The Taliban and Western diplomats are holding a meeting in Oslo. A member of the Taliban has claimed the meeting is a "step to legitimise" the Taliban's government. Will the West recognise and legitimise the Taliban? Palki Sharma tells you.

Gravitas: Taliban begins talks with Western Officials in Oslo

The Taliban and western diplomats have began their first official talks in Norway’s capital Oslo since they took over control of Afghanistan. The three-day talks will focus on how to alleviate humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan.

Taliban holds first official talks with the west in Oslo to discuss Afghanistan

Taliban delegation led by acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi has started talks with Western government officials and Afghan civil society representatives in Oslo. The first day of their three-day visit will be dedicated to women activists and journalists.&nbsp;

While the Taliban claims that they have changed and are working on getting more girls back to school after allowing high schools for girls in some provinces to open, many women and rights advocates remain sceptical.&nbsp;

Facilitated by Norway, the discussion will focus on human rights and the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan.&nbsp;

The talks are taking place behind closed doors at the Soria Moria Hotel, which is on the outskirts of Oslo.&nbsp;

Norwegian Foreign Minister Anniken Huitfeldt had earlier stressed that the talks would “not represent a legitimisation or recognition of the Taliban”.

“But we must talk to the de facto authorities in the country. We cannot allow the political situation to lead to an even worse humanitarian disaster," she said.&nbsp;

On Monday, the Taliban is scheduled to meet representatives of the US, France, Britain, Germany, Italy and the European Union. Tuesday will be dedicated to bilateral talks with Norwegian officials.

(With inputs from agencies)

Taliban delegation led by acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi has started talks with Western government officials and Afghan civil society representatives in Oslo.

Taliban delegation led by acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi has started talks with Western government officials and Afghan civil society representatives in Oslo. The first day of their three-day visit will be dedicated to women activists and journalists. While the Taliban claims that they have changed and are working on getting more girls back to school after allowing high schools for girls in some provinces to open, many women and rights advocates remain sceptical. Facilitated by Norway, the discussion will focus on human rights and the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan. The talks are taking place behind closed doors at the Soria Moria Hotel, which is on the outskirts of Oslo. Norwegian Foreign Minister Anniken Huitfeldt had earlier stressed that the talks would “not represent a legitimisation or recognition of the Taliban”. “But we must talk to the de facto authorities in the country. We cannot allow the political situation to lead to an even worse humanitarian disaster," she said. On Monday, the Taliban is scheduled to meet representatives of the US, France, Britain, Germany, Italy and the European Union. Tuesday will be dedicated to bilateral talks with Norwegian officials. (With inputs from agencies)

Taliban delegation begins humanitarian talks in Oslo

At least 17 people are&nbsp;reportedly suspected of being infected with the Omicron variant after a party in Oslo in which at least over hundred people had attended.&nbsp;City authorities said at least 60 people were detected with COVID-19 with one confirmed Omicron variant case.

The cases were reported at a&nbsp;Christmas party held last week in which all visitors were reportedly vaccinated. Health authorities indicated the number of cases could grow as further tests are being conducted.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/live-omicron-in-india-updates-two-cases-found-in-karnataka-433212">Omicron variant live blog: At least 17 suspected Omicron cases after Oslo party</a>

The Norwegian government had declared some coronavirus restrictions will be reimposed due to the emergence of the Omicron variant with tests mandated for travellers who arrive in the country even if they are vaccinated.

Watch:&nbsp;Germany cracks down on unvaccinated to tackle COVID-19 surge

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/germany-cracks-down-on-unvaccinated-to-tackle-covid-19-surge-433823/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The authorities have also made face masks mandatory in capital Oslo with people asked to work from home as much as possible. The government has also mandated the number of people to gather at indoor events to be limited to hundred.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/with-omicron-reinfection-is-three-times-more-likely-south-african-health-body-433684">Also Read:&nbsp;With Omicron, reinfection is three times more likely: South African health body</a>

Health minister Ingvild Kjerkol had said the situation is "worrying" since the "virus is transmitted very easily"&nbsp; 
&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; 
Prime Minister Jonas Gahr conceded that there has been a "big outbreak of the Omicron variant in Oslo".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-reports-omicron-cases-in-school-433807">Also Read:&nbsp;Australia reports Omicron cases in school</a>

On Monday, the country has reported 4,624 COVID-19 cases even as 88 per cent of people in the country have being&nbsp;vaccinated with at least 71 per fully vaccinated and booster shots&nbsp;administered to people across the country.

(With inputs from Agencies)

At least 17 people are reportedly suspected of being infected with the Omicron variant after a party in Oslo in which at least over hundred people had attended. City authorities said at least 60 people were detected with COVID-19 with one confirmed Omicron variant case.

