H.E. Mr. Jan Petersen, Foreign Minister

Statement at OSCE Ministerial

Porto, 6 December 2002

CHECK AGAINST DELIVERY

Mr. Chairman,

The OSCE has made a vital contribution to security and stability. We have every reason to be proud of our achievements, in conflict prevention, crisis management and post-conflict rehabilitation. Yet the organisation is currently at a crossroads. Crucial choices regarding the identity and profile of the OSCE will have to be made.

The emerging new security architecture of Europe poses a challenge to the OSCE. NATO has invited seven new members to join. The EU is poised to admit ten new members. These historic decisions will further buttress stability and prosperity on our continent. But they will inevitably also affect the role of the OSCE. We would do well to ponder together the future of our organisation and its place in the new security architecture.

Reforms are needed, and renewal is required if the OSCE is to be preserved as an organisation capable of providing added value. The OSCE must be of practical relevance to the new security structure. The organisation needs to make better use of its comparative advantages, such as its broad membership and the operative character ensured by the field missions.

Norway will participate actively in the development of a comprehensive strategy to address security threats in the 21 ^st> century. Our work should outline the OSCE’s main course of action for the years to come.

One fundamental element in this work will be close co-operation on equal terms with other relevant organisations like NATO, the EU and the Council of Europe. This will require internal reform. The rotating chairmanship has served us well, but the chairmanship needs more support. Hence, the Secretariat and the position of Secretary General should be strengthened.

Cross-dimensional efforts in the areas of human rights, stability and security and sustainable economic development must be intensified so as to emphasise the broad, civic profile of the OSCE. We need to strengthen our efforts in the economic and environmental sectors without compromising on our endeavours in the human dimension.

Norway is one of a number of countries increasing their support for countries in the Caucasus and Central Asia. Some of these resources will be distributed through the local OSCE Missions. It is our hope that this will broaden the scope of OSCE activities in the area.

The OSCE must continue to promote the rule of law and respect for human rights. Once stable democracies have been built, it will be easier to mobilise social resources and attract investment. Good policing is a key element in these efforts, as witnessed in the fight against terrorism, organised crime and corruption. Crime knows no borders. Our police activities should be strengthened. They serve the interests of all OSCE countries and facilitate the integration of countries in transition.

The missions are among the most valuable of the OSCE’s assets. However, there is also a need for adjusting the design of field operations, as the demands get more differentiated. We should examine the possibility of new types of field operations that reflect different needs and missions. New ideas are called for, both from the OSCE and from the host countries, keeping in mind that the missions must remain instruments of assistance and cooperation.

I strongly encourage the Belarussian authorities to choose the path of cooperation and come to an agreement with the OSCE on a continued field presence in the country.

Mr. Chairman,

Active and innovative OSCE involvement may also facilitate the search for solutions to some of the so-called ”frozen conflicts” that surfaced in the wake of the break-up of the Soviet Union. The situation in Transnistria is clearly a case in point. It should be possible to reach an agreement on the status of the area within the Republic of Moldova, and to carry out the withdrawal of military equipment. The Istanbul commitments must be honoured as soon as possible.

It is also to be hoped that the efforts to resolve the conflict over Nagorno Karabakh will gain new momentum. In contributing to just and peaceful solutions to the “frozen conflicts” this organisation will prove its international importance.

I agree with the EU on the importance of the activities carried out by the OSCE Assistance Group to Chechnya, in close cooperation with the Russian Federation and local authorities. The Assistance Group should continue its valuable work under the present mandate.

Mr. Chairman,

The new global security picture poses a considerable challenge for the OSCE. The organisation must develop a clear and bold vision of its future role and tasks. We must seek new relevance or risk being marginalised.

Next year’s assessment of the security threats in the 21 ^st> century, and the future role of the OSCE should be reviewed at the highest political level. The main purpose would be to give the strongest possible political impetus to the renewal process. This would give us an opportunity to demonstrate together our unique role in matters of security and political co-operation.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman