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1 2009 Ministry for Foreign Affairs 16 December 2009 Gunilla Carlsson on freedom of expression in Ethiopia Freedom of expression is increasingly being limited in Ethiopia. The newspaper Addis Neger has been forced to close and three of its editors have left Ethiopia. "It is a serious matter that one of the few independent newspapers in Ethiopia has been closed. Reports that journalists have been harassed are a cause for great concern," says Gunilla Carlsson. "Free and independent media are one of the cornerstones of a democratic society. It is particularly important that the media are allowed to conduct their business freely and that people are allowed to take part in an open debate ahead of the upcoming elections in Ethiopia next year," Ms Carlsson stresses. --- Addis Neger has been one of the few private newspapers in Ethiopia. It was based in Addis Ababa and was published weekly in Amharic. The newspaper has now closed and three of its editors have left the country. According to reports, the editors were threatened with prosecution under a new anti-terrorism law and people working for the newspaper have long been under pressure. The fact that the scope for democracy and pluralism is shrinking in Ethiopia is particularly serious given the upcoming elections in Peter Larsson

2 Ministry for Foreign Affairs 03 June 2009 by Jakob Kellenberger, President of the ICRC and Gunilla Carlsson, Minister for Development Cooperation On Wednesday the President of the International Committee of the Red Cross visit Sweden an met Gunilla Carlsson, Minister for Development Cooperation. After the meeting they together stated: "The international community is currently facing economic, food, energy and climate crises, all of which have a tremendous impact on many people's lives, especially on the poorest and most vulnerable. These crises have broadened and deepened the extent of hunger and vulnerability already present in many parts of the world, severely affecting people's health and their lives. In addition to the increased frequency of natural disasters, armed conflicts continue to kill, injure and displace large numbers of people around the world, causing one humanitarian crisis after another. Huge humanitarian challenges lie ahead and greater efforts are needed in order to help an increasing number of vulnerable people. It is in times like these that the need for well-prepared and professional organisations such as the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is the greatest. The ICRC is working tirelessly, with neutrality and independence, to protect and assist the victims of armed conflicts through its network of 12,000 staff in some 80 countries." "Sweden continues to be one of the largest donors to ICRC and I am committed to continuing this strong support, both politically and financially", said Gunilla Carlsson. "The global economic crisis, climate-induced natural disasters and armed violence induce increasing humanitarian needs, placing ever greater demands on the international humanitarian community. The Swedish government and the ICRC are committed to work for an effective and reliable humanitarian response for the challenges ahead." said Jakob Kellenberger and Gunilla Carlsson. Peter Larsson

3 Ministry for Foreign Affairs 06 March 2009 Gunilla Carlsson on the expulsion of humanitarian organisations from Sudan The Government of Sudan has decided that several international and Sudanese humanitarian organisations must immediately cease their activities in parts of Sudan, including Darfur. "If the Sudanese government's decision is carried out fully it will have catastrophic consequences for a great many people in need of emergency humanitarian assistance for their survival," says Minister for International Development Cooperation Gunilla Carlsson. "I urge the Sudanese Government to reconsider its decision and allow the humanitarian organisations to continue their work in Darfur." The non-governmental organisations covered by the Sudanese Government's decision are responsible for substantial parts of the humanitarian assistance to those in need in Darfur. In support of the organisations affected and the UN system, Sweden is now working in EU circles and through the donor community in Sudan to find a solution to the acute problems there.

4 Ministry for Foreign Affairs 25 February 2009 Gunilla Carlsson on developments in Sri Lanka "The armed conflict in Sri Lanka has caused great hardship to the country's inhabitants for a very long time. I am gravely concerned over the humanitarian crisis that has recently been getting steadily worse in the north east," says Minister for International Development Cooperation Gunilla Carlsson. "The fighting between Sri Lankan government forces and the LTTE has had appalling consequences for the civil population in the area. Extensive violations of human rights have been perpetrated. The situation is unacceptable," continues Ms Carlsson. There is information that thousands of people have been killed and wounded in the past month, and the numbers may rise. It is now of the utmost importance that the fighting ceases so that humanitarian help and supplies can reach the area and people can be given the opportunity to leave. Both parties have a duty to respect international humanitarian law in order to limit the terrible suffering of the civilian population. The government in Colombo has a special responsibility to protect the civilian population. The LTTE must allow civilians to leave the area. Sweden provides substantial humanitarian aid to Sri Lanka, through the International Red Cross, the UN system and other humanitarian organisations, and will contribut about SEK 30 million in Swedish contributions are also channelled to Sri Lanka via the core support we give to the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF). Peter Larsson

