CONSERVATIVES' EU DREAMS SHATTERED BY CHRISTIAN DEMOCRAT LEADER

Info-Prod Research (Middle East), June, 2003

Christian Democratic Party chairwoman Valgerd Svarstad Haugland wants the Government's 'suicide pact' to remain in place after the 2005 general elections. If Ms Svarstad Haugland sticks to this view after the elections, it could be an obstacle to the present government continuing in office. Conservative Party members are dreaming that the Government can remain in power after the 2005 general election, at the same time as the Christian Democrats accept another Norwegian application for EU membership.

Erna Solberg, deputy leader of the Conservative Party, says the timing of any discussion about a new suicide pact is all wrong. Ms Solberg has made it clear that if they have to choose, the Conservatives prefer EU membership to government office.(Source: Odin.dep.no)