Speech to the Corps Consulaire

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I have always admired the eloquence and power of persuasion that diplomats possess. One perceptive observer once said: “A diplomat is a person who can ask you to go to hell in such a way that you actually look forward to the trip”. As a politician, I would have loved to have this ability to persuade. But as I am a priest by profession, I would of course recommend another destination for the trip!

Let me first of all say how much I appreciate this opportunity to meet with you and to congratulate the Corps Consulaire and all the members with 25 years of active service! For our Government, you are a highly appreciated forum, representing vital links between Norway and the world outside. I can assure you that my Government, through the Foreign Ministry and other relevant agencies, will continue to extend to you the best possible service and co-operation, to facilitate the important work that you do.

I would like to open with a few words about the new coalition Government that I am leading, and its parliamentary basis. Foreign observers often wonder how we manage to govern, when our three parties constitute only 42 out of 165 members of our Parliament – the Storting. The answer can be found in the independent position that we have taken in relation to the traditional blocks in Norwegian politics. My Government represents the centre ground, the political point of gravity in most of the western democratic societies. This means that we are open to co-operation and dialogue with all parties in Parliament, on a case-by-case basis.

I will not hide that this is a demanding task. But I believe we have got off to a very good start. Last autumn, we managed to pass a budget that meant a breakthrough for two of our main priorities. First, we achieved a solid and long-overdue raise in the incomes for elderly people on minimum state pensions. Second, we achieved a “cash - for - kids” (family allowance) system that gives parents more freedom to choose between home care and public care for their children.

These reforms – which have created very interesting debates – go to the heart of the new Government’s mission. We want to work for a warmer, more caring society, based on solidarity and what we believe are universal and Christian principles: compassion for the weak, respect for human rights, tolerance and diversity, and individual responsibility for society and the natural environment.

I firmly believe that the strength of society does not only rely on economic and technological developments. The moral backbone of the people is an equally important asset in our efforts to build a community with positive human relations. A chain is not stronger than its weakest link. The quality of a nation does not only depend on political decisions and structures: it also depends on the strength of individuals and families.

A main objective of this government is to raise the awareness of the basic principles and human values – the values that make life worth living. Against a background of what I believe to be a tendency towards erosion of ethics, excessive materialism, increasing violence and disparities, we launched last month the “Commission on Human Values” to start a public debate and mobilise our society against disruptive developments. Our aim is not to deliver fixed conclusions or bureaucratic decisions. It is rather to launch a national discussion process aimed at communicating and promoting positive community values and wider democratic participation. We are pleased to note that the establishment of the Commission has generated interest also abroad, and look forward to contacts and dialogue with other countries on vital values and ethics issues.

As politicians, we have a special responsibility to restore the citizens’ confidence in the democratic political process. The signs of increasing disrespect for politicians and politics may be based on impressions that we promise more than we can deliver, or concentrate on minor issues instead of tackling the major ones. It is important that we take such complaints seriously, and work to bring expectations in line with our abilities. We must admit that our room for action is less than it was only twenty years ago. There is, for example, no doubt that the globalisation of capital resulting from the deregulation of the financial markets in the early 1980s, means that we are more constrained in our economic policy now than in the late 1970s, when interest rates were decided by governments, not markets.

How do we ensure that national and democratically elected institutions retain their relevance and ability to influence the distribution of wealth, security, equality and freedom in a world of powerful international institutions and markets? What are the conditions for popular democracy and individual influence in Norway at the turn of a new millennium? These crucial questions are the main theme of the new Project on power and democracy that we have just started. Led by prominent researchers and experts, the project will be operating in close contact with similar projects in Sweden and Denmark. I hope that it will generate constructive public debate and cast new light on the challenges facing the democratic welfare state.

Let me make it clear: I am not saying that things were better in the “good, old days”. Economically, our country has never looked more secure. We are in the privileged position of having oil and gas resources enough to ensure welfare also for future generations. Norwegians are proud to have organised a welfare society where solidarity and income policy co-operation helps maintaining universal employment and a healthy economy. The Government is confident that we can meet the challenges of the future by taking a long-term view in our economic policy. This includes an ecologically sound management of resources, and a stable exchange rate.

However, we must be vigilant and prudent. Oil prices fluctuate beyond our control. Increased consumption and wage demands can lead to inflation and overheating. The Government places great emphasis on achieving a moderate wage settlement this spring. While other European countries struggle with unemployment, Norway’s problem is a lack of qualified labour in many sectors. This may drive up salaries and interest rates. A main priority of this Government is to lead a budget and finance policy that ensures continued low inflation, low unemployment and an equitable distribution of wealth. At the same time, we are determined to set substantial funds aside for investing in future prosperity and security. Apart from the Oil Fund, this includes procurement for health care, education, research, and the police.