At least 17 people are reportedly suspected of being infected with the Omicron variant after a party in Oslo in which at least over hundred people had attended. City authorities said at least 60 people were detected with COVID-19 with one confirmed Omicron variant case. The cases were reported at a Christmas party held last week in which all visitors were reportedly vaccinated. Health authorities indicated the number of cases could grow as further tests are being conducted. Omicron variant live blog: At least 17 suspected Omicron cases after Oslo party The Norwegian government had declared some coronavirus restrictions will be reimposed due to the emergence of the Omicron variant with tests mandated for travellers who arrive in the country even if they are vaccinated. Watch: Germany cracks down on unvaccinated to tackle COVID-19 surge The authorities have also made face masks mandatory in capital Oslo with people asked to work from home as much as possible. The government has also mandated the number of people to gather at indoor events to be limited to hundred. Also Read: With Omicron, reinfection is three times more likely: South African health body Health minister Ingvild Kjerkol had said the situation is "worrying" since the "virus is transmitted very easily" Prime Minister Jonas Gahr conceded that there has been a "big outbreak of the Omicron variant in Oslo". Also Read: Australia reports Omicron cases in school On Monday, the country has reported 4,624 COVID-19 cases even as 88 per cent of people in the country have being vaccinated with at least 71 per fully vaccinated and booster shots administered to people across the country. (With inputs from Agencies)

Several suspected Omicron cases detected after Oslo Christmas party

A man armed with a bow and arrows killed five people near the Norwegian capital of Oslo before he was arrested. According to police, the suspect walked around the city shooting at people with arrows.

Man kills five near Norwegian capital Oslo before getting arrested

Oslo's public library is more than just rows of books. It has a wine bar, cafes and a music studio. Palki Sharma tells you why state-of-the-art public libraries are key to cultivating the culture of reading.

Gravitas: What makes Oslo's 'super library' special?

Oslo's world best library 'Deichman Bjørvika', now open to public

The Norwegian government has summoned a top US embassy official in Oslo in order to lodge an official protest against claims that Washington had spied on Norwegian and other European leaders.

Spying on allies ‘unacceptable,’ Norway tells US as Oslo

There could never be a better time for a film like ‘Oslo’ that premiered on Disney+ Hotstar in India on May 29 and looks at Israel-Palestine decades-old conflict through the prism of peace accords that were signed between the countries in 1993 with the help of a Norweigian couple backed by their government.&nbsp;

Adapted from American playwright JT Rogers’ play of the same name, ‘Oslo’ director Bartlett Sher brings us a dramatised version of events that led to the signing of Oslo peace accords between arch enemies Israel and Palestine. While history remembers the famous handshake between the-then PLO (Palestine Liberation Organisation) leader Yasser Arafat and Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin as the US President Bill Clinton stood beside them -- the world looked on with disbelief as the two vowed to step back from violence and bring a new world order in 1993, ‘Oslo’ puts to light the very eventful nights and days that made it possible. That too a backchannel, unofficial round of discussions between 1992 and 1993.

The HBO film, as it deals with the complexities of the geo-political issue, carefully treads with its characterisation of the PLO leaders, Israeli diplomats who were a part of the under-the table discussions, so as to step away from making them caricaturish while it balances its weighs on how much the world truly understands their fight for land, their exertion of need of legitimacy of the cause and intricacies that follow with any matter of occupation of any land and its people.&nbsp;

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/QsRlXQcHd8c" title="YouTube video player" width="640"></iframe>

‘Oslo’ in its entirety makes no claim to know it all and does not look like a textbook explanation of the conflict. It is not a documentary and it does not claim to be. The film, however does bring the White view on the Middle Eastern crisis but that can be given a passing considering it’s from the view of two Norwegians who facilitate a peace deal between the two warring parties without offering a solution or edging towards one party more. Andrew Scott as Terje Rød-Larsen, director of think tank Fafo Foundation and wife Ruth Wilson, a Norwegian diplomat Mona Juul are brilliant in their scope. They never offer an opinion, never meddle, never sit with them on the table as the negotiations go on until the very last brokerage -- helping the film stray away from criticism of being partial to any side. Other actors, Salim Daw, Jeff Wilbusch, Yair Hirschfeld, and Igal Naor are convincing in their roles.&nbsp;

The film runs linear mostly with a very simple style of storytelling, inviting the viewer to explore the history on their own to get an in-depth understanding outside of the movie's scope. It’s a film that is high on human emotions and drama rather than being a history lesson.

There could never be a better time for a film like ‘Oslo’ that premiered on Disney+ Hotstar in India on May 29 and looks at Israel-Palestine decades-old conflict through the prism of peace accords that were signed between the countries in 1993 with the help of a Norweigian couple backed by their government.

