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Norway to send military staff to fight Isis

NTB/The Local
NTB/The Local - [email protected]
Norway to send military staff to fight Isis
Minister of Foreign Affairs Børge Brende and Minister of Defence Ine Marie Eriksen Søreide at a press conference in connection with US's request for help in the war against Isis. Photo: Terje Pedersen

Norway will send military personnel to help the US-led coalition defeat the terrorist group Isis, the government confirmed on Thursday.

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At a press conference on Thursday afternoon, top Norwegian officials said they will send five officers to the US to help in the planning of the fight against the rebel group Isis (Islamic State in Iraq and Syria).

The officers will join a coalition force led by America to help the war in Iraq and the fight against Isis rebels in the north of the Middle Eastern country.
 
Minister of Defence Ine Eriksen Søreide said to NTB: “It will typically be assistance, training and instructing security forces.”
 
The US had specifically requested help from their allies in the training, counselling and instruction of Iraqi forces, as well as logistics support. In addition, the US asked for help with humanitarian aid, measures to curb the financing of Isis, and more strict rules when it comes to dealing with foreign fighters who do not support the allies.
 
Minister of Foreign Affairs Børge Brende said: “It is important for [Norway] to be at the forefront of humanitarian issues.”
 
Brende justified the affirmative action stating the government believes it is completely necessary to contribute to the fight against Isis.

“Isis stands for a form of extremism almost recognizable as medieval,” he said.
 
The move follows consultation between Norway's Ministry of Defence and its Foreign Affairs department, headed by Foreign Affairs Minister Børge Brende. It comes as part of a greater military contribution being considered by Norway.
 
Søreide added: “We cannot say now what the final Norwegian contribution will consist of. We will turn to the Parliament again when the specific evaluation of our eventual military contribution is ready.”
 
"Isis's military advancement over the last few months has been dramatic. The group poses a threat against the security and stability of the whole region by committing extensive and serious assaults on the civilian population.”
 
The Minister of Defence was quick to point out Norway will not aid Syria in the fight against IS.
 
Søreide explained: “Isis's spread does not know national borders, but there is a significant difference in public law between Iraq and Syria.”
 
The Norwegian government achieved support for its initiative from parliament to help the US coalition, despite resistance from Sosialistisk Venstre (Socialist Left Party).

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