Dear friends,

It is an honour and a pleasure for me to join this event. I hope that my presentation will contribute to the debate on how to understand and fight terrorism.

We are facing a new form of terrorism

We are facing a new form of terrorism. Five years ago in Skopje, Macedonia, a prominent Norwegian researcher spoke at a conference on conflict prevention. She pointed to several new characteristics of terrorism: Terrorism is becoming more and more international. It is also becoming more violent.

Aggressive terrorist groups in various countries connect via the Internet. The terrorists are not necessarily fighting for the same cause. They operate in different parts of the world. But they exchange information on torture methods, weapons and explosives and how and where to recruit activists. The researcher I am talking about is Marianne Heiberg. She is the widow of former Minister of Defence Johan Jørgen Holst.

I would also like to present the thoughts of another Nordic political scientist. His name is Lars Erslev Andersen. He has long been one of Denmark’s main experts on terrorism. This month he is publishing a book on the Al Qaeda network.

In recent years, he has pointed to the new form of terrorism that has developed alongside the dissemination of new technology. Terrorist networks are inspired by the way the Internet is organised. On the Internet, knowledge and information are organised in completely new and previously unknown forms:

The organisation is horizontal and flat, rather than vertical and top-down governed. The principle here is not bureaucratic hierarchy, but inter-linkages. These links are potential connections which can be established very quickly.

The modern terrorist networks operate in the same way. They have virtual connections which can create ad hoc groups. These groups do not have to get an “OK, go ahead” from a top leader. Terrorist networks have become self-organised, rapid, efficient and flexible. It is impossible to control the flow of information on the Internet because the amount of information is enormous and access decentralised.

The world has changed

The terrible consequence of the new breed of international terrorism shocked the world on September 11. The repercussions of these terrorist attacks echoed around the world.

The United States considers itself at war and has taken the lead in this fight against terrorism. In this war Norway, too, plays its part. As a member of NATO we have offered substantial contributions.

Parliamentary elections in Norway took place on September 10 last year. Just a few hours later the political agenda was turned totally on its head. We watched the TV screens, shocked by the images we saw. It was difficult to grasp what was happening.

Kofi Annan said in his speech when he accepted the Nobel Peace Prize: "A new sense of insecurity has entered every mind, regardless of wealth or status".

This sense of insecurity must be taken seriously. The United States and the broad international coalition against terrorism have required us to take action.

As Minister of Defence, I have my share of responsibility for helping to ensure that people can once more feel safe. I have my share of responsibility for saying "enough is enough".

What caused the September 11 attacks?

The attacks on September 11 were directed at the United States. But the threat is aimed at the world community, and the consequences are affecting us all. This is inevitable in a world characterised by growing interdependence.

Since September 11 we have witnessed a growing recognition all over the world that global threats must be dealt with globally. A broad co-operation between all nations is necessary. This applies to the threat of terrorism, just as it applies to other challenges posed by globalisation.

Today, governments all over the world are deeply concerned and aware of our responsibility in combating terrorism and its causes.

If we are to win the fight against international terrorism – and we will win it – we must do everything possible to keep together. We must strengthen the broad international coalition that has been established.

In the debate since September 11, poverty and injustice have been cited as causes of international terrorism. Poverty and injustice are by far the greatest challenges facing the international community.

Lack of hope and degrading living conditions are among the main characteristics of poverty. This may breed desperation and violence, and it may breed terror and sympathy for terrorist acts.

But the terrorist acts we witnessed on September 11 had a different origin.

The September 11 acts were committed by largely young, well-educated and wealthy fanatics. A powerful international network financed the attacks. Terrorist groups, such as Al Qaeda, tend to voice an extreme ideology or religious fundamentalism. Their acts are the result of deep-seated intolerance and extremism. Terrorist methods do not benefit the people who suffer in this world.

A German woman who was an active member of the Baader-Meinhof terrorist group in the 1970s said last week in a newspaper interview: “We did not achieve anything with our terrorist acts. It was all in vain”.

New hope for the women of Afghanistan

Afghanistan has experienced 20 years of war, drought and hunger. One third of the population is in desperate need of food. What has characterised the society more than anything else is the mismanagement by the Taliban rulers. Their fundamentalist religious practice deprived the population of basic rights. This affected women in particular.

