Norway recognizes new Hamas-Fatah coalition

Norway informed the Palestinians on Saturday that it is recognizing the new Hamas-Fatah coalition and will deal with it, the incoming Palestinian information minister said. A Norwegian diplomat in the West Bank confirmed that Norway is recognizing the new government. The announcement was made by incoming Palestinian Information Minister Mustafa Barghouti, who held a news conference in Gaza City, after the new government received approval by the Palestinian parliament. Barghouti announced that "a few minutes ago," Norway informed the Palestinians it would recognize the government and work with it.