There could never be a better time for a film like ‘Oslo’ that premiered on Disney+ Hotstar in India on May 29 and looks at Israel-Palestine decades-old conflict through the prism of peace accords that were signed between the countries in 1993 with the help of a Norweigian couple backed by their government. Adapted from American playwright JT Rogers’ play of the same name, ‘Oslo’ director Bartlett Sher brings us a dramatised version of events that led to the signing of Oslo peace accords between arch enemies Israel and Palestine. While history remembers the famous handshake between the-then PLO (Palestine Liberation Organisation) leader Yasser Arafat and Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin as the US President Bill Clinton stood beside them -- the world looked on with disbelief as the two vowed to step back from violence and bring a new world order in 1993, ‘Oslo’ puts to light the very eventful nights and days that made it possible. That too a backchannel, unofficial round of discussions between 1992 and 1993. The HBO film, as it deals with the complexities of the geo-political issue, carefully treads with its characterisation of the PLO leaders, Israeli diplomats who were a part of the under-the table discussions, so as to step away from making them caricaturish while it balances its weighs on how much the world truly understands their fight for land, their exertion of need of legitimacy of the cause and intricacies that follow with any matter of occupation of any land and its people. ‘Oslo’ in its entirety makes no claim to know it all and does not look like a textbook explanation of the conflict. It is not a documentary and it does not claim to be. The film, however does bring the White view on the Middle Eastern crisis but that can be given a passing considering it’s from the view of two Norwegians who facilitate a peace deal between the two warring parties without offering a solution or edging towards one party more. Andrew Scott as Terje Rød-Larsen, director of think tank Fafo Foundation and wife Ruth Wilson, a Norwegian diplomat Mona Juul are brilliant in their scope. They never offer an opinion, never meddle, never sit with them on the table as the negotiations go on until the very last brokerage -- helping the film stray away from criticism of being partial to any side. Other actors, Salim Daw, Jeff Wilbusch, Yair Hirschfeld, and Igal Naor are convincing in their roles. The film runs linear mostly with a very simple style of storytelling, inviting the viewer to explore the history on their own to get an in-depth understanding outside of the movie's scope. It’s a film that is high on human emotions and drama rather than being a history lesson.

'Oslo' movie review: Not a better time for this HBO drama on 1993 Israel-Palestine peace talks

Norway will start to unwind some restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic and allow more people to gather from Friday, Prime Minister Erna Solberg said on Tuesday. 
 
However, the country`s vaccine rollout risks being delayed by up to almost three months if it does not go ahead and use AstraZeneca and Johnson &amp; Johnson`s shots, the Norwegian Institute of Public Health said. 
 
Norway will say on Thursday whether it will resume using the AstraZeneca vaccine, on hold since a small number of younger inoculated people developed a combination of blood clots, bleeding and a low platelet count, some of whom later died. 
 
Johnson &amp; Johnson, meanwhile, said it was delaying the roll-out of its vaccine to Europe as U.S. health agencies recommended pausing its use after six women under 50 given the shot developed rare blood clots. 
 
Norway has had some of Europe`s lowest rates of infections and deaths since the start of the pandemic but imposed stricter measures after a rapid increase in hospitalisations in March triggered by more contagious variants of the coronavirus. 
 
"The infection numbers are now down. Hospitalisations are fewer. The measures look to have had an effect," Solberg told a news conference. 
 
As a result, Norwegians will from Friday again be allowed to receive up to five guests in private homes, up from two currently, and restaurants can serve alcohol under certain conditions. 
 
A maximum of 100 people will be allowed to attend indoor events in for example theatres and sports arenas, provided there are fixed seating arrangements, and groups of up to 200 people can attend outdoor events. 
 
The easing of rules at the national level will not affect those in areas of the Nordic country where the infection rate is the highest, such as in the Oslo capital region, Solberg said. 
 
Non-essential stores remain closed in the Oslo area, and restaurants there are still only allowed to provide takeaway service, and some schools remain shut. 
 
Line Vold, head of infection control and emergency preparedness at the Institute of Public Health, predicted between eight and 12 weeks of delay in vaccinating Norwegians if the AstraZeneca and Johnson &amp; Johnson shots were shunned. 
 
"It will be mainly for the younger groups (in the population). We will be done with vaccination of people in risk groups," she told the same news conference. 
 
The government has said earlier it estimates that everyone aged 18 or older will have been offered their first vaccine shot by the end of July.

Norway will start to unwind some restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic and allow more people to gather from Friday, Prime Minister Erna Solberg said on Tuesday.

