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.
New Swedish EU Ambassador appointed
Today the Government appointed Christian Danielsson as Sweden's Permanent Representative at the Permanent Representation of Sweden to the European Union in Brussels.
"Sweden's Ambassador to the EU is a key person for EU issues, not least during Sweden's Presidency in autumn 2009. Christian Danielsson has extensive experience of European cooperation and a considerable network in Brussels. I am therefore extremely pleased that Christian Danielsson has said yes," comments Minister for EU Affairs Cecilia Malmström. (Photo: Erik Luntang)
Carl Bildt on the arrest of suspected war criminal Radovan Karadzic
Following the arrest of Radovan Karadzic, wanted for war crimes, Minister for Foreign Affairs Carl Bildt has made the following statement:
"Late this evening, the office of the Serbian President in Belgrade announced that Radovan Karadzic has been arrested. Needless to say, this is extremely welcome news. I myself experienced how frustrating it was that he could not be brought to trial immediately after the end of the war in Bosnia."
Swedish Government sells Vasakronan for a value of SEK 41 bn
Today, the Swedish Government decided to sell the property company Vasakronan to AP Fastigheter. The total value is SEK 41.1 bn. An agreement was signed earlier today.
French Presidency of the EU
Today, France takes over the Presidency of the EU Council of Ministers. For six months, the country holding the Presidency heads the work of the EU; in a year's time it will be the turn of Sweden to take on the Presidency after the Czech Republic. Together with France and the Czech Republic, Sweden is part of what is known as a 'Presidency trio'.
New Swedish strategy for development assistance to the West Bank and Gaza
The Government has adopted a new strategy for development assistance to the West Bank and Gaza. According to the strategy, Palestinian priorities and the Palestinian Reform and Development Plan will serve as guidelines for Swedish development assistance.
Sweden's development cooperation in Sudan
The Government today adopted a new strategy for Sweden's development cooperation with Sudan. Sweden's aim is to contribute to peaceful development, respect for human rights and national unity in Sudan.
The Government wants to introduce fees for foreign students
The Government is planning to present a proposal to the Riksdag on a system of fees for non-European students (from countries outside the EEA). The decision is based in part on a report by an inquiry appointed by the former government, which proposed a fee system.
