Norwegian Prime Minister Kjell Magne Bondevik on official visit

(4 Dec 2001)
1. Norwegian Prime Minister Kjell Magne Bondevik walks to podium
2. SOUNDBITE: (English) Kjell Magne Bondevik, Norwegian Prime Minister
"I understand that the U.S. wants to take people responsible for the attacks on the ground in the U.S. on the 11th of September to the court in this country. That is easy to understand. And we do it. If it should be for a civil court or a military tribunal is of course important, but the most important thing to me is wherever it will be done, that it will be done in accordance with international conventions and with human rights. "
3. Cutaway of press conference
4. SOUNDBITE: (English) Kjell Magne Bondevik, Norwegian Prime Minister
"If we should find a lasting and peaceful solution it also has to include a Palestinian State. But that must be a result of negotiations. And can only be thus. To establish a Palestinian State without it being the result of negotiations I think I think is no solution."
5. Cutaway of journalists
6. Bondevik prepares to leave press conference
STORYLINE:
Norway's Prime Minister, Kjell Magne Bondevik, voiced strong support for the U.S. campaign in Afghanistan on Tuesday but warned against expanding the war or extraditing suspects for trial in the U.S.
Speaking at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. before his meeting with U.S. President George W. Bush on Wednesday, Bondevik said that should the U.S. decide to expand the war to other nations like Iraq, it could compromise the international alliance that it's worked so hard to cultivate.
When asked about U.S. plans to try Al Qaeda or Taliban prisoners in secret military tribunals, Bondevik said he understood this desire and agreed with it as long as such trials are held in accordance with international conventions.
However, when asked if he would allow suspects arrested in Norway to be brought to the U.S. for military trial he said Norway could not allow such extradition if it was clear that the outcome would be the death of the prisoner.
Last Friday (31st November) Norway announced it was offering military help for the first time to U.S.-led forces in Afghanistan, including fighter aircraft and specialists in winter warfare.
Bondevik also commented on the recent violence in Israel, and said a Palestinian State must be part of any peaceful solution.
He added that Palestinian Authority President Yassir Arafat must take stronger and more decisive steps to curb terrorists within the Palestinian community.
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