis we are now witnessing in Sri Lanka. The grave humanitarian situation has a severe impact on women and children. Norway is providing NOK 13 million to address the acute needs,’ she said.

She said unless rapid action is taken, the situation could become even worse in the coming months.

‘Norway’s allocation of NOK 13 million will address the acute need for food, nutrition and protection in Sri Lanka. The support will be channeled through the UN and targeted towards food security and protection efforts,’ said Ms Huitfeldt.

The UN fears that the situation could deteriorate due to failed harvests and the ongoing economic and political crisis in the country, and could evolve into a full-scale humanitarian crisis. The Sri Lankan people are contending with extreme price increases for basic items such as rice and wheat, and a lack of fuel and medicine. The fuel shortage is making it difficult for food to reach markets. Even before the current crisis, Sri Lanka had one of the world’s highest percentages of malnourished children.

Children and pregnant/lactating women are being especially hard hit by the food and nutrition crisis. Furthermore, women and children are increasingly vulnerable to abuse and sexual and gender-based violence. In light of this, the UN has developed a humanitarian response plan.

Norway will provide NOK 5 million to the World Food Programme (WFP), targeted towards vulnerable groups. Additionally, NOK 5 million and NOK 3 million will be provided to United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the UN Population Fund (UNFPA), respectively, for their work to protect children and women.

Norway gives priority to combating sexual and gender-based violence and providing protection for children, and these efforts are sorely needed in Sri Lanka. The support provided by Norway will be taken from the humanitarian reserve, which has been set aside to make it possible to respond rapidly to new acute crises or underfunded crises, as the need arises throughout the year,” a statement issued by the Foreign Ministry of Norway said.

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NATO and Norway

NASAMS air defense will face Russian aircraft for the first time

by Nadarajah Sethurupan
written by Nadarajah Sethurupan

The US has officially announced its intention to purchase Norwegian anti-aircraft missile systems NASAMS. They will be provided to Ukraine. Ukraine will be the first country in the world to oppose NASAMS against a Russian warplane.

The news came during a briefing at the US Department of Defense on July 29. The procurement procedure has already started, the US DoD announced. Ukraine claims the US will provide two NASAMS batteries. That means 12 mobile rocket launchers [each battery has six rocket launchers]. At the moment, there is no official information on when the procedure for the purchase of NASAMS is expected to be completed, and when Ukraine will receive them.

At the end of June, BulgarianMilitary.com announced that the US intends to provide NASAMS to Ukraine. Then, a senior Washington source disclosed the White House’s intentions for the first time. In early July, the US Department of Defense confirmed the source’s claims. NASAMS was a missile system desired by Kyiv at the beginning of the war.

NASAMS in brief

NASAMS is Norway’s national air defense system. Its range is medium and is designed to counter drones, helicopters, and all types of fighter jets. NASAMS successfully resisted, intercepted, and destroyed cruise missiles.

Currently, nine countries are operating this anti-aircraft missile system and five more are in line waiting for a response to its acquisition. NASAMS has an average range: of between 25 and 30 km, depending on the missile used. The maximum altitude at which the rocket flies is 21 km.

NASAMS can be integrated into vehicles and thus from a ground-based to become a mobile system for difficult terrain. NASAMS can often be seen on a 6×6 chassis, but its practicality is that after a quick modification it can be easily integrated into vehicles with a 4×4 chassis.

NASAMS I of the system works with US-built MPQ-64 Sentinel air defense X band 3D radar, but NASAMS II in addition to having Link 16 has a significant update of the radar system, as experts say that it is better than version 1 It should be noted that NASAMS has secondary armaments that serve the crew of the system to provide protection in close combat. Secondary integrated weapons are the RBS 70 laser beam assisted MANPADS system, and the Bofors 40mm L70 gun [controlled by the Oerlikon Contraves FCS2000 mono-pulse doppler tracking radar].

The risks

It is not yet clear which version will be delivered to Kyiv, as NASAMS has developed three versions. Military experts suggest that Ukraine can receive NASAMS II [second version] as it has an integrated military tactical data link network link 16 used by NATO. Although Kyiv is likely to endanger the safety of its own air squadrons in this way, NASAMS II will allow it to quickly and accurately intercept weapons systems, aircraft, helicopters, cruise missiles, and drones with Soviet or Russian designs.

