Pilot project for new type of embassy in Luanda
The Government today decided to reverse its decision to close down the Swedish Embassy in Luanda, Angola. Instead, a pilot project will be implemented involving a new type of embassy with a limited number of operational tasks. This will secure Sweden's presence in the country at a reduced cost.
Election observers to Belarus
Sweden sends 18 election observers and two statisticians to Belarus prior to the parliamentary election on 28 September. Three of the observers will soon be travelling to Belarus to be in place well in advance of the election.
Carl Bildt to Georgia
Today Carl Bildt, Chairman of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, and Terry Davis, Council of Europe Secretary General, travel to Georgia.
"The Swedish Chairmanship of the Committee of Ministers is convinced that sustainable peace and stability are based on respect for human rights, democracy and the rule of law," says Carl Bildt in a statement.
Sweden demands cease fire and withdrawal of Russian troops
Russia's Chargé d'Affaires in Sweden, Michail Skupov, was summoned today to the Ministry for Foreign Affairs where he was notified of Sweden's serious view of Russia's conduct in Georgia.
The situation in Georgia
"I urge the Russian Federation, Georgia and the separatist South Ossetian and Abkhaz administrations to immediately enter into a cease-fire, in order to stop hostilities. I call upon the parties to agree to direct talks and to cooperate in international efforts to achieve a cease-fire. The suffering of the civilian population must be brought to an immediate end," says Carl Bildt, Chairman of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe in a statement on Saturday.
Minister for Foreign Affairs Carl Bildt on the situation in Georgia
"The way in which the situation in South Ossetia has deteriorated is cause for profound concern. It is extremely important that all those involved show restraint and play their part in bringing about a political solution," says Minister for Foreign Affairs Carl Bildt in a statement.
Carl Bildt on the military coup in Mauritania
"Today's military coup in Mauritania is a serious setback for a country which has successfully established a functioning democratic system after a long period of authoritarian rule.
Carl Bildt on the death of Alexander Solzhenitsyn
"Alexander Solzhenitsyn was undoubtedly one of the great authors of our time and a central figure in the story of Russia's tragic 20th century. Like no one else, he could capture in his books the reality of the Stalinist hell that was the Soviet Union.
In the books One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich, The First Circle and The Gulag Archipelago he created some of the truly great works of contemporary history and literature.
On a day like this we have reason to remember him and the great work he did for his Russia."
WTO parties must take responsibility for continued negotiations
"After the collapse of the WTO talks yesterday, the parties to the talks must take their responsibility and think about how the Doha Round can be moved forward. Both US chief negotiator Susan Schwab and WTO Director-General Pascal Lamy have said that despite everything, the Doha Round is still alive. The hope is to be able to resume negotiations in the near future," says Swedish Minister for Trade Ewa Björling.
Sweden increases its support to the Palestinian National Authority
Today the Government decided to earmark SEK 50 million for direct support to the Palestinian National Authority. Sweden is one of the largest donors to the Palestinians. Total Swedish support for 2008 is estimated at approximately SEK 700 million.
