Prime Minister congratulates Tunisian National Dialogue Quartet

The Norwegian Nobel Committee has decided that the Nobel Peace Prize for 2015 is to be awarded to the Tunisian National Dialogue Quartet. In its announcement, the committee referred to the quartet’s decisive contribution to the building of a pluralistic democracy in Tunisia in the wake of the Arab Spring.

‘The situation in the Middle East and parts of North Africa is very unstable. The year’s peace prize highlights the importance of broad dialogue with civil society and support for moderate forces in building democracy. The course taken by Tunisia sets an example for other countries in the region to follow,’ said Ms Solberg. 

Norway has a long tradition of supporting civil society efforts in the field of democratisation and human rights. The Government also intends to increase its support to fragile states. 

‘Developments in Tunisia show the importance of institution-building. This should be a timely reminder that the world community needs to increase its support to vulnerable states and to democratisation efforts. The fight against radicalisation is crucial in this context. Civil society has a key role to play in these processes, and must be included and able to participate in a meaningful way in social development,’ said Ms Solberg.