Nato. Rådsmøte om nordområdene

Utenriksministeren sa blant annet følgende i sin innledning (nedenfor er et lite utdrag), hvor også kart og bilder ble brukt:

• A significant part of the Arctic is NATO territory. This is a region that is undergoing rapid change and receives increased attention from old and new actors alike.

• The High North is characterized by low tension, and we must ensure that it remains a region of peaceful cooperation, stability and respect for international law.

• As NATO is discussing its future role and responsibilities –in light of the drawdown in Afghanistan, and as we renew our focus on our core mission –regional awareness of important developments on our own territory and in our own neighbourhood become salient.

• One of the side effects of the melting ice is that Arctic sea areas are becoming more accessible for maritime activity.

• In contrast to the Antarctic, most of the Arctic is an ocean. There is today international consensus that the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) applies to the Arctic Ocean. Thus, there is no “race for the Arctic”. Nor is there a scramble for resources. Most of the natural resources in the High North are uncontested.

• We also possess the political framework needed to deal with challenges in the Arctic: The Arctic Council – the only government-level circumpolar forum for political discussions and cooperation.

• Classical concepts of security policy have proved to be highly successful in our strategy and experience in the High North. It is security policy in a classical sense that has laid the foundation for the stability and peaceful interaction that today characterises the Arctic. NATO membership has been of crucial importance to us. It has provided stability, security and predictability.

• The High North is not a remote area for the Transatlantic Community –but part of NATO and NATO’s neighbourhood.