It's a heavy day at the Ministry for Foreign Affairs as we've been reached by the sad message that a colleague has passed away. My thoughts are with the colleague's family and colleagues, says Foreign Minister Malmer Stenergard in a phone interview with TT.
She says that during the day, she has met the deceased's closest colleagues at the Ministry for Foreign Affairs.
I've also gathered the entire department for a minute of silence. We're also providing various forms of crisis support for our colleagues.
Crisis Support Offered
Regarding the question of whether the Ministry for Foreign Affairs could have acted differently in the case, the Foreign Minister notes that crisis support has been offered.
When it comes to this colleague, we've also followed the routines that exist.
She cannot comment on whether criticism has been directed from the Ministry for Foreign Affairs or the Government Offices regarding the police's actions in the case and the police report filed by the then suspected diplomat at the time of arrest.
I've understood that a report has been filed and it will naturally be investigated in the order that it is done.
The Ministry for Foreign Affairs Continues
Malmer Stenergard emphasizes that Sweden's foreign policy and diplomatic activities take place in an exposed world.
- The Ministry for Foreign Affairs continues to work just as it always does, says the Foreign Minister.
- It's difficult on such a heavy day to draw conclusions, but generally, my fantastic colleagues at the Ministry for Foreign Affairs have an enormous and demanding job – and we're in a difficult time in the world around us. To then be struck by this sorrow is very heavy.
Under the current circumstances, Maria Malmer Stenergard cannot reason around the circumstances and suspicions that were directed against the top diplomat.
I'm sorry, I cannot comment on anything.