Norway will start to unwind some restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic and allow more people to gather from Friday, Prime Minister Erna Solberg said on Tuesday. However, the country`s vaccine rollout risks being delayed by up to almost three months if it does not go ahead and use AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson`s shots, the Norwegian Institute of Public Health said. Norway will say on Thursday whether it will resume using the AstraZeneca vaccine, on hold since a small number of younger inoculated people developed a combination of blood clots, bleeding and a low platelet count, some of whom later died. Johnson & Johnson, meanwhile, said it was delaying the roll-out of its vaccine to Europe as U.S. health agencies recommended pausing its use after six women under 50 given the shot developed rare blood clots. Norway has had some of Europe`s lowest rates of infections and deaths since the start of the pandemic but imposed stricter measures after a rapid increase in hospitalisations in March triggered by more contagious variants of the coronavirus. "The infection numbers are now down. Hospitalisations are fewer. The measures look to have had an effect," Solberg told a news conference. As a result, Norwegians will from Friday again be allowed to receive up to five guests in private homes, up from two currently, and restaurants can serve alcohol under certain conditions. A maximum of 100 people will be allowed to attend indoor events in for example theatres and sports arenas, provided there are fixed seating arrangements, and groups of up to 200 people can attend outdoor events. The easing of rules at the national level will not affect those in areas of the Nordic country where the infection rate is the highest, such as in the Oslo capital region, Solberg said. Non-essential stores remain closed in the Oslo area, and restaurants there are still only allowed to provide takeaway service, and some schools remain shut. Line Vold, head of infection control and emergency preparedness at the Institute of Public Health, predicted between eight and 12 weeks of delay in vaccinating Norwegians if the AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson shots were shunned. "It will be mainly for the younger groups (in the population). We will be done with vaccination of people in risk groups," she told the same news conference. The government has said earlier it estimates that everyone aged 18 or older will have been offered their first vaccine shot by the end of July.

Norway to ease COVID-19 curbs, vaccine rollout may be delayed

Clashes broke out at an anti-Islam rally in the Norwegian capital of Oslo. The situation came to a head when a female member of SIAN ripped pages from the Quran and spat on them.

Norway: Anti-Islam protester ripped pages from Muslim holy book

Clashes broke out at an anti-Islam rally, organised by the group Stop Islamisation of Norway (SIAN), in capital Oslo on Saturday.

The rally took place near the parliament building, and was ended earlier than scheduled owing to the protests.

Hundreds of counter-protesters also gathered, banging drums and chanting "No racists in our streets."

News agency NTB reported that a female member of SIAN ripped pages from the Quran and spat on them.

The woman, who has previously been charged and acquitted of hate speech, told counter-protesters: "Look, now I will desecrate the Quran."&nbsp;

Clashes then erupted, with authorities using pepper spray and tear gas to keep the rival groups apart.

Police arrested 29 people, Norwegian public broadcaster NRK reported.&nbsp;

The protest in Norway comes in the wake&nbsp;a similar incident in Sweden's Malmo on Friday, where protesters clashed with police after right-wing extremists burned a copy of the Quran.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/riot-breaks-out-in-southern-sweden-after-anti-islam-actions-323819">Also read |&nbsp;Riot breaks out in southern Sweden after 'anti-Islam' actions</a>

Clashes broke out at an anti-Islam rally, organised by the group Stop Islamisation of Norway (SIAN), in capital Oslo on Saturday. The rally took place near the parliament building, and was ended earlier than scheduled owing to the protests.

Clashes broke out at an anti-Islam rally, organised by the group Stop Islamisation of Norway (SIAN), in capital Oslo on Saturday. The rally took place near the parliament building, and was ended earlier than scheduled owing to the protests. Hundreds of counter-protesters also gathered, banging drums and chanting "No racists in our streets." News agency NTB reported that a female member of SIAN ripped pages from the Quran and spat on them. The woman, who has previously been charged and acquitted of hate speech, told counter-protesters: "Look, now I will desecrate the Quran." Clashes then erupted, with authorities using pepper spray and tear gas to keep the rival groups apart. Police arrested 29 people, Norwegian public broadcaster NRK reported. The protest in Norway comes in the wake a similar incident in Sweden's Malmo on Friday, where protesters clashed with police after right-wing extremists burned a copy of the Quran. Also read | Riot breaks out in southern Sweden after 'anti-Islam' actions

Clashes break out at anti-Islam rally in Norway

The Nobel committee today officially handed over the coveted peace prize to Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed at a glittering ceremony in Oslo.

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed receives Nobel Prize in Oslo

Bookies have <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/greta-thunberg-marches-in-montreal-for-global-climate-protests-252563">Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg</a> as the name to beat ahead of Friday's Nobel Peace Prize announcement, although experts say Ethiopian PM Abiy Ahmed or a representative of the free press are more likely.

Speculation in Norwegian media on the eve of the announcement centred on organisations like the UN World Food Programme, for their work during the conflict in Yemen, and media advocates like Reporters Without Borders (RSF) in a time of 'fake news' and violence against journalists.

The 2019 laureate will be revealed at 11:00 am at the Nobel Institute in Oslo.