However, the logic is that Ukraine should receive the first version of the system for security reasons. Although NASAMS is a very good anti-aircraft system, there is a possibility that the Russian armed forces will strike and destroy it. Thus, if this happens with version 2, Moscow will have access to sensitive Western technology.

Another problem is the missiles used. Unlike the weapons systems sent to Ukraine so far, NASAMS works with relatively new missiles, such as AIM-120 AMRAAM [Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile], AIM-9 Sidewinder, IRIS-T SLS short-range missiles, and AMRAAM-ER extended range missiles. They can also fall into Russian hands, giving them the same access to new technology.

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Economics

Radisson opens new hotel in Norway

by Nadarajah Sethurupan
written by Nadarajah Sethurupan

Radisson is further growing its presence in Norway with the launch of Radisson RED Oslo Okern. Situated in the buzzing, new sustainable community of Okern Portal and only 15 minutes from Oslo Central Station, Radisson RED Oslo Okern is part of a large sustainability-focused business area, which includes Northern Europe’s biggest rooftop garden where herbs and vegetables are grown and used by the hotel and wider area’s restaurants. The hotel has been certified with an Excellent rating from BREEAM, one of the world’s leading science-based systems to determine the sustainability of buildings. It considers a building’s low impact design and carbon emissions, adaption to climate change, and ecological value and biodiversity protection. The hotel has an A class energy rating, meaning its energy level will not exceed 140 Kwh/sqm, and it uses rainfall catchers to water its rooftop garden. Additionally, the Okern Portal community has its own energy wells that produce 90% of the heating for the entire development.

The hotel includes 204 guest rooms with artistic details showcasing a playful twist on the conventional through its design concept. The eye-catching entrances of Radisson RED properties contain huge sculptures that relate to the location. At Radisson RED Oslo Okern, this sculpture takes the form of a tiger, recognizing the city’s nickname “Tigerstaden”, or “Tiger City”, believed to be coined by Norwegian poet Bjornstjerne Bjørnson, who used a tiger to represent Oslo in his poetry. The statue can be found on the rooftop terrace and outside the main entrance.

On the hotel’s 12th floor, guests are treated to a stunning panoramic view of Oslo from the hotel’s restaurant, RED Rooftop bar, and outdoor terrace. At the end of the day, guests can enjoy a well-earned drink and a delicious bite to eat on the terrace and enjoy sounds from a DJ on Fridays and Saturdays. The hotel offers 13 meeting rooms, with the largest room able to accommodate 120 guests, including the perfect breakout space to inspire and spark creativity for meeting delegates.

Tom Flanagan Karttunen, Area Senior Vice President, Northern & Western Europe at Radisson Hotel Group said: “This is the perfect location for our second Radisson RED property in Norway, following the opening of Radisson RED Oslo Airport earlier this year. Radisson RED’s creative approach works in harmony with Okern Portal’s green spaces and sustainable initiatives, and offers the best city views from its rooftop bar and outdoor terrace.”

Jorgen Holte, General Manager of Radisson RED Oslo Okern commented: “I am proud to open this exciting new hotel concept in Oslo. We know sustainability is a key focus for travellers today and we are always looking to develop innovative hotel experiences. Radisson RED Oslo Okern combines sustainability initiatives, Radisson Hotel Group’s Yes I Can! Service, and Radisson RED’s playful twist on the conventional, which we are sure guests will enjoy.”

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Taiwan and Norway

University of Oslo to become research hub of Taiwan studies

by Nadarajah Sethurupan
written by Nadarajah Sethurupan

The Department of Cultural Studies and Oriental Languages (IKOS) in Norway’s University of Oslo has announced that it will be offering numerous Taiwan-related seminar courses between 2023 and 2025, with hopes of becoming the research hub of Taiwanese studies in Northern Europe.

IKOS announced that starting in January 2023, the department will offer a Taiwan Research Seminar Program, with subjects on early history, modern history, politics, cross-Taiwan Strait relations, indigenous peoples, languages, religions, gender and film.

Vincent Yao (center), head of the Taipei Mission in Sweden, is pictured with Stacy Huang (left) from the mission, and Rune Svarverud, head of University of Oslo’s Department of Culture Studies and Oriental Languages after they signed an agreement on Taiwan studies. Photo courtesy of the mission

Experts and authorities engaged in studies on Taiwan’s indigenous peoples and Buddhism inspired environmental researches will be invited to the university as short-term guest lecturers, while postgraduate students will have the opportunity to go to Taiwan for short-term research.

