YouSaid · the spoken record

Jan PETERSEN

lines on the record: 53
first: 2001-09-24
most recent: 2005-09-24
sittings or episodes: 4
sources: un-general-debate

Every line below is reproduced as it was said and linked to the record it came from. Nothing here is summarised or generated. Directory · Search · Corrections

“The management reform process provides a golden opportunity to increase the recruitment of women at all levels of the United Nations. Good governance in a modern organization requires contributions from women on an equal footing with men. Some have called the results of the summit just another step along the way. In my view, many important steps were taken. Now it is up to the General Assembly to follow up. I promise that Norway will do its part. We will continue to work for reforms. The United Nations system must become more effective in securing global peace and security, combating poverty and promoting human rights. In the end, it is we, the Member States, who are responsible for making that a reality.”
2005-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 60 (2005)
“It is necessary to further strengthen the accountability of the Secretariat and improve management performance, as well as reinforce ethical conduct. Responsibility for many of the weaknesses in the United Nations system, however, lies with the Member States themselves. We need a more relevant General Assembly as the chief policymaking body of the Organization. That will require strategic leadership on the part of Member States. The Secretary-General, as the chief administrative officer, must be granted sufficient authority and flexibility to carry out his duties. In order to strengthen the Organization's capacity to ensure that mandates are fulfilled, we need to provide the necessary resources. In order to maintain an efficient organization, we need to review existing mandates and revoke those that are no longer relevant.”
2005-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 60 (2005)
“It must also be able to deal swiftly with human rights violations worldwide in a credible and effective manner. The strengths and best practices of the Commission on Human Rights must be retained and its weaknesses left behind. And we must strengthen the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights by respecting, in the Fifth Committee, the decision of the summit to double the regular budget resources of the Office. There is a need for stronger executive leadership and thorough administrative reform of the Organization. Corruption, mismanagement and sexual exploitation and abuse are examples of conduct that cannot be tolerated. We have decided to make the Office of Internal Oversight Services more independent. The Office's capacity to carry out audits and investigations will be significantly strengthened.”
2005-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 60 (2005)
“When human rights defenders are silenced, violations of human rights go unnoticed, unexposed and unopposed. The issue of individuals and groups subject to human rights violations should be put firmly on the agenda of all countries. I call for members' continued support for a draft resolution to that end. It is vital that we assign human rights their rightful place as a fundamental pillar of the United Nations. Our goal in the coming months must be to bridge the gap between expectations for credible United Nations action in the field of human rights and the capacities of the Organization. We must take the following steps. We must create a new standing human rights body as soon as possible, preferably as a principal organ of the United Nations. It must focus on both implementation and capacity-building.”
2005-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 60 (2005)
“I encourage all States to sign, ratify and implement the 13 United Nations conventions related to terrorism. Norway strongly supports the efforts to conclude a comprehensive United Nations convention on international terrorism. Terrorism must be fought by a broad range of means, including military and legal means. Other threats to peace and stability must also be addressed, such as poverty and unemployment, lack of social and political rights, absence of the rule of law and lack of access to education. The United Nations has a vital role to play in all those areas. It has more experience on those issues than any other organization and possesses the most suitable tools to address them. Defending human rights is a principal universal objective.”
2005-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 60 (2005)
“The ongoing World Trade Organization negotiations are approaching a crucial crossroads in Hong Kong in December. We must redouble our efforts to achieve the fullest possible realization of the Doha work programme in order to successfully complete the Doha development round in 2006. Particular attention must be paid to the needs and interests of developing countries. No cause can justify acts of terror. The United Nations should have a central role in leading and coordinating the international fight against terrorism. A 12 broad-based strategy is necessary to counter this threat, as recommended by the Secretary-General. The fight against terrorism must be based on the rule of law. The role of the United Nations is essential, because it can provide the legal instruments and frameworks we need.”
2005-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 60 (2005)
“The universal endorsement of the Millennium Development Goals and the renewed commitment to achieving them by 2015 are key results of the summit; so are the strengthened commitments concerning increased official development assistance (ODA) and debt relief made during the preparations leading up to the summit, particularly by the European Union and the Group of Eight. The world community must now make sure that promises are followed by payments and that the focus on Africa remains strong. Norway will do its part by increasing its ODA contributions to Africa for 2006 by $150 million. International trade is a prerequisite for economic growth and development. Norway is committed to the further development of a rule-based and fair multilateral trading system.”