If one is to trust online betting sites like Ladbrokes, the favourite is 16-year-old Greta Thunberg, who has already received Amnesty International's top honour and the Right Livelihood Award, sometimes dubbed the "alternative Nobel".

In August last year, she began sitting alone in front of Sweden's parliament on Fridays with a sign reading <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/climate-movement-now-too-loud-to-handle-for-trump-and-critics-says-greta-thunberg-252545">"School Strike for the Climate"</a>.&nbsp;

In little more than a year, she has galvanised millions of young people around the world to take part in demonstrations to raise awareness for action on climate change.

She made global headlines in late September when she lambasted world leaders at the UN climate summit in New York.

"How dare you? You have stolen my dreams and my childhood with your empty words," she thundered, holding back tears.

'Time to wait'

But despite her impassioned wake-up calls, experts are sceptical she'll be honoured.

"Extremely unlikely," Henrik Urdal, director of the Peace Research Institute in Oslo (Prio), told AFP, citing her young age and a lack of consensus on how climate change relates to armed conflict.

"The only way I could see that happen is that she would be part of a shared prize like Malala," Urdal said, referring to Pakistani activist Malala Yousafzai, who shared the 2014 prize -- at age 17 -- with Indian children's rights activist Kailash Satyarthi.

Late Thursday, Norwegian broadcaster NRK put little faith in the idea, reporting that while "bookmakers bet on Greta Thunberg, the Nobel Committee won't".

NRK journalist Knut Magnus Berge also pointed out that even though her achievements are impressive, Greta is so young, "the Committee has time to wait".&nbsp;

Experts think a more likely candidate would be Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, who made peace with bitter foe Eritrea.

Gravitas: Greta Thunberg: Activist Or Imposter?

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-greta-thunberg-activist-or-imposter-253583/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"Abiy Ahmed would be a good candidate, as his tenure has had peace-inducing effects in the country and on the region," said Peter Wallensteen, professor of Peace and Conflict Research at Sweden's Uppsala University.&nbsp;

Predicting the winner is always a challenge since the Norwegian Nobel Committee never reveals the names of the nominees. All that is known is that a total of 301 individuals and organisations have been nominated this year.

'Age of fake news'

Experts also suggest that the five-person committee could this year decide to focus on freedom of expression and information, at a time when such freedoms are under pressure in both democracies and authoritarian regimes.

"In the age of fake news and information overload... and the lack of transparency, the lack of accountability in many political processes, this is something that I would hope the committee would take very seriously and consider," Urdal said.

Press organisations such as Reporters Without Borders (RSF) or the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) could then be possible winners.

As the migration crisis continues to dominate the political agenda, the UN refugee agency UNHCR and its head Filippo Grandi, as well as the organisation SOS Mediterranee, are also seen as potential winners.

Broadly considered a controversial long shot, US President Donald Trump has nonetheless been mentioned for his efforts to mend old wounds with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

Last year, the award -- consisting of a gold medal, a diploma, and nine million Swedish kronor (around $912,000 or 828,000 euro) -- was given to two champions fighting sexual violence, Congolese gynaecologist Denis Mukwege and Yazidi activist Nadia Murad.

On Thursday, the Swedish Academy in Stockholm gave the 2019 Nobel Literature Prize to Austrian author Peter Handke.

The 2018 prize, which the Academy had postponed in the wake of a sexual harassment scandal, was awarded to Polish writer Olga Tokarczuk.

The Economics Prize will wrap up the 2019 Nobel prize season on October 14.

Bookies have Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg as the name to beat ahead of Friday's Nobel Peace Prize announcement, although experts say Ethiopian PM Abiy Ahmed or a representative of the free press are more likely.