5 Ministry for Foreign Affairs 11 February 2009 Gunilla Carlsson on the occasion of Morgan Tsvangirai being sworn in as Prime Minister "After months of deadlock caused by the ZANU-PF party and Robert Mugabe's refusal to respect the results of the elections last March, Morgan Tsvangirai has today been sworn in as Prime Minister. It is my hope that the formation of a unity government can be a step towards a solution to the crisis in Zimbabwe," says Gunilla Carlsson in a statement. "Now that the MDC is to take its place in the government it is vital that their position is fully respected and that the country's government can rapidly rally around an extensive reform agenda. I hope that this transitional solution is the beginning of the end to misrule in the country." "At the same time it is important that all political prisoners are released immediately and that the country is returned as soon as possible to fully functioning rule of law. Politically-motivated violence must cease immediately, the rule of law and respect for human rights must be restored and the media must regain their freedom. Extensive and rapid macroeconomic reforms must be brought in to halt the catastrophic economic situation in the country. Work must begin on a new constitution and on preparations for new elections." "The people of Zimbabwe have great support from the rest of the world. Sweden and the EU have provided major humanitarian support in recent years and we have also supported civil society. We are prepared to further increase our commitments in the country, under the condition that the implementation of reforms begins immediately and that they have an impact in society." Peter Larsson

6 Ministry for Foreign Affairs 15 January 2009 Gunilla Carlsson condemns attack on UNRWA headquarters in Gaza The UNRWA headquarters in Gaza has been shelled during the morning and parts of the premises are now in flames. There is no exact information about the attack and the damage but UNRWA has stated that three staff members have been injured and that it will not be possible to undertake today's distribution of food, medicine and fuel. According to information from the media, the building was hit by five Israeli artillery shells. UNRWA Director of Operations for Gaza John Ging stated that the headquarters had also been fired on by tanks. According to the UN, Israel has said that the bombardment was a serious mistake. "It is totally unacceptable that UNRWA, the key humanitarian UN actor in Gaza, has been attacked in this manner. According to international law, humanitarian personnel have the right to protection. Israel must respect international law," says Gunilla Carlsson, Minister for International Development Cooperation. "UNRWA is a key actor in the region and plays a particularly crucial role in Gaza in the ongoing conflict. During the current conflict, UNRWA has been supplying deliveries of food and fuel and providing temporary shelter in some forty buildings for about Palestinians who have fled from their homes. UNRWA and other humanitarian actors must be provided with immediate and unrestricted humanitarian access, while violence against civilians must cease." Sweden is the third largest donor to UNRWA, after the USA and the European Commission. This week, Sweden has paid out SEK 285 million to the UNRWA regular budget, via the Ministry for Foreign Affairs. Total core support to UNRWA will amount to SEK 305 million this year. An early, interim payment of SEK 20 million was made already in the middle of December to meet UNRWA's major financial problems. Sweden has chosen to pay the entire annual contribution particularly early to help UNRWA deal with its difficult financial situation, which is partly affected by the conflict in Gaza. Peter Larsson