2005-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 60 (2005)
“An upgraded and expanded Central Emergency Response Fund is an important step in the right direction; so is improved coordination at the field level, including the Humanitarian Coordinator system. The General Assembly must now take the decisions necessary for the new Fund to become operational as early as possible. Norway has pledged $15 million to the Fund, and we stand ready to assist in putting in place the necessary organizational framework. The United Nations is making a significant contribution to development.”
2005-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 60 (2005)
“While supporting the establishment of the Peacebuilding Commission, Norway places great emphasis on the need to maintain and strengthen the activity of the Secretary-General to take initiatives through his good offices. As we convene here in New York, an estimated 10 million people are facing severe food shortages in Southern Africa. According to the Secretary-General, the chronic state of emergency in the region is caused by a combination of HIV/AIDS, food insecurity and a weakened capacity for governance. During recent months, there has also been a severe drought in Niger and in parts of the Sahel region. The response capacity of the United Nations is in need of reform. That means improving the speed, equity and predictability of humanitarian response.”
2005-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 60 (2005)
“I therefore welcome the initiative to establish a Peacebuilding Commission to marshal resources, give advice and propose comprehensive strategies for peacebuilding and post-conflict recovery. The situation in the Sudan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and other conflict-afflicted areas clearly demonstrates the need for a Peacebuilding Commission. As long as the Security Council remains actively seized of a matter, the Peacebuilding Commission should provide advice to the Council. Norway will contribute $15 million to the Peacebuilding Fund. The role and the needs of women should be duly reflected in the establishment of a Peacebuilding Commission. The Commission should contribute to the follow-up of the binding commitments set out in Security Council resolution 1325 (2000) on women and peace and security.”
2005-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 60 (2005)
“That creates an important new basis for collective action in cases of genocide, crimes against humanity, ethnic cleansing and war crimes. We now have the tools to prevent another Srebrenica or another Rwanda. A greater consensus on collective action and early diplomatic response are needed to prevent violent conflicts. Addressing the needs of countries under stress is a demanding challenge for the United Nations; so is assisting countries suffering from conflict and in transition from war to peace. The peace process that Norway is facilitating between the Government of Sri Lanka and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam has benefited from United Nations support. The Organization's role in providing humanitarian and development assistance to all areas of Sri Lanka has been indispensable.”
2005-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 60 (2005)
“Multilateralism is the answer. We must face all these threats together and reach agreement on how to meet them. The global arena must be continually reformed and adapted to make sure that we have a United Nations that is in the best possible shape. We cannot blame others if it does not function. As the Secretary-General said in his statement to the 11 summit, "Whatever our differences, in our interdependent world, we stand or fall together" (A/60/PV.2, p. 5). Our greatest responsibility is to ensure that the strong protect the weak. Our greatest failure is when we, the Members of the United Nations, are unable to prevent atrocities against innocent civilians. For the first time, Member States have endorsed the principle of the ìresponsibility to protectî.”
2005-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 60 (2005)
“We will do that together with Australia, Chile, Indonesia, Romania, South Africa and the United Kingdom and with all those countries that supported our efforts. Further progress is also urgently needed to prevent the proliferation of small arms and light weapons. Norway welcomes the outcome document's call for implementation of the United Nations Programme of Action on Small Arms and Light Weapons. We would have liked, however, to see a stronger commitment to controlling international transfers of such weapons through legally binding agreements. The international community needs to cooperate in order to meet global challenges. We are faced with an array of new threats and challenges: I just spoke of the risk of proliferation; terrorism is another. The spread of new and infectious diseases is also a frightening prospect.”
2005-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 60 (2005)
“In particular, I had hoped for ó and worked for ó a substantial text on nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation. The proliferation of weapons of mass destruction represents a fundamental threat. There is a growing risk of proliferation and of catastrophic terrorism. At the same time, we see a reluctance on the part of some to accept that all States must advance disarmament and non-proliferation. During the past week, I have repeatedly heard in the General Assembly that we are willing to solve common problems. Yet it has not been possible to reach any consensus on how to address these truly global threats. I can assure members that Norway will take up the challenge set out by the Secretary-General and will continue to seek consensus and concrete results.”
