- The humanitarian situation for civilians in Afghanistan and for refugees who have made their way to neighbouring countries is very serious. The Government is proposing a substantial increase in humanitarian assistance in next year’s budget, said Foreign Minister Thorbjørn Jagland, who also pointed out that the UN will continue to be an important partner. Allocations to humanitarian assistance and to measures for peace, reconciliation and democracy have been increased by 14.8 per cent to almost NOK 2.5 billion in the Government’s budget proposal for next year. This corresponds to a total increase of NOK 313 million from the 2001 budget. Support for Afghan refugees and for the peace processes in the Middle East and the Balkans has high priority. Humanitarian assistance to Africa is also being maintained at a high level.

- At the beginning of next year, Norway will be taking on the chairmanship of the Afghanistan Support Group, and thus responsibility for coordinating international assistance to Afghanistan. All the evidence suggests that there will continue to be a great need for humanitarian assistance for a long time to come, he added.

Foreign Minister Jagland pointed out that the Government also intends to step up its support for measures for peace, reconciliation and democracy in priority areas such as the Middle East and the Balkans. Even though we can now hope for a more peaceful period in the Balkans, there are many challenges to be met if we are to ensure lasting peace and stability throughout the region, concluded the Foreign Minister.