Carl Bildt to attend EU-Western Balkans ministerial meeting in Sarajevo
Minister for Foreign Affairs Carl Bildt will take part in the EU ministerial meeting on the Western Balkans in Sarajevo on 2 June. Other participants in the meeting include foreign ministers from the region and representatives of the United States, Russia and Turkey.
Israel's Ambassador summoned to the Ministry for Foreign Affairs
"In view of the very serious incident and the boarding of the humanitarian fleet, we summoned the Israeli Ambassador this morning and requested an explanation of what has occurred and what has happened to our compatriots," said State Secretary for Foreign Affairs Frank Belfrage at a specially convened press conference on the events in the waters off Israel and Gaza on Monday morning. Mr Belfrage deeply deplored the loss of life.
New Ambassador in Georgia
The Government decided today, 27 May, that Diana Janse will be the new Ambassador in Georgia. Ms Janse has been stationed for the past thress years in the Ministers Office at the Ministry for Foreign Affairs. She has also served as Political Adviser to the EU Special Envoy for Southern Caucasus. Before that Ms Janse was stationed at Swedens Section Office in Afghanistan and worked mainly with political and security policy issues.
New ambassador in Romania
The Government decided today, 20 May, to appoint Anders Bengtcén as Sweden's Ambassador in Romania.
New ambassador to Afghanistan
Today, 20 May, the Government appointed the Secretary-General of the Swedish Committee for Afghanistan, Torbjörn Pettersson, as Sweden's Ambassador to Afghanistan. At the same time, Ambassador Krister Bringéus was appointed Senior Civilian Representative in Mazar-e Sharif to increase the overall political presence in northern Afghanistan.
Carl Bildt in Afghanistan
Minister for Foreign Affairs Carl Bildt has travelled to Afghanistan for discussions on the new European focus concerning the policy for the country's development. He will be in different parts of the country over the next three days, including a visit to the Swedish soldiers in Mazar-e-Sharif.
"The trip will take place immediately after President Karzai's visit to Washington and immediately ahead of the 'peace jirga', and thus provide a good opportunity to assess political developments," says Mr Bildt.
Another important discussion topic is the preparations for Afghanistan's parliamentary elections this autumn.
New Ambassadors in Stockholm
Four newly appointed ambassadors will present their letters of credence to HM The King on 12 May. The four ambassadors are from Zambia, Switzerland, Italy and Panama.
Minister for Foreign Affairs Carl Bildt to the Nordic-African Foreign Ministers meeting in Senegal
Minister for Foreign Affairs Carl Bildt is to attend the Nordic-African Foreign Ministers Meeting to be held in Dakar, Senegal, on 12-13 May. The meeting is an informal forum between foreign ministers from ten African countries and the Nordic countries.
New ambassadors to Serbia and the United Arab Emirates
The Government today approved the appointment of two new ambassadors. Christer Asp will be Sweden's Ambassador to Serbia and Magnus Schöldtz will be Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates.
Sweden defends women subjected to sexual violence in conflicts
"Sexual violence against women in conflict areas is not cultural, just criminal," say Margot Wallström at a meeting with Gunilla Carlsson.
She points out that there is currently a political opportunity to draw attention to the problem of sexual violence against women in conflicts. Ms Wallström is firmly resolved that it is possible to introduce change in the right direction. It is important that UN Member States give priority to the issue of sexual violence against women in conflict areas and place it on the political agenda. But what is most important is the execution - the countries of the world must exert themselves to bring a definitive end to these ruthless assaults against women.
In connection with her visit, Minister for International Development Cooperation Gunilla Carlsson presented Sweden's extensive work against gender-based violence against women in conflict.