2005-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 60 (2005)
“I, too, congratulate you, Sir, on your election as President of the General Assembly at its sixtieth session. Sixty years ago, the United Nations rose out of the ashes of the Second World War. The creation of our Organization was the fulfilment of people's hopes for a better and safer future. Norway was honoured to provide the United Nations with its first Secretary- General, Trygve Lie. Last week, we saw agreement on a summit outcome document (resolution 60/1). The document falls short of our expectations. Still, it provides important direction on how to improve and strengthen the role of the United Nations in building peace and security and promoting human rights and development. In some areas, Member States made considerable progress; in others, better results should have been achieved.”
2005-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 60 (2005)
“The Summit in 2005 should also focus on international efforts to promote peace- building, reconciliation, global security and respect for human rights. We must take decisive steps during the next General Assembly to meet development targets and create a safer and more peaceful world. The United Nations is indispensable as our most universal and representative organization. Norway has devoted a great deal of effort to building the multilateral system. We are proud of our political and financial contributions to the United Nations system. We are eager to see the United Nations strengthened and reshaped, so that it can remain our most important instrument for addressing global challenges. Norway remains committed to supporting the United Nations in meeting those challenges.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“Fulfilling the requirements of the Kyoto Protocol is a first step towards coming to grips with the challenge of climate change. The entire international community, and notably the largest emitters, must make a much more ambitious commitment in this field; we have no time to lose. In the Arctic region we are already experiencing the effects of climate change as seen in a temperature rise that is substantially greater than the global average. Next year we will take stock of developments since the Millennium Declaration was adopted. This is an opportunity to review progress and, where necessary, intensify efforts to fulfil our commitment to reducing poverty and achieving development. True gender equality and education for all stand out as crucial in this regard.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“However, ensuring that economic growth actually improves the livelihoods of ordinary people requires adequate domestic policies. In an ever more globalized world, we need forums to develop the international guidelines necessary to facilitate cooperation. However, we all need to do our part. It has been 10 years since the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change entered into force. More than 120 countries have ratified the Kyoto Protocol, and we are now awaiting the ratification that will allow it to enter into force. I welcome the news that Russia is seriously considering the ratification of the Protocol, but I regret that some countries have not yet been willing to join forces in facing one of the most serious global challenges of our time.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“International trade may be an important engine for creating growth and welfare. However, this will not happen by itself. A sound basis for growth and welfare that benefits all countries can be created only by means of fair trade rules developed through international cooperation. In this respect, the World Trade Organization framework agreement reached in Geneva in July is a milestone. We avoided any deadlock or setback, and now we can renew our efforts to achieve substantial progress on the Doha Development Agenda. I noted that in his speech, President Lula da Silva said that “If successful, the Doha Round could lift more than 500 million people out of poverty”. This certainly shows the opportunities of globalization.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“For nearly ten years, Norway has contributed to peacekeeping through our Training for Peace in Southern Africa Programme. We plan to expand that programme to West Africa. It is uplifting to see the progress being made in many African countries. We applaud the basic principles and political priorities being addressed by the New Partnership for Africa’s Development and welcome last week’s inauguration of the Pan-African Parliament. This strengthening of the political dimension of regional cooperation testifies to the dedication of African leaders and holds promise of an even more active and efficient role for the AU in the years to come. Without economic growth there will be no improvement in welfare and wealth distribution, and little hope of peace and security.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“Yet the institutional mechanisms for ensuring effective partnership and real burden-sharing between the United Nations and regional organizations are not in place. This situation must be rectified. 23 A case in point is the involvement of the African Union (AU) in Sudan. Norway welcomes the response to the Darfur crisis by the AU and its member States. The AU mission must be enhanced both by becoming more pro-active and by increasing the number of participants. Norway has supported the AU and the United Nations in providing security and humanitarian relief in Darfur. We stand ready to continue to support those efforts. I believe that strengthening Africa’s capacity for peacekeeping and peace-building is essential if we are to deal with the challenges that United Nations peacekeeping is facing.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“We hope that a broad set of concrete recommendations by the High-level Panel will enable us to agree on measures to better meet current and new threats and challenges. The Panel should take care to ensure that both hard and soft security issues are addressed, as well as the linkages between them. Member States have the responsibility to ensure that the Secretary-General’s recommendations, based on the report of the Panel, are actively followed up. The resolution of armed conflicts is not solely the province of the United Nations. Regional organizations also have significant contributions to make — and their capacities should be strengthened. The United Nations is indispensable in delivering legitimacy. Regional organizations, with their local knowledge, are well placed to meet challenges on the ground.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“When we ask the United Nations to carry out difficult tasks in unsafe environments, we must also be willing to cover the expenses involved. We look forward to the Secretary-General’s recommendations on the basis of the report of the High-level Panel on Threats, Challenges and Change. That report will come at a crucial point in time for the United Nations. The United Nations needs to take earlier and more coordinated action as threats to peace and security emerge. Such action also needs to be sustained in a coordinated and effective fashion. We agree that our collective security system needs reform. Such reform must include, among other issues, the sensitive question of Security Council enlargement.