Diesen positive to Norwegian Syria contribution

Oslo.Earlier defense chief Sverre Diesen.Photo: Lise Åserud / Scanpix

Norway must adjust to missions like the military is now going to perform in Syria, says former defense chief Sverre Diesen.

In an interview with Aftenposten , Diesen said that he supports plans to send 60 Norwegian troops to train rebels who are fighting against extremist group, although it may have a negative impact in the future.
– We must get used to the idea that we might have to fight the same people tomorrow, without it therefore being wrong to arm and train them today. This in recognition that we live in an imperfect world, where the irregular wars that creates such paradoxes will be a normal state, said the former defense chief.
He believes that the Middle East is about choosing between a bad or worse solutions.
– If the threat that IS represents today outweighs the risk we run by training and arming one rebel group we do not know the future of, this is still the right decision strategically, said Diesen.
The decision to make use of Norwegian special troops in Syria, rests according to the Government on a sound basis in international law. MFA’s own lawyers are however far less certain, but allowed themselves in January to still give the decision a green light. Several experts have expressed skepticism about the plans, which has also been condemned by Syrian authorities.

 

Source:   NTB scanpix / Norway Today

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