Norway Sides with Humanity

By Carlos(Buffalohair)Guevara In an era where nations of the world are choosing economics over humanity it’s refreshing to note that Norway is not one of them. Minister of Finance Kristin Halvorsen blacklisted *China’s Dongfeng Motor Group Co. Ltd. for its continual business dealings with the criminal regime of Burma excluding Dongfeng from a lucrative global investment fund. Kristin Halvorsen was quoted as saying; "We cannot finance companies that support the military dictatorship in Burma through the sale of military materials" This was truly a wonderfully stark contrast to the threat laden visitation by Denmark’s Ulla Toreas and Norway’s Erik Solheim. Behind closed doors this duo threatened pro democracy groups with the loss of funding if they did not participate in the impending 2010 elections. This sent a chilling message throughout the exiled Burmese communities around the world and many people simply could not believe their ears. Truly this was not a message the good people of Denmark and Norway wanted to give and it is heartening to note Norway’s stance on humanity. Noting Dongfeng’s sale of 900 trucks to Burma that were converted for military use, Norway’s Counsel of Ethic’s stood by their code of ethics which clearly respected human life over financial gain. In a time where economics has become a priority over human suffering it was great news that this Scandinavian nation made a stand on the side of morality and human rights. There is no question Beijing will not be happy with this turn of events and will most likely resort to their veiled forms of extortion to sway this landmark decision. A self sufficient nation such as Norway does not need Chinese money and attempts to extort them will be futile at best. They are their own nation. Norway’s Kristin Halvorsen is a champion of humanity and proved to the world, money is not everything. Other nations should follow this example.