The brains behind the inception of the program is Professor Halvor Eifring, who teaches China Studies at IKOS.

According to Eifring, the program is well under way for its official initiation with the support of the Taipei Mission in Sweden.

The de-facto embassy of Taiwan helped IKOS in facilitating education-related cooperation with many Taiwanese partners to introduce Mandarin language teaching assistants, organize Mandarin language proficiency tests, and provide students with scholarships to study and conduct research in Taiwan.

The first batch of IKOS students to Taiwan will arrive this fall and stay from six months to a year to learn Chinese at the National Chengchi University and the National Taiwan Normal University.

Additionally, Eifring said IKOS has established deep ties with Taiwan in the area of academics in recent years.

As it has become more difficult for scholars and graduate students to conduct research in China, a number of IKOS professors no longer able to acquire visas to enter the country, he said.

Alongside the fact that China has decided to maintain a strict COVID-19 response policy, democratic Taiwan has become a more preferable environment for IKOS to launch research partnerships, he said.

Currently, IKOS has listed Taiwan Studies as the focus of its research strategy for the next 10 years, he noted.

The department hopes that it will become the hub of Taiwanese research and studies in Northern Europe, serving as a platform that could connect Taiwan Studies scholars from all over the world, and prospectively, the pivotal link to the creation of a European research association in this regard, according to Eifring.

The program is not University of Oslo’s first Taiwan-themed symposium. Back in the fall of 2021, the university had held a Taiwan Matters seminar that was positively received by students.

While the pandemic prevented the possibility of a 2022 seminar, the success of the 2021 event arguably helped cement the possibility of the upcoming program. Taiwan’s Ministry of Education (MOE) announced on June 26 this year that a memorandum of understanding was signed between the university and the education division of the Taipei Mission in Sweden.

According to Taiwan’s top representative in Sweden Vincent Yao (姚金祥), the de-facto embassy also intends to explore collaboration with the university in semiconductors and biomedical research. He added that Svein Stølen, the university’s rector, has been invited to visit Taiwan.

The Taiwan Research Seminar Program was incepted in 2003 by the MOE and a number of well-known universities around the world, aiming to promote Taiwan’s soft power andboost its global influence.

Since then, there are 44 programs being conducted with 43 universities in 20 countries and territories.

The Taiwan Research Seminar Program is the first time Norway has entered into such a partnership with Taiwan, and is also the first long-term symposium initiated in any higher learning schools in Northern Europe.

(By Gu Yong-zhen and James Lo) 

Enditem/cs

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Asia and Norway

Norway keen to promote relations with Pakistan

by Nadarajah Sethurupan
written by Nadarajah Sethurupan

Ambassador of Norway to Pakistan, Per Albert Ilsaas here on Tuesday said that Pakistan and Norway were enjoying excellent relations, which needed to be further promoted, especially on economic fronts.

APP33-190722 ISLAMABAD: July 19 -H.E. Mr. Per Albert Ilsaas, Ambassador of Norway to Pakistan called on Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Mr. Miftah Ismail at Finance Division. APP

The ambassador was talking to Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue, Miftah Ismail during a call on meeting, according to press statement issued by finance ministry. The federal minister exchanged views on matters of mutual interest and highlighted Pakistan’s friendly relations with Norway. He said both the countries enjoy admirable bilateral relations. The minister shared about the economic policies and priorities of the present government for sustainable and inclusive growth.

He extended full support and cooperation of the present government to enhance the economic relations between both the countries, the statement added.

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Defence

JEF Defence Ministers’ statement: Finland and Sweden’s application for NATO membership

by Nadarajah Sethurupan
written by Nadarajah Sethurupan

Today, the Defence Ministers of the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) – comprising Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden and the UK – met in Oslo.

JEF Defence Ministers discussed current security challenges, including the implications of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and considered the future development of the JEF to ensure it continues to make an effective contribution to security and stability in its core region of the High North, North Atlantic and Baltic Sea.  JEF Defence Ministers also took part in a table-top exercise to practise the JEF’s role in responding to an escalating crisis, including the relationship between the JEF and NATO in such a scenario.