Media reports from Afghanistan show us that many women are still wearing their burkhas. But a positive change is nevertheless occurring. Girls are welcome in the schools, and the labour market is again open to women. Strong Afghani women are able to voice their concerns to international representatives of governments, aid organisations and media. They are again allowed to show their pride.

Media coverage about the suppressed women of Afghanistan, hidden under their burkhas, has made a deep impression on me - as a woman and as Minister of Defence.

It is my hope that the international focus on helping the people of Afghanistan out of their plight will not fade. As members of an international women’s network, we all have a responsibility in this matter. We must stand together in the international fight against terrorism.

Norway contributes in many ways

The Norwegian Government has after September 11 given full support to the fight against terror. We immediately supported the NATO declaration that the attacks on the United States were to be considered an attack on all Member States. This is in accordance with Article 5 of the North Atlantic Treaty.

Norway has also made several force contributions to the US-led operation “Enduring Freedom” in Afghanistan:

• We contribute 15 operators to the clearing of landmines and two mine clearing vehicles.

• Last December we sent 15 light armoured vehicles that are used by the American forces.

• We will soon provide a C-130 transport aircraft with support units to the operation. It will operate from the air base at Manas in Kirgystan.
• Norwegian special forces also participate in the operations.

• Norway has also offered six F-16 fighters to the operation.

The United Kingdom heads the “International Security Assistance Force” (ISAF) in Afghanistan. Here, Norway provides 25 personnel in an explosive ordnance disposal team and a transport control unit.

Norway has also been actively involved on a diplomatic level. We are giving humanitarian aid to Afghanistan, and we are now chairing the Afghan Support Group.

Some 20 Norwegian officers take part in the air surveillance of United States airspace. We contributed to NATO’s increased presence in the Mediterranean with a frigate and a submarine.

In late November last year Norway sent staff to the US Central Command headquarters which leads operation “Enduring Freedom” in Afghanistan.

The success of the international campaign against terrorism is vital. The campaign will be prolonged and intense. It will include the use of every tool available to the international community, including military force. The fight is not limited to Afghanistan. Terrorists must be fought wherever they are.

Russia’s role

The attacks on September 11 reinforced the fact that Russia has become an important partner for the United States and NATO. Russia is a key member of the international coalition against terrorism. The co-operation with countries in Central Asia is also important in organising military operations towards the terrorist networks and the former Taliban regime in Afghanistan.

During the past years, Russia has shown a degree of political stability that is very positive, and Russia is no longer regarded as a threat. In a historical perspective, relations between Russia and Norway have been characterised by mutual respect. There has been no armed conflict between us.

Naturally, it serves Norway’s security interests that our neighbour Russia enjoys a stable development. Since September 11, we are pleased to notice Russia’s increased willingness to co-operate.

What is Norway doing to prevent, limit and fight terrorism?

Even though we have little reason to expect that there is direct threat against Norway, international terrorism will always be a threat against our society and our citizens. It is the Minister of Justice who has the overall responsibility for the security of our civil society in peacetime. This means that the Ministry of Defence and the Armed Forces co-ordinate their work with the Ministry of Justice in a more supportive role.

In early April I am submitting a Proposition concerning Norway’s defence policy to the Parliament. It contains proposals for necessary changes to our defence structure and the related budget levels.

The Proposition aims to strike a balance between the defence structure and available funding during the period 2002 – 2005. At the same time, the Proposition spells out how the Armed Forces should adjust to the new security policy challenges. The Armed Forces need to become more flexible to face the new terror threat. We have to make sure that the Norwegian Armed Forces create the right forces and capabilities.

Conclusion

We have put behind us one of the most dramatic years of our time. September 11 was the day when reality surpassed fantasy. The evil face of terrorism became more obvious than ever. Basic values such as freedom and personal safety were put to a test. The terrorist acts exposed the vulnerability of our civil society. Thousands of innocent lives were lost.

However, the terrible acts of September 11 created a new basis for international co-operation. A broad international coalition stands together across political, ethnic and religious differences. Never before has the international community been so united in fighting a common security threat.

Military force is one component in the fight against terrorism. But force alone cannot provide the complete answer. Political, economic, diplomatic, legal and humanitarian means must all be used to achieve the fullest effect.

The fight against terrorism is a fight for the international order. It is a struggle for co-operation between peoples. It has to do with achieving free and open societies. We are striving for tolerance – for human dignity itself.

Thank you for your attention.