Mr. President,

The terrorist attacks against the USA on 11 September were a declaration of war.

They were a declaration of war against the international legal order, against international cooperation, against free and open societies, against tolerance, and against human dignity.

We condemn these atrocious acts in the strongest possible terms. And we condemn those who are responsible.

The aim of the fight against international terrorism is clear: we must prevent new terrorist attacks. And those responsible for the attacks on 11 September and their supporters must be found and brought to justice.

A whole world stands united behind this demand.

The fight against terrorism is being fought with political, diplomatic, legal and financial means. Unfortunately it is also necessary to use military means. This is because the Taliban regime has been unwilling to cooperate with the international community in bringing those responsible for the attacks to justice. Instead they are supporting them.

Military actions always pose a moral dilemma, and I understand people’s disquiet in this connection. But our choice does not lie between a good and a bad alternative. In my view, the choice not to use military means to prevent new terrorist attacks is the worst alternative. The consequences are incalculable and could be terrible.

The situation in Afghanistan calls for large-scale humanitarian assistance. The need for emergency relief was great even before the war on terrorism began, but the level of assistance was relatively low. Paradoxically, this situation has now changed, and in the last few weeks major donor countries have doubled and tripled their humanitarian assistance.

Mr. President,

The international reactions since 11 September have been clear, unambiguous and unanimous.

There is very broad support for the USA’s right to self defence.

The EU countries have given the USA their full support. Russia, China, Japan, the countries in the Pacific and a large number of other countries and organizations have condemned the attacks and given the USA their support.

It is especially noteworthy that the countries of the Organization of the Islamic Conference have condemned the attacks, and that the Arab countries are contributing in various ways to the coalition.

The day after the attacks, the UN Security Council unanimously adopted resolution 1368. This resolution is historic. It establishes that the terrorist attacks constitute a threat to international peace and security, and confirms the USA’s right to individual or collective self-defence, in keeping with Article 51 of the UN Charter. Thus the USA’s military measures are fully in accordance with the UN Charter and the Security Council resolution.

The Security Council condemned the terrorist acts and called on all states to work together to bring the perpetrators and their supporters to justice.

In resolution 1373 of 28 September, the Security Council also decided on a number of measures to prevent the financing of terrorism. This resolution, too, is binding on all UN member states.

The Security Council resolution was implemented in Norwegian law by a provisional ordinance of 5 October. The Government intends to submit a bill that will replace the provisional ordinance.

Mr. President,

NATO condemned the terrorist attacks immediately, and issued a declaration unequivocally supporting the USA. The North Atlantic Council confirmed that the attacks are to be considered an attack on all the members of the Alliance. Thus, according to Article 5 of the North Atlantic Treaty, all members are obliged to contribute to the necessary countermeasures.

Thus, the obligation of collective defence has been invoked for the first time in the history of the Alliance. This underscores the solidarity between the Allies. It shows that the Article 5 guarantee, which has been the mainstay of our own security and defence policy for over 50 years, is a real one. It can be invoked when the situation requires. It goes without saying that this decision is extremely important for Norway.

Mr. President,

There is broad agreement on Norway’s position. Agreement across party lines has given the Government strength in a demanding international situation. The Government will do what it can to maintain this broad agreement.

This is also important in the context of our membership of the Alliance.

Norway expressed full solidarity with the USA immediately after the terrorist attacks. Thousands of Norwegians personally expressed their sympathy and distress.

At the same time we offered the USA our assistance in the rescue operation. This included investigators, a disaster psychiatric team and search dogs, all for immediate deployment.

Norway is prepared to provide concrete support to the USA, including a military contribution. We are also prepared to participate in NATO operations if the USA should ask for Allied support.

Norway has already made military resources available. We are taking part in intensified intelligence cooperation with the USA and within the framework of NATO. Norwegian personnel are part of NATO’s airborne surveillance, which has been transferred to the USA. A Norwegian frigate is also taking part in NATO’s Standing Naval Force Atlantic, which will later reinforce the presence in the Mediterranean. A Norwegian submarine could join NATO’s Standing Naval Force Mediterranean.

Last week the Government received a request from the US authorities to begin discussions at military level on the possibility of a further military contribution by Norway. A similar request has been addressed to other US allies, and in the last few days, several of them have announced that they will make a military contribution.

The Government has responded quickly and positively to this request. This was communicated to the US authorities on Monday in connection with the Foreign Minister’s talks in Washington.

The Government is prepared to comply with US requests.

The Government intends to establish a permanent military liaison group at the US headquarters in Florida as soon as possible. Discussions on a possible Norwegian military contribution will continue, but so far there is nothing qualitatively new in relation to what we have already contributed.

Mr. President,

The terrorist networks can only be broken down through a long-term, comprehensive approach by the broadest possible alliance, using a broad range of measures, including political, legal, financial and military measures. The military measures are part of a coherent strategy and they are, unfortunately, necessary.

However, there is much debate about the military operations.

Questions have been asked whether the right choices have been made, and whether the strategy will succeed. I understand this. It is a difficult situation. And the use of military force always poses a profound moral dilemma. In my view, the use of military methods is only meaningful when they are necessary to limit the consequences of evil – in this case of terrorism.

We must not forget that the international community is facing a ruthless opponent, who has painstakingly and systematically planned terrorist acts with the intention of killing many thousands of civilians. This is an opponent who is willing to commit the most appalling crimes again, and who has the resources and determination to do so.

Mr. President,

We must not forget 11 September.

In spite of repeated requests, the Taliban regime in Afghanistan has refused to comply with binding Security Council resolutions calling for the surrender of Osama bin Laden and other specified persons in the terrorist network Al Qaida.

In the weeks after 11 September, the Taliban regime continued to be unwilling to comply with the demands and requests put forward by the UN and the USA, and they provided conflicting information about Osama bin Laden’s whereabouts.

The Taliban regime’s total refusal to cooperate and to comply with binding Security Council resolutions has forced the international community to take military measures.

The current air strikes are directed at military targets and installations that are directly linked to the terrorist network. Our information indicates that a considerable part of the Taliban regime’s military infrastructure and important terrorist camps have been put out of action.

Civilian lives have been lost. One death is one too many. Every individual is unique.

We must do what we can to prevent the innocent from being affected. I am confident that the countries taking part in the operation are doing this. During his talks with Secretary of State Powell in Washington earlier this week, the Foreign Minister was given clear assurances that the USA is doing everything in its power to avoid civilian losses.

Our information indicates that the figures for civilian losses due to the bombing of targets in Afghanistan are not high. The damage to non-military targets is not large. Moreover there is good reason to question the credibility of the Taliban’s reports on civilian losses. The regime has systematically distorted the truth, both to its own people and to the international community, and is far from open.

Mr. President,

The attacks on 11 September were directed at the USA. But the threat is directed at the world community, and the consequences are affecting us all. This also applies to the world economy, where the effects are being felt in both affluent and poor countries. This is inevitable in a world characterized by growing interdependence.

Since 11 September we have witnessed a growing recognition all over the world that global threats must be dealt with globally, in a broad cooperation between all nations. This applies to the threat of terrorism, just as it applies to other challenges posed by globalization.

The USA has led the way in building a uniquely broad coalition. We have seen how 11 September strengthened the will for international cooperation. This is important, and is in keeping with one of the main lines of our own foreign policy.

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

Osama bin Laden is calling for a war between religions and between the peoples of the world. This is a call that will not inspire support. It is a message from a sect that will remain isolated because it is urging terror and destruction.

Bin Laden’s verbal assault on this year’s Nobel Peace Laureates, the UN and Secretary-General Kofi Annan, is further confirmation of this.

In the debate since 11 September, poverty and injustice have been cited as causes of international terrorism. But it is important to be precise as regards the link between poverty and terror.

Poverty and injustice are by far the greatest challenges facing the international community. This was the unambiguous message of the UN Millennium Assembly, and this is one of the guiding principles of Norway’s long-standing and substantial efforts to provide humanitarian assistance and promote development. This government has announced that it will increase development assistance.

Hopeless and degrading living conditions are the face of poverty. These can breed desperation and violence, and they can breed terror. But the terrorist acts we witnessed on 11 September are something else. They are the result of deep-seated intolerance and extremism, and were financed by a powerful international network.

Terror is not the voice of the poor.

The fight against international terrorism is by no means directed at Islam. It is directed at a small group which, on the basis of extremism and intolerance, abuses this world religion for its own purposes.

Dialogue with Islamic communities is important in order to dispel any impression that this is a conflict with Islam. I am therefore pleased that I have been invited to a meeting with the congregation of the World Islamic Mission’s mosque in Åkebergveien in Oslo.

I will take this opportunity to enhance the tolerance and mutual understanding that exists with Muslim communities in our country.

The terrorist attacks also confirmed that we are facing a new, complex threat. We have had, and will continue to have, a debate on the best way to deal with it.

The debate is involving people from the academic and research community, the media, NGOs, religious communities and political parties. This is encouraging. The Government is interested in a dialogue with the various communities on these issues.

Mr. President,

Many people in Norway are concerned about the price the Afghan civilian population will have to pay for the acts organized by bin Laden and his terrorist network Al Qaida.

This is why many would like to see a temporary halt to the bombing during the month-long fast of Ramadan.

According to the UN and the aid agencies, the military operations have not obstructed the humanitarian relief effort to any appreciable degree.

The UN Emergency Relief Coordinator has pointed out that the major obstacles to the humanitarian relief efforts are the Taliban’s reluctance to cooperate, the looting of UN offices and the Taliban’s unwillingness to secure access for humanitarian relief supplies.

However, the Emergency Relief Coordinator has said that, despite these difficulties, there has been a substantial increase in humanitarian relief supplies to Afghanistan. These are now up to 1 500 tons a day, out of a daily need of about 1 700 tons.

There is no guarantee that a pause in the bombing would have any appreciable effect on the humanitarian supplies. But it could help bin Laden and the Taliban to consolidate their positions. This in turn could prolong the military operations.