All JEF Defence Ministers strongly welcome Finland’s and Sweden’s applications for NATO membership.  Each country has made its sovereign decision to join NATO after a clear, open and democratic process; they share the Alliance’s values and are modern, highly capable defence and security partners with whom together we will enhance our collective, transatlantic security.

The allied JEF Partners will stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Finland and Sweden in a spirit of solidarity through their accession to NATO membership. We shall work closely with our NATO Allies to integrate both Finland and Sweden into the Alliance as soon as possible.  The JEF shall engage in multi-domain activity across our core regions to provide enhanced levels of assurance to our Finnish and Swedish friends as they complete the process of joining NATO.  This is in addition to the series of integrated activities and exercises in northern Europe that JEF Defence Ministers agreed at their meeting at Belvoir Castle on 21-22 February 2022.

We reaffirm the shared purpose and common resolve of the JEF to work together to enhance security and stability in northern Europe and be ready to respond to a wide range of contingencies, both in peacetime and at times of crisis and conflict; all in a way which is coherent with, and complementary to, the role of NATO.

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Politics

Norway, Honduras support expanded IMO Council

by Nadarajah Sethurupan
written by Nadarajah Sethurupan

SUPPORT from 117 IMO Member States is required for the amendments to the Convention on the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to come into force.

Norway has become the first country to accept amendments to expand the size of the Council, extend the term of its members, and recognize three additional language texts as authentic versions of the Convention on the IMO — followed by Honduras accepting the amendments on July 15, 2022.

The amendments, which were adopted at the 32nd session of the IMO Assembly held in December 2021, require acceptance by two-thirds of the IMO Membership (117 Member States based on the current number of 175 Member States) for entry into force.

.IMO Secretary-General Kitack Lim (right) with Siv Christin Gaalaas, specialty director, International Maritime Regulation and Polar Affairs, Department for Maritime Policy and Coastal Development, Norwegian Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries. Photo from IMO.

Norway’s instrument of acceptance, signed by Norwegian Minister of Foreign Affairs Anniken Huitfeldt, was presented to IMO Secretary-General Kitack Lim on July 14, 2022 by Siv Christin Gaalaas, specialty director at International Maritime Regulation and Polar Affairs, Department for Maritime Policy and Coastal Development, Norwegian Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries.

Lim said, “I am very pleased that Norway has become the first Member State to deposit their instrument of acceptance of the amendments to the IMO Convention. I hope that we will see other Member States follow suit in the coming months and demonstrate their support for the reformation of the IMO Council. IMO must have a truly representative, balanced, diverse and efficient council given the global nature of our vital work.”

Size of the IMO Council

The current IMO Council consists of 40 members, most recently elected in December 2021.

It consists of 10 Member States elected in categories (a) and (b) and 20 Member States in category (c).

The categories are: (a) – States with the largest interest in providing international shipping services; (b) States with the largest interest in international seaborne trade each; and (c) – States not elected under (a) or (b) above, which have special interests in maritime transport or navigation and whose election to the Council will ensure the representation of all major geographic areas of the world.

Expanding the size of the IMO Council would see 12 additional seats allocated to categories (a) and (b) each and 28 seats to category (c).

Member term length

Under the amendments, council members would remain in their roles until the end of the next two consecutive regular sessions of the Assembly, after which they would be eligible for reelection. Since assemblies are held every two years, this would generally mean that members would serve a four-year term.

Additional authentic languages

In the spirit of multilingualism embraced by the United Nations system, the IMO Assembly adopted an amendment to the IMO Convention, such that Arabic, Chinese and Russian, (which are already official languages of the organization), will be added as authentic texts of the IMO Convention, supplementing the current authentic texts in English, French and Spanish.

Background about IMO Council

The IMO Council is elected by the assembly. The council is the executive organ of IMO and is responsible, under the assembly, for supervising the work of the organization. Between sessions of the assembly, the council performs all the functions of the assembly, except the function of making recommendations to governments on maritime safety and pollution prevention which is reserved for the assembly by Article 15(j) of the convention.

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Defence

USA approves $1.5 Billion arms sale

by Nadarajah Sethurupan
written by Nadarajah Sethurupan

The U.S. State Department has approved the possible sale of HIMARS missile systems to Estonia, missiles to Norway, and torpedoes to South Korea in separate deals that could total more than $1.5 billion, the Pentagon said.