Bookies have Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg as the name to beat ahead of Friday's Nobel Peace Prize announcement, although experts say Ethiopian PM Abiy Ahmed or a representative of the free press are more likely. Speculation in Norwegian media on the eve of the announcement centred on organisations like the UN World Food Programme, for their work during the conflict in Yemen, and media advocates like Reporters Without Borders (RSF) in a time of 'fake news' and violence against journalists. The 2019 laureate will be revealed at 11:00 am at the Nobel Institute in Oslo. If one is to trust online betting sites like Ladbrokes, the favourite is 16-year-old Greta Thunberg, who has already received Amnesty International's top honour and the Right Livelihood Award, sometimes dubbed the "alternative Nobel". In August last year, she began sitting alone in front of Sweden's parliament on Fridays with a sign reading "School Strike for the Climate". In little more than a year, she has galvanised millions of young people around the world to take part in demonstrations to raise awareness for action on climate change. She made global headlines in late September when she lambasted world leaders at the UN climate summit in New York. "How dare you? You have stolen my dreams and my childhood with your empty words," she thundered, holding back tears. 'Time to wait' But despite her impassioned wake-up calls, experts are sceptical she'll be honoured. "Extremely unlikely," Henrik Urdal, director of the Peace Research Institute in Oslo (Prio), told AFP, citing her young age and a lack of consensus on how climate change relates to armed conflict. "The only way I could see that happen is that she would be part of a shared prize like Malala," Urdal said, referring to Pakistani activist Malala Yousafzai, who shared the 2014 prize -- at age 17 -- with Indian children's rights activist Kailash Satyarthi. Late Thursday, Norwegian broadcaster NRK put little faith in the idea, reporting that while "bookmakers bet on Greta Thunberg, the Nobel Committee won't". NRK journalist Knut Magnus Berge also pointed out that even though her achievements are impressive, Greta is so young, "the Committee has time to wait". Experts think a more likely candidate would be Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, who made peace with bitter foe Eritrea. Gravitas: Greta Thunberg: Activist Or Imposter? "Abiy Ahmed would be a good candidate, as his tenure has had peace-inducing effects in the country and on the region," said Peter Wallensteen, professor of Peace and Conflict Research at Sweden's Uppsala University. Predicting the winner is always a challenge since the Norwegian Nobel Committee never reveals the names of the nominees. All that is known is that a total of 301 individuals and organisations have been nominated this year. 'Age of fake news' Experts also suggest that the five-person committee could this year decide to focus on freedom of expression and information, at a time when such freedoms are under pressure in both democracies and authoritarian regimes. "In the age of fake news and information overload... and the lack of transparency, the lack of accountability in many political processes, this is something that I would hope the committee would take very seriously and consider," Urdal said. Press organisations such as Reporters Without Borders (RSF) or the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) could then be possible winners. As the migration crisis continues to dominate the political agenda, the UN refugee agency UNHCR and its head Filippo Grandi, as well as the organisation SOS Mediterranee, are also seen as potential winners. Broadly considered a controversial long shot, US President Donald Trump has nonetheless been mentioned for his efforts to mend old wounds with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. Last year, the award -- consisting of a gold medal, a diploma, and nine million Swedish kronor (around $912,000 or 828,000 euro) -- was given to two champions fighting sexual violence, Congolese gynaecologist Denis Mukwege and Yazidi activist Nadia Murad. On Thursday, the Swedish Academy in Stockholm gave the 2019 Nobel Literature Prize to Austrian author Peter Handke. The 2018 prize, which the Academy had postponed in the wake of a sexual harassment scandal, was awarded to Polish writer Olga Tokarczuk. The Economics Prize will wrap up the 2019 Nobel prize season on October 14.

Bookies bet on Greta Thunberg for Nobel Peace Prize, experts don't

Five things to know about the Nobel prizes

Here are the high profile names going to compete for the Nobel Peace Prize

Top Contenders for the Nobel Peace Prize

One person was injured during an armed attack at a mosque in Norway on Saturday (August 10), police said, adding that members of the congregation had overpowered the gunman and stopped the shooting. An older man sustained light injuries, police told a news conference but said it was too early to say if the wounds were caused by the gunshots or sustained during the attempt to restrain the gunman.

One injured, one arrested in Mosque shooting in Norway

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro`s government and opposition leader Juan Guaido`s team will restart negotiations to try to resolve the country`s crisis, three people familiar with the talks said on Saturday.

The three people told Reuters that both sides had not yet decided whether to hold the discussions in Oslo, where previous talks were held, or in Barbados.

Two of the people said the talks would begin next week.

Norway`s government encouraged both sides to meet in Oslo in May, but they were unable to reach any agreement to resolve the economic and political crisis that has driven more than 4 million Venezuelans to flee abroad.

Few details have been released about the contents of the talks between representatives of Maduro and Guaidó, who assumed a rival presidency in January and denounces Maduro as illegitimate for securing re-election last year in a vote widely viewed as fraudulent.

Guaido said on Twitter on Friday that he had received backing from allies to "begin a new round of consultations with national and international leaders," without giving more details.&nbsp;

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro`s government and opposition leader Juan Guaido`s team will restart negotiations to try to resolve the country`s crisis, three people familiar with the talks said on Saturday.

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro`s government and opposition leader Juan Guaido`s team will restart negotiations to try to resolve the country`s crisis, three people familiar with the talks said on Saturday. The three people told Reuters that both sides had not yet decided whether to hold the discussions in Oslo, where previous talks were held, or in Barbados. Two of the people said the talks would begin next week. Norway`s government encouraged both sides to meet in Oslo in May, but they were unable to reach any agreement to resolve the economic and political crisis that has driven more than 4 million Venezuelans to flee abroad. Few details have been released about the contents of the talks between representatives of Maduro and Guaidó, who assumed a rival presidency in January and denounces Maduro as illegitimate for securing re-election last year in a vote widely viewed as fraudulent. Guaido said on Twitter on Friday that he had received backing from allies to "begin a new round of consultations with national and international leaders," without giving more details.

