One of the projects by the Clinton Foundation is aimed at replacing polluting diesel generators in tropical island states with solar, wind or geothermal power generators, the Norwegian newspaper Verdens Gang reported. This contradicts the Norwegian government's guidelines for international help, as none of the 27 countries included in the Clinton Foundation's program are featured in Oslo's list of intended beneficiaries.
Norwegian Foreign Ministry rejected the criticism of the obvious departure from its own foreign policy, as communication adviser Guri Solberg explained that support through multinational organizations is not covered by the same principles as direct assistance.
"Since one of the main players on the Clinton Foundation is running for presidency, I think it is only natural to discontinue our support," Christian Tybring-Gjedde told Dagbladet.
According to Tybring-Gjedde, it may be increasingly difficult to distinguish between the foundation's relief efforts and the Clinton family's political agenda. Last year, US ex-president Bill Clinton visited Norway during an international charm offensive with clear ideas about the future of the US presidency, the Norwegian newspaper Verdens Gang reported.
"Generally speaking, it is unfortunate to have economic cooperation or assistance agreements with organizations that happen to have a political agenda. This creates bonds that may be misused or misinterpreted. It is particularly unfortunate in this case as one of the aid recipients has personal political ambitions," Tybring-Gjedde said. "One can imagine what reactions financial contributions to any of the organizations run by her [Clinton's] competitor would stir," he added.
The Bill, Hillary & Chelsea Clinton Foundation is a charitable organization established by President Bill Clinton in 1997 for promoting climate issues, health, development and women's rights across the globe. Its major contributors are Wall Street companies, wealthy individuals and foreign governments.
