Norway Closes Iran Embassy As UK Attacked

AP - (OSLO, Norway and LONDON) — Nov. 30, 2011 - Norway has closed its embassy in Tehran due to security concerns after Britain's mission was stormed by Iranian protesters, an official said Wednesday.

Hilde Steinfeld, a Foreign Ministry spokeswoman in Oslo, said the decision to close the embassy was taken late Tuesday, but that Norway's diplomatic staff have not been evacuated from the country. "They're still in Tehran," she said.

Steinfeld would not go into greater detail, but said "the decision follows security concerns." She added that "it is in context with the attack on the British embassy yesterday."

Norway has four to five diplomatic staff deployed in the Iranian capital, she said.

On Tuesday, protesters stormed the British embassy in what apparently began as a state-approved show of anger over the latest Western sanctions to punish Iran for defiance over its nuclear program.

The protesters took down the Union Jack, set fire to an embassy vehicle and pelted buildings with petrol bombs.

Britain says it is withdrawing some staff and dependents from its embassy in Tehran, which was stormed by Iranian protesters earlier this week.

The Foreign Office refused to say Wednesday how many people were being removed or give other details.

Following the Iranian demonstrators' actions Tuesday, the Foreign Office said that "ensuring the safety of our staff and their families is our immediate priority."

http://www.ncr-iran.org/en/news/iran-a-world/11481-norway-closes-iran-embassy-as-uk-attacked

Letter of the Bishop of Oslo to Norwegian Foreign Affairs Minister for Camp Ashraf resident

Letter of the Bishop of Oslo to Norwegian Foreign Affairs Minister
For provision of medical treatment and protection for Camp Ashraf residents
Norwegian Minister of Foreign Affairs Jonas Gahr StøreMinistry of Foreign AffairsOsloCamp Ashraf Situation
In previous reference to Norway’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, we raised the issue of hard conditions, harassment, and hostile situation against Ashraf residents.

On April 8, Iraqi security forces attacked defenseless Ashraf residents.
In recent years, the situation at Ashraf has been critical and has eventually led to killing of 35 people including 8 women.
Their relatives had expressed their concerns about another attack, beforehand. It is with great regret and sorrow that we, once again, witness these humans being subjected to violence and harassment.
As a religious obligation and specifically as a bishop, it is my duty to be the voice of those who are mistreated, harassed, suppressed, and denied of their rights. In this regard, we ask the Minister of Foreign Affairs Jonas Gahr Støre to follow up with the Iraqi government on the issue of brutal attack against Ashraf and the necessary medical assistance for those wounded during that attack.
Respectfully,
Ole Chr. Kvarme
Bishop of Oslo