From Jens Stoltenberg, Office of the Prime Minister:  Amidst all this tragedy, I am proud to live in a country that has managed to hold its head up high at a critical time.

I have been impressed by the dignity, compassion and resolve I have met.

We are a small country, but a proud people.

We are still shocked by what has happened, but we will never give up our values.
Our response is more democracy, more openness, and more humanity. But never naivity.

No one has said it better than the Labour Youth League girl who was interviewed by CNN:
“If one man can create that much hate, you can only imagine how much love we as a togetherness can create.”

Finally, I would like to say to the families all over the country who have lost one of their loved ones:

You have my and the whole of Norway’s deepest sympathy for your loss.

Not only that. The whole world shares your sorrow.

I have promised to pass on the condolences of Barack Obama, Vladimir Putin, Frederik Reinfeldt, Angela Merkel, David Cameron, Dimitry Medvedev and many other heads of state and government.

This cannot make good your loss. Nothing can bring your loved ones back.

But we all need support and comfort when life is at its darkest.

Now life is at its darkest for you.

I want you to know that we are there for you.

Excerpt from address by Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg in Oslo Cathedral.  (photo: Reuters)

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