-Nobody predicted this accident. We have to find out what actually happened in the Mexico Gulf and what it will mean for Norwegian oil policies and the management of coastal waters, Minister of Environment and International Development Erik Solheim told newspaper Aftenposten.
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He is confident that the accident in the Gulf of Mexico has strengthens the arguments against oil drilling in the vulnerable waters outside Lofoten. Solheim represents the Socialist Left party, a junior partner in the Norwegian government coalition, and a strong opponent against expanded oil drilling the High North.
He also believes that Norway and Russia together should learn from the accident and base activities in the newly delineated areas in the Barents Sea on recommendations made after a careful mapping of the area.
Read also: Norway and Russia agree on maritime delimitation
-After the agreement on the disputed waters [in the Barents Sea] it almost sounds like we can start drilling tomorrow. However, also here the principle of careful conduct must be applied, Solheim stresses.
