Deputy leader of Norway's Labour Party resigns over harassment accusations

OSLO - Trond Giske, a deputy leader of Norway's main opposition Labour Party, announced his resignation on Sunday following accusations that he had sexually harassed women.

Giske, 51, who had held several ministerial posts in Labour governments, has recently been accused with sexual harassment in several situations, although their details have not been made public.

"The main reason I'm doing this is that it's impossible for me and my family to continue to withstand the pressure we've been under in the last few weeks," Giske said on Facebook.

"The second reason is the consideration of the Labour Party and the important work we have ahead of us," he said.

Giske, one of two deputy leaders of the Labour Party, said he would also resign his post as the party's chief on finance policy if requested by the party.

He was expected to remain as a Member of Parliament for the 2017-2021 term.

Giske said he looked forward "to giving my version" of events tied to the sexual harassment accusations and "want to answer questions that are posed and address what I believe is incorrect."

"I apologize again for things I have done that have caused discomfort to others. I have not always been conscious enough of my own role in all situations, especially those informal or private. I'm sorry," he said.

Giske served as Minister of Education, Research and Church Affairs from 2000 to 2001, as Minister of Culture and Church Affairs from 2005 to 2009 and as Minister of Trade and Industry from 2009 to 2013.