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“We welcome the decision to resume the talks between the Government of the Sudan and the Sudan People’s Liberation Army in Kenya. We urge them to work without delay to conclude a comprehensive peace agreement. Targeting humanitarian personnel in conflict areas is absolutely unacceptable. Such acts of violence constitute grave breaches of international humanitarian law. We are being forced to rethink our approach to security. It is important, however, to avoid a situation where overly strict security measures prevent the United Nations from acting effectively on the ground. Such rules might further distance the civilian population and therefore result in a loss of legitimacy and local support. Providing security for United Nations personnel is not without costs.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“I appeal to the States Members of the United Nations to support the Palestinian Authority. In Darfur we are facing another crisis, which is first and foremost a question of the safety and security of the civilian population, humanitarian access and the provision of food, medicine and shelter. The concern of the international community was expressed in Security Council resolution 1564 (2004), adopted on Saturday. All armed groups must cease the violence. The Norwegian Government expects the Sudanese authorities to fully comply with Security Council resolutions. The Darfur crisis makes it even more important to continue the Naivasha peace process. A comprehensive peace agreement for southern Sudan will lay the foundation for a national solution to the political issues in Darfur.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“The Palestinian leaders themselves must contribute by implementing reforms as set out in the road map. The Palestinian Authority has a clear responsibility to fight Palestinian terrorism. In my capacity as Chairman of the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee for Assistance to the Palestinian People, I am encouraged by the many statements that I have heard to the effect that the international community stands ready to assist in the implementation of the planned withdrawal. However, key issues must be addressed. Most importantly, withdrawal from Gaza must be carried out in a way that is conducive to the normalization of the Palestinian economy. Norway, together with other partners in the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee, will host a donor conference before the end of the year.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“The political process leading to elections is another essential requirement for stability. The United Nations must continue to play an important role. 22 While the world is waiting for a political solution to the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians, the situation continues to worsen. The construction of the separation barrier and the expansion of settlements are serious threats to the two-State solution. The Israeli plan to withdraw from Gaza and four settlements in the West Bank could be a step in the right direction if it is implemented in accordance with the road map and Security Council resolutions, and in keeping with the vision of a two-State solution. A viable and well-functioning Palestinian Authority is critical to a peaceful solution to the conflict.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“In Iraq, they can be created only by the Iraqis themselves. The international community and the United Nations can, and should, facilitate and assist in this process, provided that the necessary security is ensured. Our Government fully supports the efforts of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Ashraf Qazi, and his team of dedicated women and men. Afghanistan is at a critical juncture. More than 1,000 people, both Afghans and internationals, have been killed there so far this year. Reconstruction efforts and efforts to provide humanitarian assistance to the most vulnerable are being hampered. Development activities are key elements in ensuring stability and security. Without security there will be no progress, and without progress there will be no security. There is a continued need for international security forces.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“The fight against terrorism must continue to be a top priority for the United Nations and the world community. We must act in accordance with international law and human rights. Democratic values and the rule of law are our strongest cards in the fight against terror. We, the Members of the United Nations, have a responsibility to make the Organization robust enough to address the many tasks we have assigned it. The challenges are many. Unified efforts are needed to bring peace and stability to Iraq. Security Council resolution 1546 (2004) stresses that the international community must help the new Iraqi Government in its current effort to create a better future. However, functional national democracies and constitutional institutions are not created by United Nations resolutions.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“When we met here in the General Assembly last year, it was against the backdrop of the terrible and devastating attack on the United Nations headquarters in Baghdad. This year we are meeting after a number of terrorist attacks, most recently the gruesome terrorist attack on children on their very first day of school in Beslan, Russia. Terrorism is not a new threat. But the scale and brutality of recent terrorist operations have altered our lives and our thinking and forced us to take new measures to protect ourselves against this threat. Terrorism can strike anywhere and at any time. Terrorism is a threat to our security; it creates fear and want, and severely hampers economic and social development. No cause, however legitimate, can justify acts of terrorism.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“Norway, together with the Nordic countries, has a long- standing commitment to reform. We stand ready to assist in bringing the initiatives of the Secretary- General to fruition. The aims and ideals of the United Nations are as relevant as ever — to maintain peace and security, to reaffirm faith in fundamental human rights, to establish conditions for justice and the international rule of law and to promote economic and social development. The world has changed since 1945, but the United Nations has not changed with it. I urge Member States to come together with a renewed sense of unity and purpose, so that we can change our Organization in the collective spirit that lies at the core of the Charter.”
