The Icelandic Ministry for Foreign Affairs has sent out the following statement:
Icelandic authorities deplore the executive order of the president of the United States, banning the entry of refugees and citizens of seven states to the US and describe their deep worries about its possible consequences.
Minister for Foreign Affairs Guðlaugur Þór Þórðarson states the executive order is vastly different from what we’re used to from the US, and a reason for worry. “I believe a ban against the arrival of refugees and the residents of certain states is far from the best way to ensure the safety of the US, which is the order’s declared objective,” the foreign minister remarks.
He says safety issues already weigh heavily as the threat of terrorism in Western countries is on the rise. “But to close borders to people who are fleeing war, and to discriminate against people, based on nationality or religion, can’t be the right way and sends the wrong message,” Guðlaugur Þór notes. “In immigrants and refugees there is, above all, a human resource and diverse experience, well suited for enriching communities.”
Guðlaugur Þór adds that Icelandic citizens, originally from any of the countries covered by the executive order of the US president, will enjoy the full support of the Icelandic government, should they be denied entry in the US, based on their origin. In addition, Icelandic authorities will present their position to US authorities in a clear way.
