This weekend state broadcaster NRK was silent on Støre’s talks with Hamas. This is not good news. The editorial in Dagsavisen, formerly more aptly named Arbeiderbladet (Labor-magazine), applauds Støre and condemns the opposition for criticzing him. While the editorial is unsigned, this site wagers the man behind it is Arne Strand. Unauthorized translation:

Storm in a glass of water

Right wing poster girls, Erna Solberg and Siv Jensen are obviously very agitated over TV2’s feature over Jonas Gahr Støre. Who is claimed to have been in political talsk with Hamas in 2007. Knut Arild Hareide, the coming leader of the CPP, being in agreement is expected. The CPP has always been color blind and myopic concerning the Middle East, not least Israel and the Palestinians.

This is nothing to be agitated over. When Siv Jensen and Erna Solberg nevertheless do, it is a clear indication there is too little to do in the Storting at present. The opposition is running at idle speed. Solberg and Jensen are grateful over every little political crumb they can put their fangs into.

It is well known from the media the Norwegian government headed by FM Støre actively was supporting attempts to create a Palestinian coalition government after the 2007 elections. In the spring of 2007, these talks were entering a critical phase. Encouraged by President Abbas, Støre conveyed to the Hamas a wish for the talks to succeed.

We praised the government and the FM over Norway choosing to be in contact with Hamas at the time, since they after all had won the elections. Both the FM and the then Junior Minister met with the Palestinian PM, a leading member of Hamas. After the breakdown of the coalition government and the decision within the PA, there have been no political contacts between Norway and Hamas. Naturally enough, there have been contacts on official’s levels. We are of the opinion the opposition should have nothing against this.