Venezuelan government and opposition to restart negotiations: Sources

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/venezuela-opposition-to-meet-nicolas-maduro-envoys-in-oslo-guaido-221654">Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido </a>on Sunday defended his decision to send delegates to Oslo for talks with representatives of President Nicolas Maduro's government, warning that critics of the move risk becoming accomplices of his rival's "dictatorship."

"We have to play on all the boards... we have to have an active presence in all places," Guaido told hundreds of supporters in Barquisimeto in Venezuela's Lara state.

"From Lara to Norway, from Caracas to Washington, our demands are the same. Whoever wants us to renounce the pressure in the street or in international scenarios in order to stop the takeover, becomes an accomplice of the dictatorship," he later tweeted.

Guaido, recognized by the United States and dozens of other countries as Venezuela's interim president, said Saturday that the opposition delegation will be headed by deputy legislative speaker Stalin Gonzalez and the ex-deputy Gerardo Blyde.

Media reports said Venezuelan Communications Minister Jorge Rodriguez and the governor of Miranda state Hector Rodriguez represented Maduro's government in the initial talks, but it was unclear if they would participate in next week's meeting.

Guaido has appeared cautious about talking with Maduro's representatives since the idea is unpopular with the opposition base that has spent months in the streets trying to push Maduro out.

The bid for talks comes after a months-long power struggle between National Assembly leader Guaido and the socialist president, with sometimes deadly street clashes.

Guaido's backers dismiss Maduro's presidency as "illegitimate" following his re-election last year in polls widely labelled as rigged.

Maduro has been shunned by much of the international community for presiding over the country's economic collapse, which has led to shortages of basic goods -- forcing millions to flee -- as well as brutally suppressing dissent.

He retains the backing of major creditors Russia, China and Cuba, as well as the powerful military.

Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido on Sunday defended his decision to send delegates to Oslo for talks with representatives of President Nicolas Maduro's government, warning that critics of the move risk becoming accomplices of his rival's "dictatorship.

Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido on Sunday defended his decision to send delegates to Oslo for talks with representatives of President Nicolas Maduro's government, warning that critics of the move risk becoming accomplices of his rival's "dictatorship." "We have to play on all the boards... we have to have an active presence in all places," Guaido told hundreds of supporters in Barquisimeto in Venezuela's Lara state. "From Lara to Norway, from Caracas to Washington, our demands are the same. Whoever wants us to renounce the pressure in the street or in international scenarios in order to stop the takeover, becomes an accomplice of the dictatorship," he later tweeted. Guaido, recognized by the United States and dozens of other countries as Venezuela's interim president, said Saturday that the opposition delegation will be headed by deputy legislative speaker Stalin Gonzalez and the ex-deputy Gerardo Blyde. Media reports said Venezuelan Communications Minister Jorge Rodriguez and the governor of Miranda state Hector Rodriguez represented Maduro's government in the initial talks, but it was unclear if they would participate in next week's meeting. Guaido has appeared cautious about talking with Maduro's representatives since the idea is unpopular with the opposition base that has spent months in the streets trying to push Maduro out. The bid for talks comes after a months-long power struggle between National Assembly leader Guaido and the socialist president, with sometimes deadly street clashes. Guaido's backers dismiss Maduro's presidency as "illegitimate" following his re-election last year in polls widely labelled as rigged. Maduro has been shunned by much of the international community for presiding over the country's economic collapse, which has led to shortages of basic goods -- forcing millions to flee -- as well as brutally suppressing dissent. He retains the backing of major creditors Russia, China and Cuba, as well as the powerful military.

Venezuela's Guaido defends planned talks with Maduro representatives

As Norway prepares to host the biggest military exercise in the post-cold war era on Thursday, Russia has warned that it is an "anti-Russian" exercise.

The Russian embassy in Oslo said: "Such activity comes across as provocative, even if you try to justify it as being of a purely defensive nature."&nbsp;

However, as Trump pulled out of the 1987 Nuclear Forces treaty(NFT) with US&nbsp;accusing the Putin regime of violating the treaty by deploying new cruise missiles, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg hinted at "standing with allies" to counter any Russian threat.

The military exercise will involve 65 ships, 250 aircraft, 10,000 vehicles and 50,000 military personnel across 31 NATO countries including partner countries. “This is a strong display of our capabilities and of our resolve to work together,” secretary general Stoltenberg said while unveiling the plan.

Forces from US and Canada will also be involved in the exercise with&nbsp;aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman set to take part.

"Trident Juncture sends a clear message to our nations and to any potential adversary. NATO does not seek confrontation but we stand ready to defend all Allies against any threat," Stoltenberg declared.

Stoltenburg had earlier said: "I don't foresee that allies will deploy more nuclear weapons in Europe as a response to the new Russian (ground-launched SSC-8 cruise) missile, but I see - and that's what now is going on in NATO &nbsp;- is a need to assess the implications of the new Russian missile for our security."