7 Ministry for Foreign Affairs 09 January 2009 Gunilla Carlsson on the arrest of Birtukan Midkessa On 29 December 2008, Birtukan Midkessa, the chair of the largest opposition coalition in Ethiopia, was arrested and imprisoned by Ethiopian police. "The imprisonment of Birtukan Midkessa is a source of great concern, both for her personally and for democratic development in Ethiopia," says Gunilla Carlsson. "Scope for democracy and pluralism is shrinking in Ethiopia. The imprisonment of Ms Midkessa and the recently adopted law regulating the activities and funding of NGOs are examples of this negative development," emphasises Ms Carlsson Birtukan Midkessa was one of the many opposition politicians imprisoned after the parliamentary elections in She was pardoned and released from prison in the summer of 2007 along with several others. The Ethiopian authorities have announced that Ms Midkessa's pardon has been withdrawn and that the previously announced ruling on life imprisonment applies. The reason for the withdrawn pardon is said to be statements made by Birtukan Midkessa, including those during her visit to Sweden last autumn. On 6 January 2009, the Ethiopian parliament adopted a new law regulating the activities of NGOs in Ethiopia. Under this law, NGOs receiving more than 10 per cent of their funding from abroad are not permitted to work in such fields as human rights, gender, the rights of children and people with disabilities, conflict resolution and efforts to make the legal system more effective. Peter Larsson

8 2008 Ministry for Foreign Affairs 08 December 2008 Gunilla Carlsson on Zimbabwe: "Untenable situation" The humanitarian situation in Zimbabwe is untenable. The rest of the world must take action. Sweden is prepared to provide immediate humanitarian assistance but is also engaged in direct talks with neighbouring countries to increase pressure on Robert Mugabe and the Zanu-PF. Sweden will invite MDC leader Morgan Tsvangirai for talks as soon as this is possible. "The increasingly acute crisis in Zimbabwe must be resolved soon. Sweden is prepared both to provide humanitarian initiatives but also to take part in creating new conditions for achieving a solution to the conflict. This is why talks with Morgan Tsvangirai are also important," says Minister for International Development Cooperation Gunilla Carlsson. The violent regime to which Robert Mugabe has exposed the people of Zimbabwe has led to economic and political collapse. The currently escalating cholera epidemic has further worsened the already very precarious situation in the country. Mediation attempts by the SADC have not led to any decision. Sweden's point of departure is that the will of the Zimbabwean people, expressed in the elections in March, must be respected. The assignment assumed by the SADC must now be intensified. The African Union (AU) and the UN should also become involved as soon as possible. Sweden has had direct contacts with several countries in the region including Zambia, Botswana and Tanzania who want to see considerably stronger action on the part of the SADC. There is also agreement in the EU for stronger action. "Sweden appreciates the more determined and principled position expressed by a number of African countries. Sweden will participate in efforts to achieve a solution to the political crisis in Zimbabwe," says Ms Carlsson. Pending resolution of the conflict, Sweden is providing considerable humanitarian support to the Zimbabwean people. Sweden is also prepared to rapidly allocate further humanitarian assistance resources. Peter Larsson

9 Ministry for Foreign Affairs 10 November 2008 Gunilla Carlsson on the situation in Zimbabwe "I note with disappointment that yesterday's SADC summit in Johannesburg did not succeed in breaking the deadlock in the political crisis in Zimbabwe. It is unfortunate that the SADC and the region is not able to exert pressure on the parties to live up to the will of the Zimbabwean people as expressed in the parliamentary election in March earlier this year. It is still too early to draw any broad conclusions from the fact that no agreement was reached last night, but it is serious that no solution appears to be in sight. "The Swedish Government urges the SADC to now further increase its efforts and emphasises how important it is that the African Union and the UN are given an even clearer role in finding a solution. The situation in Zimbabwe must not be allowed to deteriorate further and revert to an escalation of violence. "The humanitarian situation is already very serious and is deteriorating with each passing day. While the negotiations drag on, the highest price is being paid by the people of Zimbabwe," says Ms Carlsson. Peter Larsson

10 Ministry for Foreign Affairs 07 July 2008 Gunilla Carlsson on the murder of UN official in Somalia "I was greatly shocked and grieved to hear that Osman Ali Ahmed, head of the UN Development Programme (UNDP) in Somalia, was yesterday shot to death in Mogadishu. My thoughts are now with his family and his friends and colleagues at the UNDP. "The murder of Osman Ali Ahmed is a blow against the work for peace, security and sustainable development in Somalia. "Putting a stop to the violence and lawlessness in Somalia is a prerequisite for bringing the suffering of the population to an end. I am very concerned about the serious humanitarian situation in Somalia. More than a third of Somalia's population is currently in need of outside help for their survival." Karin Fredholm Desk Officer Department for Multilateral Development Cooperation Telephone: Johan Borgstam Senior Adviser Ministers Office Telephone:

11 Ministry for Foreign Affairs 03 July 2008 Gunilla Carlsson on Colombia and Ingrid Betancourt "I was very pleased to hear the news that the French-Colombian citizen and former presidential candidate Ingrid Betancourt, as well as 14 other people, are no longer being held captive by FARC. "I urge all illegal, armed groups to cease kidnapping people and to immediately and unconditionally release all those they have kidnapped."

