The old terrorist with its sick goal to spread death and destruction will probably always be around, but the massive support for terrorist organizations can be reduced through social, economic and political justice.

As Norway worked in the area of economic and social development, we realized how often conflicts and wars destroyed whatever had been achieved in the economic and social sector.

This also became more and more understood by the NGO community. An example is Guatemala that in 1976 was hit by a major earthquake. Norway’s Church Aid got involved in humanitarian relief and reconstruction work.

It became obvious that the reconstruction work would be of little use as long as the civil war raged through the villages and hindered any sustainable economic development.

The presence of Norwegian aid workers made it natural for both the government and the guerilla forces to turn to Norway for help in facilitating talks between the two sides. The talks started in Oslo in 1990 and ended with an agreement in 1996.

Much remains to be done in Guatemala, but there can be no doubt that the situation for the civilians has improved considerably after the signing of the agreement.

Even though the other conflicts where Norway has been involved were quite diverse, there seems to be some similarities in most of Norway’s involvement.

It starts with an NGO presence, making Norway known and creating trust over time. When time is right and both sides of the conflict agree – first then is government participation requested.

This is more or less the case with Guatemala(1996), Cyprus, the Middle-East, Kosovo (1999), Colombia (2000), Sri Lanka, Haiti, and Sudan as the latest, to mention the better known conflict areas where Norway is or has been involved.

Why Norway? Why are we involved in conflict resolution all over the world? I hope the discovery of Norway doing a good and trustworthy job is essential.

But this is not enough.

Professor Ann Kelleher at Pacific Lutheran University has done quite a bit of research on this – and her opinion is that there are 5 mutually supporting factors that help explain why Norway has emerged as a facilitator in talks aimed at ending deeply rooted, long lived sectarian violence.

First:
In Norway there is a domestic consensus that in a pragmatic way expresses global concerns for the oppressed and less fortunate. Norway’s leaders, supported by a strong public opinion, believe that Norway should actively do what it can to promote international peace.

These activities have not, however, been without controversy back home. Why should Norway spend money and human resources on all kinds of conflicts in areas far away?

The argument in favor has been that people ask, on both sides of the conflict, because they trust us, consider us useful, it is therefore difficult for Norway not to get involved. There is a feeling that we simply have an obligation to do so, and also the element of ”realpolitik” that any conflict, however remote, could be a threat to our own security and stability.

We do not see ourselves as better equipped than others in order to facilitate reconciliation, but we do consider that we have a responsibility.

There is little room to become arrogant peace facilitators. To be a facilitator is hard continuing work. When agreements are achieved we say that 10% of the work is done – and 90% remains.
And the result is not given. Suffice enough to look at the crumbs left of the Oslo Agreement for the Middle East from September 1993.

Second:
Norway has an honest broker image at least partly resulting from its decades of advocacy for, and involvement in, the problems of developing countries. During the anti colonial revolution, Norway consistently supported programs such as the New International Economic Order promoted by newly independent states.

Norway’s past has turned out to be its asset. The peaceful split with Sweden in 1905, the fact that we have no colonial past, that Norway is a small country that could be a threat to no-one, and that people do not fear that we have a hidden agenda, has made it easier to turn to us and ask for assistance.

But we also need major powers to put pressure on the parties in order for them to formally sign an agreement. This, however, cannot be made an excuse for not doing our utmost when we are approached.

I find it interesting that many in this country tends to short sell the involvement by the US in these processes. My friends that are involved in conflict resolution around the world all say the same thing – without the involvement of the United States – none of the agreements would have been possible. I want you to know this – and to be proud of it.

Third:
During the l970’s and l980’s, even prior to obtaining its oil wealth, Norwegian governments sought to chart an independent path.

As a member of NATO, Norway did not permit bases or troops other than its own within its territory, pursuing a position based upon “reassurance” with respect to the Soviet Union. This has given credence to claims of independence.

Fourth:
And in my view, maybe the most important,
while distinct from each other, the peace process involvement has started and benefited from a flexible and mutually respectful partnership between the NGO’s working in conflict areas all over the world and the Norwegian government.

Fifth:
As the 3rd largest oil exporter in the world,
oil wealth means that Norway can afford to pursue its selectively focused yet long term peace initiatives.

I have touched on the opportunities that globalization offers, and also the new challenges to peace and security that we face in this new era. What is certain is that conflicts on the other side of the globe concern us all. Peace must be made real and tangible in the daily life of every individual. Peace must be sought, above all, because every member of the human family deserves to live a life of dignity and security.

With the globalization of security threats, the security and prosperity of every individual are the responsibility of all.

We feel privileged to have the opportunity to assist in efforts to establish peace and democracy. Seeing the results of such efforts is enormously rewarding.

But we also see some challenges in sustaining the peace and creating conditions that make development possible. People must feel that peace has a value – what we call the peace dividend.

Too often there are situations where agreements are made, but where conditions on the ground do not reflect the political climate on the top. The Middle East is an example, for the conflicts are too deep just to be solved through political measures alone.

In a globalized world, conflicts or disasters can rarely be isolated. They affect us all. 1.2 billion people are living on less than a dollar a day. The same number of people lack access to safe drinking water. Twice as many have no access to adequate sanitation. Poverty, hunger and disease kill a child every three seconds.

In their bleak, statistical way these numbers are as violent as almost any conflict.

And there is no single solution to the challenges they pose.

Only concerted, global action can take on the task of dealing with these problems. In this regard, we see some positive signs of new political developments. The task before us is enormous, but we also see improvements:

World Bank figures show a 20 per cent reduction in global poverty in the period 1984-2001.
Over the last 40 years, life expectancy at birth has risen by 20 years – the largest increase in history.
The past decade has shown a significant drop in infant mortality rates.
And every year, the lives of 2.5 million children are saved through vaccination programs alone.

Above all we have to be optimistic. We have to believe. Because if we do not believe – we have nothing.

I hope that I, through this introduction, have given you a look into Norway’s approach to the many important and difficult situations in today’s world where we are involved.

As Norway realized the need to join in multilateral cooperation after WWII, today this cooperation is more important than ever.

Only through common efforts will we be able to create a better and more secure world for all.

Thank you for your attention – thank you for staying involved. As we say in Norway – we simply have an obligation to do so.
 

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