On the domestic policy front, we have several other important issues ahead of us this term. The Government will soon report to Parliament about how to implement the Kyoto Climate Agreement on reducing greenhouse gas emissions. We must be prepared to tackle the effects that this will have for Norwegian society, including on the question of building gas-fired power plants. The Government’s efforts to focus on the “polluter pays” principle in our tax policy also has to be seen in the context of our obligations to limit greenhouse gas emissions. We will this spring submit a report to Parliament with proposals for a “green tax reform”, which will increase taxes for undesirable use of resources and pollution. The Government is also preparing to submit reports to Parliament on strengthening the health system, with a special emphasis on hospitals and psychiatric care. Recent tragedies show that there is a need for measures to improve our capacity in this important field.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

At the international level, the new Government’s concern for values and ethics translates into an enhanced focus in our foreign policy on promoting human rights and fundamental freedoms. Adding a special co-ordinating responsibility for human rights to the portfolio of the Minister of International Development emphasises the Government’s commitment to human rights. The objectives of the Government’s foreign and security policies remain: to safeguard our country’s freedom, achieve a more equitable global distribution between rich and poor, and contribute actively to international efforts for peace, democracy and environmental protection.

The new Government will work to ensure that these values and objectives are reflected in all the major dimensions of our foreign policy: the northern, the European, the transatlantic, and the global. There should be no doubt that my Government will continue to pursue the main lines of a foreign policy that has the broad support of all parties in our Parliament.

Relations with Russia remain a fundamental element in Norwegian foreign policy. Last week, we were reminded that setbacks can occur. But with this case behind us, my Government looks forward to getting back on a constructive track and continue to build a long-term, stable and friendly relationship with our Russian neighbours. Further progress in our co-operation with Russia on energy matters, nuclear and environmental safety, and resource management in the northern areas, is crucial for enhancing security and prosperity in our region. Trade and economic co-operation across our borders in the north is also an important part of an active district policy, to create conditions for vital communities in Norway’s northernmost areas.

My government is determined to use our chairmanship of the Barents Euro-Arctic Council to build upon the growing political interest in the European Union and North America for the challenges and possibilities in the northern areas. We want to bring our western allies and partners more closely into the Barents co-operation with Russia.

This demonstrates Norway’s intention to promote regional co-operation as part of the wider European integration process. In this context, we fully support the initiative of my Finnish colleague, Paavo Lipponen, for strengthening the northern dimension in the European Union. I have made clear to the EU Commission our wish to take an active part here. We are in close contact with Finland on this issue.

An important objective of the new government is to pursue a coherent policy for our neighbouring areas. This involves not only Russia and the Barents region, but also the Baltic region. We want to contribute where we are most relevant, and where we can make a difference. At the Baltic Sea Council summit in Riga in January, I was very pleased by the broad support for my vision for creating an integrated energy network for the Baltic Sea region. Our proposal for a meeting of the eleven Nordic and Baltic Sea energy ministers in Norway this autumn was also well received. I hope and believe that this meeting will be an important step towards making energy co-operation a new and significant dimension of the dynamic development in this region.

Promoting co-operation between the five Nordic countries remain a centrepiece of our foreign policy, both in a regional and in the wider European context. The dynamic changes in Europe have added new dimensions to both formal and informal Nordic co-operation. Security and defence policy has become a natural part of our relations. During our chairmanship of the Nordic Council of Ministers last year, Norway focussed on joint Nordic projects with a long-term perspective. It is an important aim for us to strengthen integration in the wider Nordic region.

Nordic and regional co-operation initiatives constitute an important part of the Government’s active policy towards Europe. My coalition not only respects and accepts the majority’s verdict in the referendum on EU membership – we endorse it as fully in line with Norwegian political and economic interests. At the same time, we want to demonstrate that being outside the EU does not mean that Norway will be standing on the sidelines watching other Europeans play on the field. This goes for the political arena in Brussels - and hopefully also for the football arenas in France this summer!

The new Government is committed to maintain and expand the co-operation with the EU, based on the EEA agreement. A broad majority in Parliament supports this policy. The EEA agreement remains the basis for Norway’s relationship with the EU. Norway is fully integrated in the internal market and will continue to contribute to its well-functioning. We will engage actively in the EEA co-operation, and carefully evaluate new relevant directives in accordance with the provisions in the agreement.

The European Union is facing important challenges in the years ahead, both in relation to external enlargement and internal reforms. We have a keen interest in this process. Enlargement of the EU to the east also means enlargement of the EEA. Norway would like to have consultation procedures that allow us to raise issues related to negotiations with new applicants.

We follow closely the development of Economic and Monetary Union. Exchange rate stability in Europe will clearly be beneficial also to Norway. A study of consequences for EMU for Norway are now being done in the Finance Ministry and will be presented to Parliament in the revised National Budget in May this year.

We look forward to continue our excellent co-operation with the EU and all its member states to prevent conflicts and promote peace and democracy in Europe. As current member of the leadership troika of the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe, and as Chairman-in-Office in 1999, Norway will play a central role in crisis management and peace-building efforts in conflict areas such as the Balkans, the Caucasus, and Central Asia. We will direct special attention to the strengthening of the respect for human rights, the rule of law, and democratic institutions. The OSCE’s human dimension obligations are central to the creation of stability and security in Europe. Through the OSCE Chairmanship, Norway intends to show our determination to contribute to integration and further co-operation in the Euro-Atlantic area.