12 Ministry for Foreign Affairs 09 January 2008 Minister for International Development Cooperation Gunilla Carlsson in meeting with DR Congo President Joseph Kabila "I have met the President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Joseph Kabila. We have mainly discussed the humanitarian crisis in eastern Congo and the serious violence that characterises everyday life there. The President has a major responsibility for action to stop the violence. This requires political will, a functioning security sector and a justice system that can call perpetrators to account," says Minister for International Development Cooperation Gunilla Carlsson. "During the course of my present visit I have become more convinced than ever that work for more gender equality must be intensified. Congolese women have a quite crucial role to play in work for peace and continued development in this ravaged country. No real security can be established without strengthening the position of women. I also said so to President Kabila. He welcomed Sweden's intentions to increase its involvement in the Democratic Republic of the Congo," says Gunilla Carlsson Minister for International Development Cooperation Gunilla Carlsson is visiting the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda on 5-11 January. On Tuesday 8 January she met President Joseph Kabila for talks on political developments and the humanitarian situation in eastern Congo. Between 2004 and 2007 Sweden contributed a total of SEK 655 million in development assistance to the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Swedish support for 2008 is planned to amount to approximately SEK 235 million. Related Minister for International Development Cooperation to visit Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda Gunilla Carlsson on the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo External links Sida on Sweden's development cooperation with DR Congo

13 Ministry for Foreign Affairs 07 January 2008 Gunilla Carlsson on the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo On Sunday 6 January 2008, Gunilla Carlsson took part in a conference on peace, security and development in Goma in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. "The situation in eastern Congo is a humanitarian disaster. What is happening in Kivu tragically demonstrates the fact that security is a fundamental prerequisite for development. We need to be better at designing aid that creates a sense of security and safety. If fundamental security is not established in Kivu, the conflict risks becoming regional once again. Sweden's contribution to the conference in Goma should be seen in the light of our increasingly intense involvement in the Great Lakes Region. The conference can hopefully turn out to be a first step in the political dialogue that is needed to create a bearable situation for the civilian population of Kivu. There is a long way to go and support from the wider world is vital," says Minister for International Development Cooperation Gunilla Carlsson. The conference in eastern Congo is being hosted from 6-14 January by the Congolese government with the support of the UN and various donor countries, including Sweden, which is contributing USD Apart from members of the government and parliamentarians, representatives from communities and other groups are taking part in the conference. Bilateral meetings took place in Goma between Ms Carlsson and representatives of the Congolese government. Participation in the first day of the conference was a part of Ms Carlsson's current visit to the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda from 5-11 January. Related Minister for International Development Cooperation to visit Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda Minister for International Development Cooperation Gunilla Carlsson in meeting with DR Congo President Joseph Kabila Background The conference in Goma was organised in light of the difficult situation in the eastern Congolese province of Kivu, which has been described by UN representatives as currently one of the world's worst humanitarian crises. At present, almost one million people are in flight in the Kivu region. The crisis originated in the war in the Congo in when almost 4 million people were killed. It is estimated that people are still dying every day in eastern Congo as a result of the war. The civilian population is being subjected to systematic violence. Women and children are at particular risk. Brutal sexual violence is a common occurrence. The perpetrators include both representatives of militia groups, as well as the federal Congolese army. Mikael T. Eriksson