"Russia now is in violation of the INF," he added.

The exercise is due to take place from October 25th to November 7th in central and eastern Norway including Iceland and in Finland and Sweden airspace.

Two Russian and two Belarus military observers have been invited to watch the manoeuvres. Stoltenberg said he hoped Russia would "avoid dangerous behaviour".

As Norway prepares to host the biggest military exercise in the post-cold war era on Thursday, Russia has warned that it is an "anti-Russian" exercise. The Russian embassy in Oslo said: "Such activity comes across as provocative, even if you try to justify it as being of a purely defensive nature.

As Norway prepares to host the biggest military exercise in the post-cold war era on Thursday, Russia has warned that it is an "anti-Russian" exercise. The Russian embassy in Oslo said: "Such activity comes across as provocative, even if you try to justify it as being of a purely defensive nature." However, as Trump pulled out of the 1987 Nuclear Forces treaty(NFT) with US accusing the Putin regime of violating the treaty by deploying new cruise missiles, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg hinted at "standing with allies" to counter any Russian threat. The military exercise will involve 65 ships, 250 aircraft, 10,000 vehicles and 50,000 military personnel across 31 NATO countries including partner countries. “This is a strong display of our capabilities and of our resolve to work together,” secretary general Stoltenberg said while unveiling the plan. Forces from US and Canada will also be involved in the exercise with aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman set to take part. "Trident Juncture sends a clear message to our nations and to any potential adversary. NATO does not seek confrontation but we stand ready to defend all Allies against any threat," Stoltenberg declared. Stoltenburg had earlier said: "I don't foresee that allies will deploy more nuclear weapons in Europe as a response to the new Russian (ground-launched SSC-8 cruise) missile, but I see - and that's what now is going on in NATO - is a need to assess the implications of the new Russian missile for our security." "Russia now is in violation of the INF," he added. The exercise is due to take place from October 25th to November 7th in central and eastern Norway including Iceland and in Finland and Sweden airspace. Two Russian and two Belarus military observers have been invited to watch the manoeuvres. Stoltenberg said he hoped Russia would "avoid dangerous behaviour".

NATO chief says 'hope Russia will avoid dangerous behaviour'

At around the time that World Cup minnows Panama were playing Norway this week, thieves were busy rifling their Oslo hotel rooms, police told AFP on Thursday.

The Panamanian football federation tweeted: "Three #Panamayor hotel rooms were robbed in Oslo, Norway. Norwegian police are at the scene looking for clues."

Police say objects worth around 53,000 euros ($62,000) were taken from three rooms in a downtown Oslo hotel, explaining thieves are thought to have used an old magnetic room key or a stolen one and that video footage would be examined.

Police spokeswoman Aslaug Rohne told AFP the robbery probably took place at the same time as Panama were being beaten by Norway on Wednesday in a match that ended 1-0.

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Jugadores de <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Panam%C3%A1Mayor?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PanamáMayor</a> (tres habitaciones) fueron víctima de hurto en el hotel de concentración en Oslo, Noruega. La policía noruega se apersonó al lugar para recabar información. <a href="https://t.co/0Dfv38q6iq">pic.twitter.com/0Dfv38q6iq</a>
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Panama will make their World Cup debut in Russia, where the central Americans will face England, Belgium and Tunisia in Group G.

Panama kick off their campaign against Belgium in Sochi on June 18, the same day group G opponents Tunisia host England

&nbsp

At around the time that World Cup minnows Panama were playing Norway this week, thieves were busy rifling their Oslo hotel rooms

At around the time that World Cup minnows Panama were playing Norway this week, thieves were busy rifling their Oslo hotel rooms, police told AFP on Thursday. The Panamanian football federation tweeted: "Three #Panamayor hotel rooms were robbed in Oslo, Norway. Norwegian police are at the scene looking for clues." Police say objects worth around 53,000 euros ($62,000) were taken from three rooms in a downtown Oslo hotel, explaining thieves are thought to have used an old magnetic room key or a stolen one and that video footage would be examined. Police spokeswoman Aslaug Rohne told AFP the robbery probably took place at the same time as Panama were being beaten by Norway on Wednesday in a match that ended 1-0. Jugadores de #PanamáMayor (tres habitaciones) fueron víctima de hurto en el hotel de concentración en Oslo, Noruega. La policía noruega se apersonó al lugar para recabar información. pic.twitter.com/0Dfv38q6iq — FEPAFUT (@fepafut) June 6, 2018 × Panama will make their World Cup debut in Russia, where the central Americans will face England, Belgium and Tunisia in Group G. Panama kick off their campaign against Belgium in Sochi on June 18, the same day group G opponents Tunisia host England

Panama World Cup team hotel raided during Oslo match

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