Mr. President,

Many people are concerned about the use of cluster bombs. This is understandable. The Government is also concerned about this.

Certain types of cluster bombs pose a humanitarian problem because of unexploded bomblets. Most western countries are generally agreed on this. But the use of cluster bombs in Afghanistan has been limited and they have been directed at clearly identified military targets.

This type of weapon is not prohibited under international law. Norway is working together with other countries to establish restrictions on the use of certain types of cluster bombs, particularly as regards self-destruct mechanisms and clearance. We will follow up these issues actively in the current disarmament negotiations in Geneva.

The aim of our efforts is to provide a basis for a ban on certain types of cluster bombs.

Mr. President,

Long before the air strikes against targets in Afghanistan began last month, more than 4 million Afghans were refugees. Five million Afghans were dependent on emergency relief from the UN and other international organizations. This is due, as we know, to many years of war, natural disasters and misgovernment. Before 11 September, the international community was providing only a small share of the necessary humanitarian aid.

Today this situation has, paradoxically, changed quite radically. In the last few weeks important donor countries have doubled or tripled their humanitarian aid to Afghanistan. Since 11 September, more than NOK 5.4 billion in humanitarian aid has been pledged to Afghanistan.

Norway is an important contributor. Humanitarian aid from Norway has been stepped up considerably in the past few weeks, and a total of NOK 305 million is earmarked for Afghanistan this year. The aid is being distributed through the UN, the Red Cross and other Norwegian NGOs.

The Government will ensure that Norway continues to play a central role in the humanitarian efforts, and that we do what we can to save lives and alleviate want.

Since the Taliban seized power in Afghanistan, it has ignored the people’s basic needs and fundamental human rights.

There is violence against women. Adultery is punishable by death. Girls are banned from the schools from the age of eight. Arbitrary torture and executions are common. People die and are killed as a direct result of the regime’s policy. This is one of the most oppressive regimes in modern times. A pause in the bombing will not cause the Taliban to change its policy in these areas. On the contrary, there is every indication that the abuses will continue, and that it will not be any easier to distribute food and other emergency relief to the population.

The Taliban regime is isolated, and has not been recognized internationally. It is not supported by any other country or any international organization. It does not have a seat in the UN. The regime seized power by violent means and does not represent the people. There is broad international agreement that the Taliban regime should go. A broad-based coalition government must be formed that can generate stability and economic development in the country.

The Afghan people themselves must take responsibility for this. However, the UN will have to play a major role for a transitional period. Norway, too, is prepared to support such efforts.

The Secretary-General’s Special Representative Lakhdar Brahimi is now in charge of preparing the ground for a representative, multi-ethnic government in Afghanistan.

The international community must contribute to the long-term reconstruction of the country, including the establishment of a new, broad-based coalition government. This will also have to include the return and reintegration of millions of Afghan refugees.

Norway will seek actively to promote such a development through its membership of the Security Council and its chairmanship next year of the Afghanistan Support Group.

Mr. President,

The terrible events in New York showed how vulnerable our society is. We can never protect ourselves against every form of terrorism. But the international community must do everything possible to prevent terror networks from operating internationally.

The Government gives high priority to public safety and emergency preparedness. The Government will submit a report to the Storting on this subject in the near future.

I wish to emphasize that there is little danger of terrorism in Norway. We have no indication that there are any plans for specific terrorist attacks against Norway.

We consider the danger of the use of biological or chemical weapons to be extremely small.

Nonetheless, a number of measures have been taken to ensure the necessary preparedness and public safety since 11 September.

Close cooperation has been established between civil society and the defence forces. Military units and equipment are also important resources in support of civil society.

The police have implemented preparatory and operational measures in accordance with their plans for combating terrorism and sabotage. More stringent security measures have also been implemented in connection with airline safety, telecommunications, postal services, energy supplies and other vital public functions.

Military preparedness has also been heightened. The Home Guard has been called in to perform necessary guard and security duties. We have intensified the preparedness level of our fighter aircraft in southern Norway.

The measures that have been taken are of a preparatory nature. Their purpose is to prepare us to face a real threat if it comes.

The authorities are constantly assessing the situation and will implement new measures if necessary.

Mr. President,

Fear of terrorism has become part of everyday life in our country, too. I understand very well that people are concerned.

But feelings of uncertainty, fear and powerlessness will reinforce the effects of these terrorist acts. This is why we are meeting the situation with a firm attitude and targeted measures.

This external threat must not be allowed to give rise to inner uncertainty: cancelling a holiday, not visiting friends and relations abroad, refraining from seeking fresh, enriching experiences, cancelling a congress with colleagues, restricting contact.

This is the enemy inside us. International terrorism also affects us by spreading fear and discouragement. Our most important task is not to give in to this.

The fight against international terrorism will be a long one. And we will win it. By means of a broad coalition, across national boundaries and former dividing lines, we will be able to lay the foundations for international security and stability.

Mr. President,

This is not just a fight against terrorism. This is a fight for the international legal order, for cooperation between peoples, for free and open societies, for tolerance – for human dignity itself.