Good evening, and Happy New Year.

During the year that has just ended our nation witnessed events that touch on some of the most significant themes in our lives.

We witnessed death and we witnessed love.

On 25 August many were deeply moved by the love shown by our Crown Prince and Crown Princess at their wedding in Oslo Cathedral.

Just a few days later, on 11 September, death took centre stage.

We watched as passenger planes were steered like missiles into the World Trade Center in New York.

Human evil had exceeded new limits.

Many of us found ourselves unable to go about our work as usual that day. Thousands had been massacred. All they had done was take a plane or go to work.

But we weren’t paralysed for long.

Politics also means setting limits for evil.

* * *

Evil had exceeded new limits, but the international community responded by setting their own new limits.

Rarely has the world seen an alliance like the one that has emerged in the wake of 11 September.

Here were states we have been accustomed to regarding as adversaries: the USA and Russia, India and Pakistan.

Here were Christians and Muslims. All of them gathered under the banner of the UN.

The United Nations, which was to be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize one month later.

And here in Norway we had no doubts either. We wanted to join this alliance against terrorism.

Because there are limits to what we can accept.

Because we want peace, democracy and respect for human dignity.

* * *

Since the Second World War, our peace and security have been based on others’ help, should it prove necessary.

All countries, but especially small countries, are dependent on binding international cooperation.

The fight against terrorism marks a milestone in our international obligations and our obligations to our allies.

Norway, too, is now being called on to do its share.

It is a heavy responsibility, and a dangerous one.

The people of Afghanistan have been suffering from war, misgovernment and natural disasters for decades.

When the fighting stops, a new chapter – the reconstruction of Afghanistan – will begin. And we will be there to help.

* * *

Yesterday The King spoke of the need for hope in an unquiet world. We, too, see this need. And we also see the need for greater security.

* * *

During the Nobel Peace Prize centennial celebrations in December, I had the opportunity to meet many of the Peace Laureates of previous years.

For me these meetings offered a ray of hope in a difficult time.

These are people whose motto is: “We didn’t know it was impossible; that’s why we did it.”

The world is a better place because men and women like Desmond Tutu, Nelson Mandela, Kofi Annan, Eli Wiesel, Aung San Suu Kyi and Rigoberta Menchú have dedicated their lives to improving the lot of their people and thereby benefited all of us.

Some of them were unable to come to Oslo in December.

Aung San Suu Kyi was unable to leave her native Burma. But in the struggle for democracy, for freedom of expression, for human dignity, she is a shining example whose influence extends far beyond the borders of her country.

The Norwegian poet Svein Ellingsen challenges us in the hymn:

“Someone must stand guard during the night of the world.

Someone must have faith in the darkness.

Someone must be brother to the weak.

Lord, let Thy will be done on earth.

Help us to do Thy bidding.”

* * *

Norway will continue to take part in international efforts to promote peace and development and combat poverty.

Some claim that Norway’s contribution is of no account, and that the money and energy should be invested in other ways.

But this is not so. Norway’s contribution means a great deal to many people.

This year it is fifty years since we began providing development assistance. In many ways it was a continuation of the work of Christian missionaries in the poorest parts of the world.

We have not always been equally successful during these years, but Norway will continue its long-term efforts to narrow the gap between the rich and poor of the world.

Figures are sometimes difficult to grasp. But 800 million people are suffering from hunger and undernourishment.

Someone must be brother to the weak.

We must help to give more people a sense of hope and security.

* * *

We have just celebrated Christmas.

Hope and security are noticeably absent in the place where the Christian message of peace was first proclaimed.

The situation in the Middle East is once again very tense.

Norway will continue to take part in the international efforts to promote peace and reconciliation between the Israelis and the Palestinians.

* * *

Our country is enjoying great economic security.

Unemployment is low. Norges Bank lowered the interest rate right before Christmas. This has improved the financial situation of many individuals, families, companies and municipalities.

It pays to be disciplined in our public spending.

We intend, gradually and in a responsible fashion, to spend more of our wealth, our oil revenues, in Norway.

But we must not succumb to the temptation to spend too much of this wealth too quickly. These resources are not renewable.

The oil revenues will eventually decline and then cease. We are therefore investing the money in a fund so that our descendants will be able to maintain the same level of welfare as we have.

This is a matter of solidarity with coming generations.

Furthermore, excessive spending of our oil revenues would also lead to higher prices and interest rates. It would weaken the economy, which would affect us all.

We need a strong back to bear good times.

* * *

Is there any poverty in our rich country? Yes, we don’t have to go back to before the war to find poverty.

There are individuals who fall outside the welfare schemes in Norway, too.

Our aim is that no one will be without a roof over their head, without adequate food and clothing. The Government will do its utmost to ensure this. We will give more people security.

