31.   He stepped down as U.N. peace envoy to the Middle East last month to join the Norwegian government as Minister of Planning and Reform.

32.   In late February, the Norwegian government announced that the sides had signed a cease-fire and were preparing for peace talks.

33.   Mallavi is where the rebels meet with Norwegian government officials, who are working to set up peace talks that could start in March.

34.   No immediate statement was available from the Norwegian government.

35.   Norwegian government mediators are trying to arrange for an extended cease-fire and peace talks.

36.   On Friday, the Norwegian government proposed laws clearing the way for a cross-border exchange with neighboring Sweden.

37.   Russia will allow Norway to inspect a Russian storage area for spent nuclear fuel and radiocative waste, the Norwegian government said Friday.

38.   Statoil said the deal is contingent on the Norwegian government approving the Aasgaard development.

39.   Statoil has been reluctant to withdraw unless there is an official boycott, and the Norwegian government is hesitant to impose unilateral sanctions.

40.   The case could reach the supreme court again before the Norwegian government makes the final decision on extradition.