Massacre could have been avoided

An attack on a government building in Oslo, Norway, July 22, 2011, could have been prevented through enforcement of security measures, a commission said. On that day, eight people died in an explosion in the building and 69 others were killed on nearby Utoya Island in attacks by Anders Breivik. A report from the 22 July Commission, formed to investigate the two attacks, had six main findings, NRK reported, including: -- The attack on government building could have been prevented through implementation of existing security measures. -- The government's ability to protect the people on Utoya failed and the perpetrator could have been stopped before carrying out his assault on the island. -- More security and preparedness measures to prevent such attacks should have been implemented. -- Health and rescue efforts for the injured and their families during the initial phase was handled well. -- Government's communication to the public was good. With better working methods and a broader focus Police Security Service could have gotten on the trail of the attacker. Commission leader Alexandra Bech Gjorv said the report showed Norway "pulled together and that it has many positive sides ... many civilian volunteers wanted to help. At the same time, there is a lot to learn and that is important for our society." Gjorv said the report will "ignite a wider discussion" on Norway's future, The Foreigner said. "The report is very comprehensive so there will be many news items," she said. "In addition, we hope that this will form a good basis for discussion on how we would like it to be in Norway." Breivik, who admitted to the slayings but said they were justified, is on trial on homicide and terror charges and a verdict is expected by Aug. 24. He claimed "self-defense" and said his actions were justified because he was waging war against multi-culturalism and what he termed was a Muslim invasion of Europe.