A sorrow that affects us all.

On Monday 25. July, 2011, Progress Party leader Siv Jensen met with the international media,

on the occasion of the terrorist attacks against Norway.

The Progress Party shares the sorrow that affects us all. This is a difficult time
for the whole country, but mainly for those affected directly, their families
and friends. Our political community is small, and all of us are experiencing
unimaginable losses. All our thoughts now go to the victims and their
relatives.



It is already apparent that the upcoming local and regional elections will be
affected by these tragic events. It is also important, as several political
leaders have stated; that we must meet these attacks with even more democracy
and openness, and that the political life must be resumed. All the political
parties have decided that their party secretariats will meet to discuss how and
when the campaign can start.



The Progress Party is embarrassed, disgusted and truly sad that the accused
terrorist was once a member of the party. Party members, who met him, have few
memories of this person. He was a young, shy man who made no impression on
anyone when he was a member in the years 2002 - 2004. He left the party in
2006, and has probably undergone an extreme radicalization after that time. His
actions and beliefs are totally contrary to our policies, beliefs and
value-system. The Progress Party is a classical liberal party, which cherishes
democracy and humanitarian values. We strongly oppose all messages and acts of
hatred, violence, bigotry and close-mindedness.



The terrorist attacks were not only directed against the government and the
Labour Party, but against Norwegian core values and democracy. All political
parties together agree that such terrible crimes must be met with even more
democracy and openness.

We would like to quote Labour party MP, Stine Renate Håheim who`ve said it best these days:

“If one man can display such hatred, imagine how much love we together can display.”



Today the whole Norwegian political community stands together. Of this we are very
proud.