Last week, I had the pleasure of attending the NATO exercise “Strong Resolve” currently underway in northern Norway. Such exercises are vital to ensure the unity and preparedness of our alliance, and signify the strong commitment of our allies to the defence of Norway. At the same time, they demonstrate the fundamental importance of the transatlantic dimension in Norwegian foreign and security policy. For nearly fifty years, NATO has safeguarded peace, security and democracy for us and for Europe. Now, the Alliance is rising to new challenges. NATO has adapted to the changes in Europe that the Alliance itself has been instrumental in bringing about.

Last month, our Parliament ratified the accession protocols for Poland, Hungary, and the Czech Republic to become members of NATO. And the door remains open. Through the political and peace-keeping co-operation with Partner countries and Russia, the Alliance is demonstrating its openness and determination to build joint security in Europe. The NATO-led peace operation in Bosnia is a unique manifestation of this. Here, Norwegian, Nordic, Polish and Baltic troops are operating side by side with American and Russian soldiers. This would have been unthinkable only a few years ago!

In the former Yugoslavia, many challenges remain, including in Kosovo, where a peaceful dialogue about increased self-rule for ethnic Albanians is urgently needed to avoid further violence. NATO, OSCE, the United Nations and other organisations must stay involved to prevent further conflict and suffering. Norway has been actively engaged since the first UN peace-keepers arrived in the area six years ago, and we will continue to take part, with soldiers and police in Bosnia, Croatia and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, and with significant funds and personnel for reconstruction and humanitarian assistance.

Norwegian efforts in the Middle East also bear witness to our deep commitment to contribute to international peace and security. During our recent talks here in Oslo, Prime Minister Netanyahu confirmed the validity of the Oslo agreements and Israel’s will to continue the peace process with Norway as a credible facilitator.

My Government feels a strong political and moral obligation to remain actively engaged to ensure the implementation of the Oslo agreements. I plan to visit the region later this year. On Monday, Foreign Minister Vollebæk will be in Washington to discuss the serious situation in the peace process with State Secretary Albright. It is of great importance for us, and for Norway’s central role in the peace process, to be in close consultations with the Americans in advance of their planned new initiatives, which hopefully can contribute to bringing the peace process forward.

During my discussions with Prime Minister Netanyahu, I also raised some important questions of concern to us, including the case of Mr. Vanunu, who is imprisoned in Israel. Netanyahu promised that he would look into the matter. I was pleased to learn a few days ago that the conditions under which Mr. Vanunu is serving his prison sentence, has been improved.

In the global dimension of our foreign policy, the United Nations and its activities to promote peace, security, development and human rights around the world remains a cornerstone. My Government will continue our firm support for the efforts to reform and strengthen the United Nations to meet the challenges of the next century. We will continue to participate in UN peace-keeping operations. We expect to be elected member of the UN Commission on Human Rights from 1999. We will make every effort to gain support for a seat at the Security Council in 2001 and 2002. And we will remain one of the main contributors to UN efforts to promote sustainable development, and combat poverty, disease, and environmental degradation.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

My Government attaches the highest priority to pursue a policy of solidarity in relation to the developing countries. This is a fundamental moral obligation, and a serious ethical issue. We can not continue to accept that poverty and pollution dominate the daily lives of billions of people around the world. We can not continue to accept that innocent lives are lost every day because of the proliferation of weapons, hostilities and hatred. And we can not continue to accept that basic human rights and freedoms are being violated through the injustice and negligence of governments.

Against this background, my Government intends to intensify our efforts to achieve a more equitable distribution of the world’s resources. We will gradually increase our transfers of development aid. We are drawing up plans for debt relief for the developing countries. Our development policy will give increased focus to assisting the poorest. The Government will continue our fight against the spreading of anti-personnel land mines and small arms. We will work actively to promote basic human rights in countries where such rights are violated. This must be done through political and diplomatic channels, but it could also have consequences for international trade and economic co-operation. To strengthen our credibility in this regard, we are determined to set our own house in order and have begun the work on incorporating human rights conventions into Norwegian law.

Ladies and gentlemen,

A main objective of this Government is to work for genuine social and economic cohesion, both nationally and in the world community. Showing solidarity and compassion with others can not stop at the borders of the nation-state, in a world of instant communications, where travelling is easy for tourists as well as refugees, and where news and information spread as fast as plagues and pollution. Contributing to peace and prosperity, justice and freedom abroad is not only in line with an ethical foreign policy – in today’s interdependent world, it is also a matter of safeguarding our own national interests. And by basing our policies on moral values, promoting a caring, warmer society nationally and internationally, we can build the respect and confidence necessary to the development of democratic politics, both at home and abroad.