Sweden to send military observers and logistics support to Georgia
At an extra cabinet meeting today, the Government decided to make equipment available to the OSCE mission in Georgia via the Swedish Rescue Services Agency. In addition, last week the Government instructed the Swedish Armed Forces to recruit military observers for the OSCE mission. The reason behind the two decisions is that the OSCE mission in Georgia is to be substantially expanded.
Angela Merkel to visit Sweden
German Chancellor Angela Merkel is scheduled to visit Sweden on Monday 25 August for talks with Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt. The agenda includes preparations for the Swedish EU Presidency in autumn 2009, climate and energy issues and current foreign policy issues.
(Foto: Regierung online/Kugler )
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.
"I am very pleased that we have found a solution that enables us to retain the Swedish Embassy in Luanda and at the same time shoulder our responsibility for the Ministry for Foreign Affairs' strained budget situation," says Minister for Trade Ewa Björling.
Gunilla Carlsson at World Water Week
Minister for International Development Cooperation Gunilla Carlsson spoke on the opening day of World Water Week in Stockholm.
"Since the 1990s, one billion people have gained access to safe drinking water. But an additional two billion need to be in the loop if we are to achieve the goals on time", Gunilla Carlsson said, referring to the Millennium Development goals to combat world poverty.
Frank-Walter Steinmeier visited Sweden
Germany's foreign minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier visited Sweden on 17-18 August 2008 invited by Minister for Foreign Affairs Carl Bildt.
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.
New ambassador to Kiev, Ukraine
Today the Government appointed Stefan Gullgren as Sweden's new ambassador in Kiev.
Stefan Gullgren is currently Minister at the Swedish Embassy in Moscow. (Photo: Åsa Karén-Persson/MFA)
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.
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.
Russia's justification of its offensive deeply ominous
"The Russian offensive against and in Georgia is an act of aggression that is incompatible with international law and fundamental principles of security and cooperation in Europe," says Minister for Foreign Affairs Carl Bildt in a statement on Saturday.
Carl Bildt has given a more detailed analysis in his blog (in Swedish only).
