Open letter to the Minister of Government Administration, Reform and Church Affairs of Norway Rigmor Aasrud was published on web-site of Norwegian Kven Association / Ruijan Kveeniliitto. The letter considers with Ragnhild Vassvik Kalstad appointment September 7 State Secretary for Sami and Minority Affairs.

"We note that Raimo Valle is retired as secretary to the Sami and Minority Affairs. Valle has been a long time and have had great knowledge of the Kven conditions. Norwegian Kven Association has noted that there are sought for new state secretary in the Sami communities. We are concerned that the new Secretary of State also has knowledge Kven issues. It takes time to familiarize themselves with the new subject areas, and with the short time until the next election, it is important to have a Secretary of State who are knowledgeable enough to not work Kven issues again stops.

The condition of the Kven language and culture are still critical after seven years of the coalition government, although some bright spots exist. Important Kven issues for the new Secretary of State is establishing language centers, development of the Kven institutions and strengthening the teaching situation of the Kven language.

Norwegian Kven Association / Ruijan Kveeniliitto has repeatedly brought up the desire for a separate state secretary of National Minorities. We have recorded statements from the Sami Parliament on a private secretary for Sami affairs, and also requesting for consideration to create a separate state secretary for the National Minorities".

Anne-Gerd Jonassen, leader.
Ivar Johnsen, General.