Selling oil is easier than investing ethically, Norway finds - by Mark Lander
OSLO: For a people whose deep national pride is bestowing the Nobel Peace Prize, Norwegians are developing a reputation for throwing sharp elbows. And the country is doing it in an unexpected way: by pulling investments out of Wal-Mart and other companies for what it claims are ethical failings.
Last June, Norway added Wal-Mart Stores to its blacklist, alleging that the retailer was guilty of tolerating child-labor violations by its suppliers in the developing world and obstructing unions at home. The fund sold off more than $400 million worth of Wal-Mart shares.
