The Ministry of Trade and Industry knew about the transaction but did not try to stop the import of phosphate from Western Sahara. Norway may have broken international law.

In August Yara's plant on Herøya imported phosphate from occupied West Sahara, contrary to the advice of the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Yara may have paid 4,3 million euros to a Moroccan state company for phosphate stolen from its occupied neighbour. 

Press Release from the Students' Peace Prize, Norway, 3 February 2009.

The Sahrawi Malak Amidane lost her job after pressure from Moroccan authorities. Amidane had received a foreign delegation in Western Sahara.

Click on photo for larger version. All photos can be used for free, provided each photo is credited as written in italic below each photo. Exception are photos by Ketil Blom.

Morocco has apparently launched a big onshore exploration programme in Western Sahara.

The Norwegian Support Committee for Western Sahara, together with Western Sahara Resource Watch, demands that Fugro-Geoteam terminate their profoundly unethical activities, and immediately withdraw their vessel "Geo Caribbean" from the Western Saharan waters. Fugro works in occupied Western Sahara on behalf of Moroccan authorities. Read open letter to Fugro, 12 January 2009.