Former MK and Haaretz journalist Yossi Sarid has declined an official offer from the Norwegian government to grant him citizenship so he can attend an international conference on freedom of expression and tolerance in Bali, Indonesia. His invitation was rescinded because he is Israeli. Three months ago, Sarid was invited by the Norwegian foreign ministry to attend the Global Inter-Media Dialog in Bali, which is being co-sponsored by the prime minister of Norway and the president of Indonesia. Sarid was among 60 journalists invited to take part in the conference, whose stated goal is "bridging gaps between different religions, cultures and peoples."
However, three weeks ago the Norwegian embassy in Israel informed Sarid that Indonesia refuses to grant him a visa "in the existing circumstances." According to Sarid, the Norwegian foreign ministry assured him that a solution would be found since Norway considers it "a matter of principle." On Friday the Norwegians offered their solution: Sarid could travel to Indonesia on a Norwegian passport. Sarid rejected the offer in a letter yesterday addressed to the Indonesian president and Norwegian prime minister. "No self-respecting person in the world, no person who respects his nationality, would accept such a skewed proposal," Sarid wrote, and called on other conference invitees to boycott the meeting in protest.