2003-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 58 (2003)
“By increasing the relevance of the United Nations we can increase its authority and legitimacy. Norway shares the Secretary-General’s view that Member States need to take a hard look at today’s United Nations institutions and ask whether they are adequate for the tasks we have before us. The time has come to advance the issue of reform of the Security Council. It is also time to agree on a more relevant agenda for the General Assembly, the Economic and Social Council and the Commission on Human Rights. Norway puts emphasis on reforming the work of the First Committee. We therefore welcome the Secretary-General’s decision to appoint a high-level panel to recommend concrete ways in which to strengthen the functioning of the major bodies of the United Nations and the relationships between them.”
2003-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 58 (2003)
“Norway urges Israel to do its utmost to ease the living conditions of the Palestinians. In our capacity as chairman of the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee for assistance to the Palestinian people, Norway remains committed to rebuilding the Palestinian areas. Norway also believes that the parties should avail themselves of the assistance of the international community and individual countries through appropriate monitoring mechanisms. The past year has been a trying one for the United Nations. Multilateralism has come under pressure from those who continue to question the primacy of the United Nations and therefore look elsewhere for solutions. The answer to this challenge is to make the United Nations more effective and thus more relevant in dealing with issues at the top of the international agenda.”
2003-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 58 (2003)
“Norway stands ready to support efforts to make democratization an irreversible process. We strongly support the role of the United Nations and believe that the active involvement of countries in the region will be vital to reaching a solution. The year 2003 has been a tragic one for Israelis and Palestinians. Their acceptance of the road map for peace boded well, but again violence and not politics is determining the course of development. A political solution is needed, building on a parallel process where Israel takes significant steps to end the occupation, and where the Palestinian Authority takes determined steps to fight terror. The ultimate goal, in which we will not lose faith, is that of two States — Israel and Palestine — living side by side in peace and security.”
2003-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 58 (2003)
“In parallel with dealing with the political process, the parties should take care to proceed with the important task of reconstruction and development. Norway remains firmly committed to the role of facilitator of the peace process between the Government of Sri Lanka and the LTTE. We call on the international community to engage in the efforts for reconstruction and rehabilitation in Sri Lanka. In Myanmar the Government has recently stated its intention to invite the democratic opposition and the ethnic minorities to take part in the building of a national consensus. A good way to start would be to release Aung San Suu Kyi immediately and without conditions and thereby demonstrate the Government’s 17 sincere intentions. This might mean the beginning of a new political era in Myanmar.”
2003-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 58 (2003)
“With NATO in command of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF), Norway as a NATO member has an additional stake in the building of a peaceful and prosperous future for the people of Afghanistan. We have decided to make Afghanistan one of our partner countries in development cooperation. In Sri Lanka the peace process has reached a decisive juncture. We are hopeful that the parties will soon be able to embark on negotiations towards an interim administration for the North-East Province. It is vital that the parties reach agreement and resume direct peace negotiations within the timeframe envisaged. Development of the economic infrastructure is equally important for all in Sri Lanka.”
