Norway's parliament commemorates July 22 victims

The Norwegian parliament Monday convened for a special ceremony commemorating the 77 people who were killed in the July 22 twin attacks in a bombing in central Oslo and a shooting at nearby Utoya island, dpa reported.

At the ceremony, parliamentary speaker Dag Terje Andersen read out the names of the 77 killed, saying it was important to remember the message from survivors of the attack on the Labour Party youth camp at Utoya, not to be struck by fear but stand up for democracy.

Andersen and Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg both said Norway was still in mourning. The ceremony was attended by survivors and next of kin, the government, members of parliament, King Harald and Crown Prince Haakon.

"Terror and violence should not increase the distance between the people and their elected representatives," Andersen said.

Stoltenberg expressed his thanks for the many messages of sympathy from all over the world in the wake of the attacks, but said the people of Norway were worthy of special thanks.

"They took responsibility when this was demanded of them," he said. "They kept their dignity. They chose democracy."

When the period of mourning ends and political debate resumes, it will be necessary to remember the spirt of July 22, the premier said.

The prime minister announced there would be a national commemoration on August 21 for the victims and all those who tried to come to their rescue.

Following the attacks, leaders of the political parties agreed to put campaigning for local elections September 12 on hold until mid-August.

Monday's session in parliament was unusual as the legislature rarely convenes during its summer recess.