The demonstrations for the removal of the wind turbines at Fosen continued on Wednesday. Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre acknowledges that the rights of indigenous people have been violated.
On Wednesday, Sami parliament president Silje Marie Mutoka demanded an apology from the prime minister when she held an appeal in Oslo.
When asked by NTB why it is so difficult for the government to say sorry for human rights violations, Støre answers as follows:
– Let me say that it is regrettable that we have come to the point where we have an indigenous people who feel that their rights have been violated. The Supreme Court has ruled that, and we take that very seriously, says Støre to NTB.
The demonstrators have clearly expressed that they only want to talk to the prime minister and not the oil and energy minister about the ongoing situation.
– Both myself, Terje Aasland and the rest of the government are concerned with dialogue in an orderly manner. The Supreme Court determines that the concession as it has been granted leads to a violation of indigenous people’s rights. It is serious, and it is regrettable that it is like that, acknowledges the Prime Minister.
Støre claims he has respect for the protesters
Støre emphasizes that he understands the ongoing demonstrations and points out that security is an important aspect during the demonstration.
– I understand and respect that people demonstrate against what they disagree with, so I think it must happen within the framework set by law and order. The police and those responsible for security are responsible for ensuring that this is done.
Want a solution
When asked what Støre thinks the international impression will be after the pictures of Greta Thunberg being carried away in Norway, he replies that “that’s how democracy is”.
– It is legal to demonstrate in Norway, at the same time those who are responsible for security have a responsibility to ensure that it is taken care of, he replies.
The Supreme Court judgment emphasizes that without mitigating measures, the wind turbines at Fosen will be a violation of the rights of indigenous people. Støre believes that the mitigating measures are fully focused on by the government.
– The demonstrations are an expression of a situation we want to get out of. Because it is quite obvious that mitigation measures are required at Fosen to be in line with our obligations towards indigenous people. We are working on that, and the impatience is great, I am aware of that, and so is it with us.
(©NTB)
