Statement at Council of Europe, 119th Session of the Committee of Ministers

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Mr Chairman, fellow Europeans,

Let me thank Spain – and you personally – for your very able chairmanship. Now we are looking forward to cooperating closely with the incoming Slovenian chair.

Sixty years ago, ten countries signed the Treaty of London. Norway was among them. We embarked on an ambitious project of strengthening democracy, the rule of law and respect for human rights. Right across Europe.

Six decades later we have much to celebrate – and to focus on. Let me highlight three areas.

First, basic values and human rights.

We have established an impressive body of norms at the European level. This has helped to pave the way for European integration. However, much remains to be done before our ambition of making democracy and human rights a reality throughout Europe is achieved.

The European Court of Human Rights is a cornerstone in our system for protection of human rights. This is why the Court’s ever-increasing backlog is a serious threat to the effectiveness and credibility of the whole system. I believe that this situation requires urgent action.

With this in view, Norway will consent to provisional application of certain procedure in Protocol 14. We should also ensure that Protocol 14 enters into force in its entirety. And we need to adopt additional measures, since it is clear that Protocol 14 in itself is insufficient.

Meanwhile, the conflict in Georgia and its consequences also call for action by the Council of Europe. We greatly value the engagement of the Commissioner for Human Rights and appreciate the constructive proposals by the Secretary General. We are concerned about the lack of access to areas affected by the conflict, and call on all parties concerned to give international organisations free access to these areas. 

Second, security.

The first meeting of the parties to the Convention on the Prevention of Terrorism was held today, and we are reminded of the horror of the terrorist attack on Madrid in June 2004.

It is when we are hardest tested that it is most difficult to remain true to our core values. But it is all the more important to ensure that the measures we take are in line with our obligations under international law.

Third, the organisation itself.

The Warsaw Summit in 2005 concluded that organisational reform is an urgent priority. The challenge is to make sure that we work efficiently, while strengthening the Council of Europe’s political relevance.

This calls for clearer political priorities and focus, and pragmatic partnerships with other regional and international organisations.

Our next Secretary General will be elected in June. Norway believes that a strong and visionary leadership is needed. We must make sure that the Council lives up to its full potential and remains politically relevant in Europe.

That is why Norway has nominated our former Prime Minister, Foreign Minister and current President of the Norwegian Parliament, Mr Thorbjørn Jagland, as a candidate for the position of Secretary General. I am convinced that Mr Jagland is the leader Europe and this organisation needs.

I strongly believe in the future of this organisation. Today, we must be as bold, visionary and determined as the leaders who founded the Council of Europe two generations ago. And we must tirelessly pursue our goal: a democratic and united Europe.