2003-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 58 (2003)
“Notable results have been achieved in Kosovo, Sierra Leone and Timor-Leste, as well as in reinforcing the capabilities of the Department of Peacekeeping Operations and strengthening the United Nations Standby Arrangement System. The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan is facing a particularly challenging task. Two years on, much has been achieved, but the situation is still volatile. The safe and secure environment needed for economic growth and full implementation of the Bonn Agreement is not in place. Many people are suffering from food shortages, and are in need of assistance. Elections are due next year. Women are not yet properly empowered. Unless we can assure nation-wide security, the nation-building process in Afghanistan will be at risk. A sustained international presence will be necessary for the foreseeable future.”
2003-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 58 (2003)
“By fighting poverty and promoting peace and development, we are making the soundest investment possible in Africa. We will assist the African Union and the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD) in their endeavours towards economic and social development and political stability in Africa. Norway will continue working for peace and stability in the Horn of Africa. The peace process between Ethiopia and Eritrea is entering a crucial phase. We urge both parties to stand by their commitments and not hesitate now that they stand at the threshold of lasting peace. In the Sudan, important progress has just been made. We urge the parties to step up their efforts and reach a final settlement. Over the last few years, the United Nations has made considerable progress in peacekeeping. The foundations for a new approach have been laid.”
2003-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 58 (2003)
“Norway remains committed to the Doha Development Agenda. We are confident that strengthening and making full use of this multilateral framework is the way to go. We will work hard to get the negotiations back on track. More often than not, the United Nations only becomes engaged in earnest after armed conflict has broken out. The reasons are many, but they are no excuse for the loss of lives, the human misery and the setbacks in development that are too often the high price of collective inaction. Too often the main legacy of a civil war is another civil war. Yet there are many things we can do to prevent this from happening. We can act to prevent economic conflict drivers such as diamonds and other natural resources, from fuelling and prolonging conflicts, and we can act to curb the illegal trade in small arms.”
2003-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 58 (2003)
“The establishment of the International Criminal Court is a historic turning point. Fighting terrorism, strengthening human security, working for development and preventing conflict are challenges that are closely related. In the Millennium 16 Development Goals, we have pledged to halve the proportion of people living in extreme poverty and to reduce child mortality by two-thirds. We have pledged to halve the proportion of people without access to safe drinking water and basic sanitation. Norway currently holds the chairmanship of the Commission on Sustainable Development, and we are committed to achieving real progress. It is crucial that developing and developed countries and the private sector all contribute. Development must be built on a global partnership and on shared responsibilities.”
2003-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 58 (2003)
“They voiced their dedication to the fight against terrorism, and their determination to place humanity at the centre of that fight. We want a United Nations that reaches out and responds to the concerns of all Member States. It must reach out and respond to the concerns of all individuals, to the needs of men and women alike. We need a world of equal opportunities, where all the world’s human resources — and not only half of them — are fully put to use. We have a vision of a humane world where people can live in security and dignity, free from poverty and despair. To live up to the ideals enshrined in the Charter, the United Nations must continue to give priority to human rights and fundamental aspects of governance. A culture of impunity for mass atrocities is incompatible with human dignity and undermines long- term security.”
2003-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 58 (2003)
“We must also make sure that the tasks that we decide for the United Nations in Iraq are realistic and achievable. Terrorism is a dark force, which targets the very values and norms upon which the United Nations Charter is based. An overwhelming majority of Member States have joined forces to fight it, and we have taken some important steps together. We need to strengthen the role of the United Nations in multilateral disarmament, arms control and non-proliferation. We need to agree on strong and effective regimes that can provide reliable protection against weapons of mass destruction. A week ago, world leaders and the Secretary- General sat down in New York at the invitation of Norway to discuss ways to fight terrorism and the roots of evil.”
2003-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 58 (2003)
“Without a safe and secure environment, the United Nations is unable to help Iraq along that road. I deplore the political assassinations of religious and political leaders in Iraq. Now we must focus our attention on what is needed to rebuild Iraq. Norway is participating in international efforts to stabilize and rebuild Iraq for the benefit of the Iraqi people. Our aim is to help the people of Iraq regain control of their own destiny, to help them build a future of freedom and justice and a life in peace with their neighbours. The United Nations should play a key role in setting the benchmarks and guiding the political process towards the early restoration of Iraq’s sovereignty and the transfer of power to an Iraqi government. A carefully considered timeframe must be drawn up.”
