Ladies and Gentlemen,

I am honoured to be invited to speak in this distinguished club.

In keeping with the club’s tradition, I would like to focus on the most important issue of the day. Our fight against international terrorism.

Yesterday the American people received yet another warning of possible new terrorist attacks. Nobody knows where and when the terrorists may strike again.

The random selection of victims is the very essence of terror – it can strike at any place and at any time. Terrorism is a crime against the innocent.

Terrorism transcends national borders – it strikes at the core of the values we hold to be universal, independent of our belief systems and religious affiliations.

International reactions have been clear and unanimous. The condemnation has been universal. The UN, NATO, the EU, the Organisation of the Islamic Conference have all condemned the attacks.

We have made the fight against terrorism our common cause. Terrorism is a threat to international peace and security. I believe the pre-eminent task of world leaders is to combat this threat.

With its universal membership and a comprehensive agenda, the UN is well suited to lead our common struggle against terrorism. The UN has already demonstrated leadership.

Norway has participated actively in this effort, and will continue to do so in the future. It is of paramount importance that the UN is given the necessary resources.

The UN Security Council quickly recognised the right of the US to individual or collective self-defence. The US-led military operations in Afghanistan are thus fully in keeping with Article 51 of the UN Charter. Equally important is that NATO invoked its Article 5, which means that the attack on the United States is also an attack on all other allies.

Norway has offered her support. Upon request from President Bush we are jointly exploring how Norwegian forces may participate in the ongoing military operations in Afghanistan. We have recently presented a list of possible Norwegian contributions. Our offers include fighter aircraft and specialists on operations in extreme winter conditions.

We are already participating as an ally. Along with other NATO-members Norwegian military personnel are manning NATO aircraft conducting surveillance along the borders of your homeland. A Norwegian frigate is taking part in NATO efforts to reinforce allied naval forces in the eastern Mediterranean. We are co-operating on intelligence.

The Taliban and their brutal regime is soon history. This does not mean, however, that the threat of terrorism is eliminated. Terrorist networks are world-wide.

Removing the threat of terrorism will require a concerted effort by the international community. A comprehensive strategy must include military, political, diplomatic, legal and economic means.

Let me underline that the fight against terrorism is not a fight between religions or a clash of civilisations. Islam is indeed a great and peaceful religion.

The Afghan people has suffered intolerably during the reign of the Taliban regime. It is heartening to see that humanitarian assistance is now flowing into Afghanistan. The need for humanitarian aid will continue to increase as winter approaches.

Norway’s humanitarian assistance has been tripled since September 11. Norway will continue to take active part in the humanitarian effort.

I would like to commend the aid organisations, international aid workers and local staff on the ground in Afghanistan. They are performing heroic deeds. The lack of law and order put these courageous people in jeopardy every day.

We must ensure that the internally displaced and refugees in neighbouring countries can return home.

The tragedy in Afghanistan, has taught us – the international community - an important lesson. If we turn our back on a society in disintegration, it will come back to haunt us.

A people steeped in poverty may become easy prey for terrorists. Fighting poverty must therefore be an integral part of our strategy against terrorism.

The reconstruction of Afghanistan will require a long-term involvement of the international community. We must not leave the job half done.

Next year Norway will chair the international donor group called Afghanistan Support Group. This body will be playing an instrumental role in providing for the humanitarian needs of the population. This will remain a formidable challenge for a long time to come.

Economic and political reconstruction should go hand in hand.

It is most encouraging to see that the Afghan groups during negotiations in Bonn, now have come to an agreement on a transition government.

We commend the Secretary General’s Special Representative Lakhdar Brahimi for his efforts in preparing the grounds for a representative, multi-ethnic government in Afghanistan. I believe the step-by-step approach to the political reconstruction process is a sound one.

It is important to take seriously into account the rights and interests of women. A new Afghan government without women is by definition not a representative government. This is why Norway has emphasised the need to involve Afghan women to the largest extent possible.

Norway will continue to actively support the political reconstruction effort of the Afghan people.

I am also greatly encouraged that all Afghan groups present at the Conference in Bonn have accepted an international security presence.

Norway will contribute should this become a reality.

Ladies and gentlemen

Just as we saw encouraging signs of the peace process getting back on track in the Middle East, terrorists launched a new cycle of revenge and retribution in that region.

Known terrorists have been allowed to operate freely. This is unacceptable. We condemn their actions. They must be stopped. The cycle of violence must now be halted.

A cease-fire as sought by the US representatives on the ground must be implemented and a process towards a political solution started.

Continued destruction of lives and homes and infrastructure on both sides is not the answer. A mutual recommitment to peace is urgently needed.

In order to remove the threat of terrorism wherever it is, the international community must redouble its efforts at eliminating its known breeding grounds; violent conflicts, poverty, intolerance, and religious fanaticism.

We must strive for democratisation and for universal adherence to human rights. We must move to implement the action plan agreed at the UN Millennium Summit last year. Globalisation must be made into a vehicle for growth and prosperity for all nations and all people.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Next Monday, on the 100 ^th> anniversary of the Nobel Peace Prize, the Norwegian Nobel Committee will present this year’s prize to the United Nations and Secretary General Kofi Annan. I cannot think of more appropriate laureates.

Throughout the past century the prize has been awarded people who have dedicated their lives to the cause of peace. The aim of the terrorists is to undo what these champions of peace have built. We will not let them down. We will not allow the messengers of death and destruction to destroy our societies.

I reiterate my solidarity with the United States in this time of crisis. Together we must lay the foundation for global peace and prosperity.

This is the formidable challenge for the 21 ^st> century.