The package approved for Estonia would include up to six M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) launchers, ammunition, support equipment, spare parts and technical support.

The State Department also approved the potential sale of medium-range air-to-air missiles and related equipment to Norway in a deal worth up to $950 million, as well as MK 54 lightweight torpedoes to South Korea at an estimated cost of $130 million.

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Economics

The tail fins on Norwegian aircraft get a new design

by Nadarajah Sethurupan
written by Nadarajah Sethurupan

Norwegian celebrates its 20th anniversary this year and as part of the celebration, the heroes who adorn the aeroplanes’ tails get a new design.

“We are very happy to be able to show the first aircraft with a new design. The heroes on the tail fins have been with us since 2002 and the people who adorn the plan are well known and arouse great commitment among our customers. The new design is part of the company’s anniversary celebration this year,” says Christoffer Sundby, Executive Vice President for Marketing, Sales and Customer Service at Norwegian.

The heroes have been involved from the start, and what they all have in common is that they are people who have been pioneers in their field, and their achievements have contributed to shaping the Norwegian and Nordic identity. A modern illustration in red, white and blue replaces today’s images and more details have been added that also say something about the hero’s work and life.

Wenche Foss is the first hero in a new version, and soon Max Manus, Anne Cath. Vestly, Gidsken Jakobsen and others will follow. Of the Nordic heroes, Greta Garbo, Knud Rasmussen and Minna Canth are among the first with a new design.

The new illustration contains more details than the old pictures. For example, in Wenche Foss’ illustration, you can see the National Theatre in the background, while on Gidsken Jacobsen a plan has been laid and even Max Manus shows the castle and Nordmarka.

Norwegian has about 70 aircraft in regular traffic this summer and will expand to about 80 by the summer of 2023. The aircraft will in turn be equipped with a new design by the company’s technical department.

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Media Freedom

Families of Beirut port blast victims file $250m lawsuit in US

by Nadarajah Sethurupan
written by Nadarajah Sethurupan

Accountability Now, a Swiss foundation that supports Lebanese civil society efforts to put an end to the impunity of the country’s leaders, filed a $250m lawsuit in Texas on July 11 against US-Norwegian geophysical services group TGS in relation to the 2020 explosion at the Port of Beirut. The lawsuit’s nine plaintiffs are either Americans or relatives of an American.

TGS owns British company Spectrum Geo, which Accountability Now said chartered the vessel that delivered 2,750 tons of ammonium nitrate to Beirut. That material was then inadequately stored at the port until the explosion that killed more than 200 people, injured 7,000, left about 300,000 people homeless, and caused damage worth billions of dollars.

Zena Wakim, a lawyer for Accountability Now, said: “This claim will force TGS to disclose Spectrum’s communications with various third parties who are all relevant to the investigations in Lebanon.”

A report this week from the Associated Press noted that the Lebanese investigation into the explosion has been stalled since December 2021 due to legal challenges.

Wakim explained that the Accountability Now lawsuit is intended to help victims who feel hopeless. “They are not being heard. They have no recourses left in Lebanon. The judiciary is totally muzzled up.”

Beirut port has been back in the news over the past week as another fire has spooked local residents.
Smoke can still be seen today from wheat silos at the port a week on from the first in a series of small fires which broke out at the port. 

Authorities have blamed the blazes on the summer heat and the fermenting wheat at the bottom of the silos.

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Politics

Norwegian NGO urges Biden to end Israel’s systematic displacement of Palestinans

by Nadarajah Sethurupan
written by Nadarajah Sethurupan

US President Joe Biden must put Israel’s continued violations and displacement of Palestinians at the top of his agenda as he visits Israel and Palestine this week, the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) has urged.

Since Biden took office, the NGO said, Israeli occupation authorities have increased both settlement expansion and demolitions. In the first six months of this year, Israel has approved plans for 4,427 housing units in Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank. This is a huge increase from 3,645 units approved for all of last year.

“This visit presents a good opportunity for President Biden and the US to demand a stop to the systemic and daily violations against Palestinians, especially evictions and demolitions that continue to destroy homes and lives,” said NRC’s Middle East Regional Director Carsten Hansen.

