Government stops supporting with half a million to the Islamic Council

Culture Minister Linda Hofstad HellelandCulture Minister Linda Hofstad Helleland.Photo: Audun Braastad / NTB scanpix

Culture Ministry stop payment of an extra contribution to the Islamic Council Norway at 484.000 NOK. The rationale is that the Council has not appointed someone to a new position in the Secretariat.

Islamic Council of Norway (IRN) was informed of the decision Thursday after a meeting on August 31st, the Council so far has neither employed anyone or announced a new position in the Secretariat, according to the Ministry of Culture.

The increase in operating subsidies were according to the Ministry increased to “strengthen IRNs Secretariat to better meet the tasks that organization should attend.”

A prerequisite

– It is a prerequisite for operating subsidy that IRN discharges its responsibilities as an umbrella organization for Muslims that the Council can promote unity among Muslims and belonging to Norwegian society, says Culture Minister Linda Hofstad Helleland.

– Likewise, it is essential that IRN discharges its responsibilities as a bridge builder and dialogue partner for other religious communities. I assume that this will be in place during the fall, she continues.

Board resigned

In early June this year the board of the Islamic Council of Norway drew itself. According to Aftenposten, it occurred in protest against the Council would not go along with the dismissal of General Secretary Mehtab Afsar.

Culture Ministry informs that the remaining subsidies for Islamic Council at 166.000 NOK will be paid shortly. This support was withheld because the minister of culture would have a confirmation that the board was legally elected.

According to the Islamic Council Norway, an extraordinary meeting will be held on 15 October to choose an ordinary board until the annual meeting in March 2017.

 

Source: NTB scanpix / Norway Today