2003-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 58 (2003)
“The brutal attacks on the United Nations Mission in Baghdad are beyond comprehension. I condemn them in the strongest possible terms. The perpetrators of such crimes must be brought to justice. We must renew our efforts to bolster respect for humanitarian principles. It is unacceptable that United Nations personnel are unable to conduct humanitarian relief operations without risking their lives. It is unacceptable that United Nations personnel are denied access to people in distress. On behalf of the people of Norway, I wish to express my respect and admiration to all United Nations workers who are doing what they can to help in Iraq and other zones of conflict and danger. Unless the security needs in Iraq are met, valuable time on the road to political stability, democracy and economic and social development will be lost.”
2003-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 58 (2003)
“If the United Nations is to be effective in pursuing these tasks, we must all commit ourselves and provide the necessary resources and financial support. As political leaders, we must show steadfast determination. We will have to make difficult choices and hard decisions, sometimes with painful consequences. But the alternative is even more pain and suffering. This is true in our common fight against international terrorism. This is true in our struggle to end poverty, eliminate infectious diseases and uphold respect for human rights and the rule of law. This is true if we are to make the United Nations our primary tool for safeguarding our common security.”
2001-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 56 (2001)
“The developments in Burundi are encouraging, although we recognize that the peace process is still very fragile. The deployment of a multinational security force, on the initiative of South Africa, will, hopefully, improve the situation in Burundi. Norway is ready to support this initiative. The United Nations is our foremost tool for solving global problems. We should recall that combating terrorism has not removed any of the challenges that were on the global agenda prior to 11 September. Nor has it become less pressing to effectively address these challenges. We must not let the cruelty of terrorists divert attention from the ambitious goals we set for ourselves during the Millennium Summit. Meeting those objectives must remain right at the top of our agenda, along with our common fight against terrorism.”
2001-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 56 (2001)
“As Chair of the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee, we stand ready to work with other donors to help restore the economic and social infrastructure in the Palestinian areas. The bulk of the conflicts dealt with by the Security Council are found on the African continent. As a member of the Security Council, Norway is determined to do what it can to promote long-term peace and stability in Africa. Most of the conflicts in Africa clearly demonstrate the close links between peace, good governance and development. The root causes of many of these conflicts are poverty and lack 16 of development, but also violations of human rights and disrespect for basic democratic principles. Norway stands ready to assist in building a sound foundation for good governance and development in Africa.”
2001-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 56 (2001)
“Political leaders on both sides must do everything in their power to halt the violence and reduce the tension. Secondly, confidence-building measures must be implemented simultaneously. Trust must be rebuilt step by step, since without it there can be no real dialogue or negotiation. The Mitchell report lists several steps for restoring trust. Given the high level of hostility and mistrust, the timing and sequence of these steps are crucial. Decisions must be made now. Thirdly, the parties must find a way back to the negotiating table. A halt to the violence, the resumption of security cooperation and steps to restore trust cannot be sustained for long without serious negotiations to resolve the underlying causes of the conflict. Norway will continue to support efforts to bring about a peaceful resolution of the conflict.”
2001-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 56 (2001)
“These are issues that Norway will focus on during its chairmanship of the Afghanistan Support Group next year. Only through coordinated efforts can we contribute to security and development in Afghanistan. A year ago, peace between the Israelis and the Palestinians appeared to be at hand. Today, the hope for peace and security has given way to disillusion, despair and the murder of civilians. We are convinced that the only way out of the current stalemate is through the full implementation of the recommendations in the Mitchell report, which have been endorsed by both parties and by the international community. First of all, there must be an immediate end to the violence. Terrorism must be stopped. The cycle of violent action and reaction must be broken.”
2001-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 56 (2001)
“This is primarily the responsibility of the Afghan people themselves, but the international community must assist. The United Nations must have a leading role. Planning and preparations must start now. We strongly support the efforts of the Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Afghanistan, Lakhdar Brahimi, to help lay the foundation for a broad-based and lasting political solution. We must ensure that the Afghans receive humanitarian assistance both inside Afghanistan and in neighbouring countries. But while seeking to meet immediate needs, we must also focus on the longer- term assistance that will be necessary to rebuild this war-torn society. We must improve respect for human rights and help the Afghan people, in particular women, who have suffered so terribly under Taliban rule.”
2001-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 56 (2001)