Recent analysis by NRC shows that, for each day Biden spent in office since January 2021, Israel has displaced an average of three Palestinians. This is a total of 1,657 people displaced as a result of the demolishing of 1,269 structures in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, according to UN OCHA. Since Prime Minister Yair Lapid assumed office on 1 July, Israel has demolished 18 structures and displaced 17 Palestinians.

“Behind these numbers are real stories of human displacement, of families being evicted with nowhere to go, of children looking on as bulldozers ram through the only home they have ever known. As one of the world’s most powerful allies of Israel, the US and President Biden must prioritise the plight of the Palestinians during his visit to the region,” said Hansen.

In May, the Israeli High Court dismissed all the petitions against the forcible transfer of up to 1,200 Palestinians in a large part of Masafer Yatta in the southern occupied West Bank that Israel has declared a closed military zone.

“[The court decision] means for the residents, the loss of their homes and villages and their displacement from this area,” said the head of the Masafer Yatta Council, Nidal Abu ‘Aram.

NRC also urged Biden to demand that Israel issue a moratorium on expulsion and forcible transfer of Palestinians and the expansion of settlements.

M.N

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Racism in Norway

Norwegian car rammed while trying to burn a copy of Quran

by Nadarajah Sethurupan
written by Nadarajah Sethurupan

Norwegian car was rammed while he was trying to burn a copy of the Quran in Oslo.

A Pakistani woman tried to stop him burning the holy book Quran, reported local media.

Thorsen, along with his four associates, tried to burn a copy of the Quran in the Muslim-majority area of Oslo.

Norwegian leader Lars Thorsen car rammed. (Twitter/Sian)

Norwegian police said they arrested two people, including the driver of a car accused of deliberately ramming the SUV of Lars Thorsen, leader of the radical group “Stop the Islamization of Norway” (Sian), reported Arab News.

The five passengers in the SUV were slightly injured, with one requiring hospital treatment, police said.

A video posted on Facebook showed Thorsen and other activists first drive to Mortensrud, a suburb of Oslo with a large Muslim community, reported Arab News.

They tried to burn Quran which angered the crowd, including Mahjabeen who climbed into the grey Mercedes.

The whole episode was filmed by someone in a following car.

The incident came a week after a gunman killed two people and wounded 21 others in central Oslo. (ANI)

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Asia and Norway

The First Saree Festival in Oslo

by Nadarajah Sethurupan
written by Nadarajah Sethurupan

The First Saree Festival in Oslo, Norway, in coordination with Ministry of Textiles, Government of India.

The Saree Fest 2022 was attended by more than 120 prominent Norwegian women, mostly wearing sarees.

Mrs. Kavitha Bhaskar, spouse of H.E. the Ambassador, delivered inaugural address and Mrs. Britt Nilsen, Head of Sustainability, Schibsted, addressed the gathering as the Chief Guest.

The event started with a traditional dance performance by trained classical dancers, elegantly dressed in sarees.

A state wise fashion show, comprising one Indian and one Norwegian lady was undertaken.

They wore traditional sarees of that particular state with Jewellery and costumes of that State.

The programme concluded with a beautiful dance performance by our dancers again wearing elegant sarees.

The anchors for this Fest were Sakirat Waraich Kahlon and Navnit Kaur Kahlon and the vote of thanks was given by Navreet Kaur.

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Russia and Norway

Norway pledges $1B for Ukraine’s  war crimes

by Nadarajah Sethurupan
written by Nadarajah Sethurupan

Norway Friday promised 1 billion euros ($1.04 billion) to help Ukraine.

Addressing a news conference in Kyiv alongside Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stoere said Norway wanted to express its solidarity with Ukraine.

“We will pledge 1 billion euros in support to your country and your people for the remaining part of 2022 and for 2023,” he continued. “This war is a breach of international law. … You have the right to defend yourself and we have the right to help you defend yourself,” he asserted.

Asked whether Norway was willing to increase gas supplies to Europe, Stoere said Norway was already producing gas “at its maximum” but it would do everything it could to provide gas.

Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stoere and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy attend a joint news briefing, as Russia’s attack on Ukraine continues, Kyiv, Ukraine, July 1, 2022. 8 Ukrainian Presidential Press Service Handout via Reuters)

Russia denies targeting civilians. Asked on Friday whether Russia had struck the apartment building in the resort village of Serhiivka, the Kremlin spokesperson said: “I would like to remind you of the president’s words that the Russian Armed Forces do not work with civilian targets.”

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