Thorbjørn Jagland – Candidate for Secretary General of the CoE

The Minister’s speech was based on the following talking points.
Check against delivery.

Mr Secretary General,
Excellencies,
Ladies and gentlemen,

• It is a great honour for me to be with you here in Strasbourg today, a city of inspiration to so many European citizens.

• Norway has been a staunch supporter of the Council of Europe ever since it was founded 60 years ago, and continues to be today. We do, however, like you, recognise the urgent need for reform. We must enable this unique organisation to play its rightful role in our continent.

• This is the reason why my Government has put forward a particularly well-qualified and experienced candidate for the position of Secretary General.

• There has been some discussion this spring about the election process. I realise that the Assembly is not satisfied with the discussions that have been held so far, and agree that our dialogue on this matter should continue until the Assembly’s next session in September. We respect the Assembly’s decision to postpone the election, and trust that it will take place then.

• Mr Thorbjørn Jagland – whom I have known and worked with for many years and whom I greatly respect – has clearly demonstrated over the years that he has the experience and the character that are needed to guide the Council of Europe in the years to come.

• The citizens of Europe – together with their parliaments and governments – need a strong and effective Council of Europe. This is why I strongly support Mr Thorbjørn Jagland’s candidature for the post of Secretary General and wish him every success in the campaign he will pursue. – Thank you.