Following the twin attacks in Oslo and on the island of Utøya on 22 July, in which a large number of – mostly young – people lost their lives and many others were injured, Federal Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle issued the following statement in Berlin today (23 July):

“I am deeply shocked by the two heinous attacks in Norway. We have not only expressed our sincere condolences to the Norwegian Government but also made concrete offers to help it deal with the terrible aftermath of the attacks.

This is a difficult time for Norway. But I am certain that Norwegians will overcome it thanks to their strong spirit of community. We Germans stand by their side. We mourn the victims, we grieve with their families and we are anxious about those injured. It goes without saying that Germany is willing to help wherever it can: it is willing to assist in the investigation, to ensure cooperation between our security forces, as well as to help look after the bereaved.

I would like to say once more that this attack was barbaric and that there can be no justification for it. For that reason, it is vitally important that everyone in Europe is vigilant and aware that attacks of this nature are possible here in Europe. (...)

So far, I am not aware of any German nationals among the victims. However, I cannot rule out at this present time that the situation could change.” (...)