Norway angered by Russia's denial of visas to two legislators

Feb. 1 (UPI) -- Norway lodged an official protest after two of its lawmakers were denied entry visas to Russia, Norwegian Foreign Minister Borge Brende said.

Brende, in an impassioned and televised address, said he summoned Russia's ambassador to Norway to file a formal protest. Bard Vegar Solhjell, leader of the Socialist Left Party, and Trine Skei Grande, leader of the Liberal Party, were to attend a meeting in Moscow, at the invitation of the Russian government, Thursday. When their visas were denied, the Norwegian delegation canceled its trip.

"These are two distinguished, top-level Norwegian officials, excellent representatives of Norway. It's incomprehensible that they not be allowed to enter Russia," Brende said in Stockholm. He added the government knew in advance some visas might be denied.

In an earlier, written statement, Brende said, "We expressed protest, and state that we find the Russian decision unfair and unfounded. We asked the Russian authorities to reconsider the decision and hoped that it will be possible to find a solution, as this concerns an official invitation of a foreign affairs and defense committee head."

Brende said he suspected the denial of visas was tied to Norway's imposition of economic sanctions against Russia for its involvement in Ukraine, but insisted that Russia must itself answer for the conflict. The diplomatic clash with Russia was made public hours after Norway's police intelligence agency referred to Russia as a major threat to Norway.