But the authorities cannot do this on their own. Society is still dependent on voluntary work.

* * *

I would like to send a warm thanks to all of you who are involved in voluntary work in our society. I know that many of you do not receive the credit you deserve.

I want you to know that we are aware of and appreciate the work you are doing behind the scenes.

All the voluntary work that calls for unflagging dedication and that you are not doing for your own sake, but for the benefit of others.

This is what love is: concentrating more on others than on oneself. Caring about other people.

* * *

I would also like to thank the hundred thousand people working in our hospitals, who have a new employer today.

The state has now assumed responsibility for all public hospitals.

This has been done to provide patients with better medical care.

Most patients will not notice the changes right away.

But the Government will make use of the opportunities provided by the new form of organization. Hospital care must be better. And we will get results.

We will know that when our health fails, we will receive good medical care.

* * *

For the first time we have an international agreement to combat anthropogenic climate change. The progress made on the Kyoto Protocol is a milestone in our efforts to protect the environment.

If we are to prevent emissions of greenhouse gases from leading to higher temperatures, more severe weather conditions, ice melting and rising sea levels, we must act. And we must act now.

Environmental protection measures are an investment in the future – in the environment we will be living in, but also in what we will be living on.

We can thank our rich natural resources for our economic prosperity. Much of it is linked with the sea.

We will be conducting a broad review of the state of the Norwegian marine environment before the major North Sea Conference the Government will be hosting in 2002. This is an international pioneer project.

We will also lay the groundwork for a better and more proactive environmental policy in this area.

The success of our fisheries and aquaculture industry is dependent on clean seas and the richness of the natural environment.

Success in this industry of the future is very important for those who live and work along our coast, indeed for the entire nation.

* * *

The Government’s regional policy has been somewhat controversial.

I can assure you that we will revitalize the outlying districts. We will do what we can to promote development in all parts of the country. We will make use of a number of measures to help those parts of the country that need it most.

We are investing in communications and in good working conditions for companies in outlying districts. We are encouraging personal initiative and creativity.

We are seeking to strengthen the special measures for Nord-Troms and Finnmark.

* * *

The knitwear and yarn manufacturer Dale had to lay off workers after the terrorist attacks in the USA. They weren’t the only ones in Norway to feel the consequences of these attacks.

Globalization has become part of our daily lives. Norway is part of the world, and the world is part of Norway.

Children and young people are particularly aware of this, through the Internet, mobile phones, fashions and music.

But then they must be prepared to be compared with young people in other countries.

In many ways our schools are good. In some areas we are even way ahead.

However, studies show that there is great potential for improvement. Academically our score is average, and our schools have discipline problems.

The Government would like to see higher standards.

In the course of the next two school years, we will ensure that 40 000 teachers receive further training in the use of PCs and the Internet in their teaching.

* * *

Norway is among the countries that spend most on their schools, and we intend to continue to invest heavily in education. But these studies show that money cannot solve all problems.

More and more children are growing up without receiving the help they need to set limits and show consideration for others. This creates a sense of insecurity.

When external authority is weakened, parents must help children to develop a conscience, to distinguish what is true, right and good. We must take the necessary time to discuss these things with children and young people.

This will create a greater sense of security.

* * *

But we who set the limits must also dare to talk about who we are. Are we setting a good example?

When we complain about egoism and materialism in our society, and about young people’s rowdiness, vandalism, bullying, experiments with drugs, are we taking a critical look at the attitudes of the adult generation?

What kind of attitudes and values are we actually communicating by our words, our behaviour, newspaper headlines and the norms of conduct and language considered acceptable in the media?

When our children look at the adult world, what do they actually see?

We adults must reassess our own attitudes and behaviour.

* * *

My own father is 97, and our relationship has always been good.

When I was home last summer and asked if I could borrow the car, he was a bit worried. He takes good care of his car, and the garage door is narrow.

He finally decided that, OK, I could borrow the car. As long as I was careful.

But he himself insisted on driving the car out of the garage.

* * *

I am a prime minister, but I am also a son who needs and receives affection.

I am also a father, a grandfather, a husband, a friend and a neighbour.

We are all part of a human community on which we depend.

There is a good reason why solitary confinement is one of the worst punishments a person can experience. We are dependent on contact with each other.

My New Year’s wish is that we safeguard the community we are part of.

That we concentrate more on others than on ourselves, that we care about other people. That we take contact with someone who is lonely.

This is love, and this will give us a greater sense of security.

* * *

On behalf of all of us I would like to send my best regards to The King, The Queen and the rest of the Royal Family and thank them for everything they have done for Norway during the year that has just ended.

I would also like to send my best regards to all Norwegians who are serving abroad, in the foreign service, in peacekeeping forces, as missionaries, in development assistance and human rights activities, on board ship and elsewhere.

I wish you all a very Happy New Year.