14 Ministry for Foreign Affairs 07 January 2008 Gunilla Carlsson on Sweden's development cooperation with Kenya "In recent years, Kenya has been an African role model with regard to the development of democracy. This is why the uncertainties concerning vote-counting and the subsequent violence are so tragic. Kenya's leaders must now consider their responsibility and show that they fully respect human rights and the rules of democracy," says Minister for International Development Cooperation Gunilla Carlsson. The last presidential election in 2002 led to a peaceful change of regime. Sweden supported this development. Bilateral Swedish development assistance to Kenya increased from SEK 140 million in 2002 to SEK 350 million in Support has been targeted at democracy and other development. "The Government will be deciding on a new cooperation strategy for Kenya in Further Swedish development cooperation with Kenya must be based on respect for democracy and human rights. How the government in Nairobi chooses to deal with the serious crisis now affecting the country may therefore affect the shaping of Swedish development cooperation in the years to come," says Ms Carlsson. "Last year, Kenya and the donor countries that are committed to development assistance in the country agreed on a common general approach to development assistance. The focus is on poverty reduction and better governance. Democracy issues are of vital importance. Sweden's commitment also includes a deeper dialogue between us and the Kenyan government. "Women are particularly vulnerable and their situation is deteriorating. Reports bear witness to ongoing crimes of violence against women. Rape and other abuse seem to be following the current unrest. Even before the election, threats, harassment and violence were committed against, for example, women candidates in the parliamentary election," stresses Ms Carlsson. Mikael T. Eriksson

15 November 2007 Carl Bildt, Minister for Foreign Affairs Carl Bildt and Gunilla Carlsson on the firing of rockets into Israel and the cutting off of electricity to Gaza The firing of Qassam rockets into Israel must stop immediately. Attacks against civilians are a breach of international law and are counterproductive to the Palestinians' aspirations to a state of their own. Israel has a right to defend itself against the bombardment, but cutting off electricity and fuel supplies to the civilian population of Gaza is collective punishment and is incompatible with international law. Israel's restriction of electricity supplies is therefore a matter of deep concern. We call upon Israel to reconsider its decision. It is important that relief organisations are given unimpeded access to Gaza. The borders must be opened so that the local economy can function. Only the forces of extremism stand to gain from a further deterioration of the situation. It is our hope that all the parties will come to their senses and support the efforts to achieve a peaceful solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Sara Malmgren Leave of absence Niclas Bengtsson Press Secretary to Niclas Bengtsson, via the senior registry clerk

16 25 May 2007 Carl Bildt, Minister for Foreign Affairs Carl Bildt and Gunilla Carlsson on the situation in Gaza "I am deeply concerned about the situation in Gaza, where the violent developments of the past few days have already had serious humanitarian consequences and where the situation is worsening by the day. After my visit to the Palestinian territories earlier in the week, I am convinced more than ever of the need for immediate, vigorous measures to improve the situation of the Palestinians," says Minister for International Development Cooperation Gunilla Carlsson. "The deterioration of the situation in Gaza also risks having negative consequences on the region. The mass arrests of Palestinian political representatives, including the Palestinian Minister of Education, are making the possibilities for a constructive political process more difficult. Confidence-building measures must be put in place and the arrested Palestinians must be immediately released or brought to trial," maintains Minister for Foreign Affairs Carl Bildt. "In its efforts to protect its population, Israel must follow the rules of international law. The indiscriminate attacks of the past few days that are mainly affecting innocent civilians on both sides are totally unacceptable. We urge President Abbas and the Palestinian coalition government together to do their utmost to put a stop to the unacceptable rocket attacks on Israel," say Mr Bildt and Ms Carlsson. On 4 June, Carl Bildt is to travel to the region for discussions with the Palestinian and Israeli foreign ministers. Martina Ränk Mikael Östlund

17 13 March 2007 Gunilla Carlsson on the events in Zimbabwe "The brutal attacks on freedom of assembly and freedom of speech committed by the regime in Zimbabwe in connection with the peaceful prayer meeting on 11 March must be condemned vigorously." "It is important for the international community to intensify its efforts to help to break the negative spiral in Zimbabwe." "Sweden and the EU are working actively in Harare to promote democracy in Zimbabwe." On 11 March the regime in Zimbabwe cracked down violently on a peaceful prayer meeting arranged by church representatives and with the participation of opposition representatives and civil society. At least one person was killed and several opposition leaders have been imprisoned and assaulted, among them the MDC leader Morgan Tsvangirai.