A Wednesday a few weeks ago all of Norway could see and hear Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Støre speak about the meeting with the Congolese Foreign Minister during a UN gathering in New York. Our Foreign Minister speaks with great credibility about promises he has gotten from his less credible Congolese colleague.
Would Joshua and Tjostolv really be transferred if it weren’t for the alleged “escape attempt”? The consequences in the prison do not implicate it. They have moved to another cell close to their old one. After a 24 hour hunger strike they got their claims met (among others they don’t have to share the cell with another prisoner). Since then there hasn’t been any investigation or punishment linked to the “escape attempt”. Where is the credibility?
Days, weeks, months, yes almost a year has passed since the deal with the widow was made. How many times have we heard the phrase “imminent transfer”, “the Justice Minister (the Congolese) is going to Kisangani go get them”? There is no end to the meetings. It’s been meetings with authorities in Kisangani and in Kinshasa, both with or without British representatives.
The Foreign Ministry has spent enormous resources on this case and has achieved nothing. They should’ve used a tougher tone with Congo a long time ago. It doesn’t work to just wait and see what the Congolese will do. Norway must be able to make concrete demands. Not just “stand there with the cap in their hands” and be bullied!
Vegarshei, October 18th 2011
Mathilde Moland
