Norway supports UN's mediation efforts in Syria

- It's crucial that the international community supports the concrete work of the UN to achieve a political solution to the conflict in Syria. Norway will therefore continue the expert support for the UN's Special Envoy for Syria, said Foreign Minister Børge Brende.

04. May 2017

Through the Vienna process, the UN has received a comprehensive responsibility to facilitate a ceasefire and a peaceful solution to the conflict in Syria.

Norway currently contributes funding for a standby force with experts (Stand by team on Mediation) for negotiations. This is expertise on standby for UN mediation and peacekeeping and the UN special envoy, Staffan de Mistura, has been able to draw on in their efforts in Syria.

Under the Mistura's visit to Oslo on 30 November Norway pledged further support for his negotiation efforts.

- The Stand-by Force of experts in negotiations is an important and relevant contribution to UN peace efforts in Syria as well as the many conflicts in the world, said Brende.

Norway supported reaction force with about ten million kroner (NOK) in 2015.