Dear friends,

As we celebrate the centennial of the Nobel Peace Prize, we envision a world order based on the principles of justice and the rule of law.

No cause is more noble, no responsibility greater than that of enabling people to live in freedom. Freedom from want, freedom from fear of violence and freedom from oppression.

We envision a world where dialogue and reconciliation will be at the core. A world where solidarity and compassion will triumph over abuse of political authority.

We envision peaceful solutions to disputes within states and to disputes between states.

We envision a world where a universal set of basic principles and values are recognised. We envision dignity and freedom for all individuals regardless of race, gender, ethnic origin, religious belief or political opinion.

We envision world-wide respect for human rights.

These days, a remarkable group of individuals are gathered in Oslo. They are individuals who made a difference. The world is a better place because of their dedication.

I am grateful to the Nobel Committee and to all the Nobel Peace Prize laureates for their commitment to peace.

Friends gathered here this afternoon,

I thank you for expressing your solidarity with the people of Burma who suffer continued systematic repression and violations of human rights.

I thank you for joining us in honouring Aung San Suu Kyi who was awarded the Peace Prize in 1991. Ten years ago, Aung San Suu Kyi could not come to Oslo to receive her Prize. She was under detention. Today, she is still not amongst us as we celebrate the Nobel Centennial.

But in our minds and hearts, she is here. We have not forgotten that she won the elections that were held in Burma more than a decade ago.

I met her in her home in Rangoon in 1997. My meetings with her and with the Burmese opposition convinced me that the international community must carry on the fight.

Her decade-long courageous efforts and non-violent advocacy for political change are a flame of hope for democracy and human rights.

Her fight comes at a price. She remains under tight restrictions in her house, deprived of her freedom.

Burma is a predominantly Buddhist country. Buddhism is labelled the religion of peace. Burma should be the last country where authoritarian rule prevails.

I appeal to the Burmese government to seek a peaceful transition to democracy.

We welcome contacts between Aung San Suu Kyi and the government. We also welcome the increased willingness of the Burmese government to cooperate with the United Nations.

Thus, I call upon the Burmese government to show further good will in the spirit of national reconciliation.

The government needs to broaden the participation of all groups in the transition towards democracy. A first step must be the unconditional and immediate release of the remaining political prisoners, including Aung San Suu Kyi.

Discriminatory restrictions on political activities must be lifted.

Freedom of expression, of movement and of assembly must be secured.

I also call on the government of Burma to recognise the severity of the humanitarian situation in that country.

Keeping the flame burning for the people of Burma is the goal of this event.

I can assure you of Norway's continued support.

Together we will keep that flame burning.