NATO appoints special representative for women peace and security

NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen has today appointed the Norwegian diplomat Mari Skåre as the Alliance's first special representative for women peace and security.

Norwegian Minister of Foreign Affairs Jonas Gahr Støre commented, "Women are severely affected by conflicts today, and are often targeted directly. Promoting women's participation in peace and security issues has been a high priority for Norway. I therefore welcome the appointment of a special representative for women, peace and security in NATO. Norway has played a proactive role in bringing these important issues onto the Alliance's agenda. Mari Skåre is well qualified for the job, and we wish her every success in her new position."

NATO' s new special representative will follow up UN Security Council resolution 1325 on women, peace and security and related resolutions in NATO.

Minister of Defence Espen Barth Eide commented, "The involvement of women is crucial for achieving peace and reconciliation. The appointment of a special representative for women, peace and security reflects both the international community's greater understanding of conflicts and NATO's broad approach to security. The new special representative will play an important role in ensuring that women's rights, role and participation in preventing and resolving conflicts become an integral part of the Alliance's work."

Prior to her appointment, Mari Skåre was deputy head of the Norwegian Delegation to NATO. She has previously served in the Norwegian Embassy in Kabul and at the Norwegian UN Delegation in New York.

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