Norway Says War Against Iran Violates International Law
Norway’s foreign minister has said that war against Iran is a violation of international law and that the country has the right to protect itself. He stressed that Norway was among the first Western countries to clearly state its position on the issue.
Espen Barth Eide made the remarks at a joint news conference with Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar in Islamabad. He said that despite fundamental disagreements with Iran on some issues, the right to self-defence remains for the country, as it does for other states.
The Norwegian foreign minister also praised Pakistan’s peace efforts and said Oslo, as a maritime power, shares common interests with Islamabad in maintaining sea routes and freedom of navigation.
He added that in his meeting with his Pakistani counterpart, they discussed bilateral issues as well as developments related to Kashmir, Afghanistan, Palestine and the three-party agreement known as the Mecca Agreement.
Meanwhile, Ishaq Dar again stressed the need to reduce tensions in the Middle East and said more dialogue was needed to achieve that goal. He described efforts to end conflicts peacefully and resolve international disputes on the basis of law as essential.
This visit has been described as the first trip by Norway’s foreign minister to Pakistan in 10 years.
