"These 15 intelligence officers were considered undesirable because they were carrying out activities incompatible with their diplomatic status," says Foreign Minister Anniken Huitfeldt.
The government's decision is based on the fact that the new situation in security policy has led to an increased intelligence threat from Russia.
“This is an important measure to counter and limit the scope of Russian intelligence activities in Norway, thereby safeguarding our national interests,” says Huitfeldt.
The measures taken by the government mean that 15 Russian intelligence officers who have been in Norway under diplomatic cover will be declared undesirable. They have to leave Norway in a short time. We will not grant visas to intelligence officers who apply for a visa to Norway.
Also read: Remember to keep your dog on a leash
The activities of these intelligence officers were monitored
“Russia is Norway's biggest intelligence threat. We take this seriously and are now taking action to counter Russian intelligence activities in the country. We will not allow Russian intelligence officers to operate in Norway under diplomatic cover, says the head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The activities of these intelligence officers was monitored over time. At the same time, against the background of the deteriorating security policy situation, the threat of Russian intelligence activities towards Norway has increased. This is the background to the decision to take this step now.
Today's decision is in addition to three Russian intelligence officers who had to leave Norway in April 2022.
Many European countries have recently reduced the number of Russian intelligence officers
Norway is not alone in implementing measures to limit the scope of secret Russian intelligence activities. Many European countries have recently both reduced the number of Russian intelligence officers under diplomatic cover and tightened visa practices for Russian intelligence officers.
Norway wants normal diplomatic relations with Russia
– I want to emphasize that Norway wants normal diplomatic relations with Russia, and Russian diplomats are welcome in Norway. What we're doing now is for nothing but unsolicited intelligence activities. We want to keep a functioning diplomatic representation, but we do not agree with the use of a diplomatic representation for covert intelligence activities, says Huitfeldt.
Like us on Facebook and share our post with others. Thank you.
Source: regjeringen
Read and learn more: Convicted of paying private bills from a business account
