Norway’s Role in Peace and Conflict
Resolution
2nd Annual Somali Peace Conference: Good
Governance and Rule of Law, - organized by Somali Peace Initiative
Group in Norway, Red Cross Conference Centre, Oslo, Norway, 22 May
2006
Norway’s efforts to promote peace,
reconciliation and development reflect the value we place on human
solidarity and our respect for the value of each human being.
This foundation of what might be
called core values is central to our efforts in different parts of
the world. As an impartial actor, Norway can help to put good
intentions into practice.
We can play a constructive,
supporting role and enable progress that benefits the people.
At the same time, peace policy has
become a part of security policy. By helping others, we can also
help ourselves, as members of a gloabalized world.
Norwegian peace policy is therefore
more than involvement in a series of peace processes.
Our involvement in such processes
and our efforts in the UN and development assistance are gradually
being fused with security policy — security policy for the 21st
century — security policy for the age of globalisation.
Globalisation is making the world a
better place. Many people are being lifted out of poverty, but far
too many are being left behind.
In the last fifteen years, the
world has suffered one hundred conflicts, of which about thirty are
still ‘active’ today. Nearly all of them are internal. Due to
globalisation we are affected by these conflicts.
Many of today’s greatest challenges
– terrorism, international crime, environmental degradation, the
spread of infectious diseases and fear – originate in conflict
areas far away.
However, there is really no ‘far
away’ anymore: Local conflicts are also a global problem, a global
challenge. The situation in Somalia is no exception and deserves
our most serious follow-up and support.
Norwegian foreign policy is pursued
along three main tracks:
Firstly, we are seeking to
strengthen the international legal order, and we will cooperate
with others on finding joint solutions to the greatest challenges
of our time.
Secondly, we know where we are and
where we need to go. We will further develop our partnerships with
our close friends and allies.
Thirdly, we will focus on areas in
which Norway can contribute to peace, reconciliation and
development. We will participate actively in the UN, and are
willing to provide assistance and support for development. We will
seek out opportunities where we can make a difference.
My main point is that Norwegian
peace policy is guided by all of these considerations. Much of what
Norway does on its own is possible only because of our involvement
in international cooperation, our partnerships, and our
alliances.)
In several conflict areas Norway’s
role has been to prepare for, complement or support the efforts of
the UN. Our efforts under the auspices of the UN give certain
credibility. Our peace and reconciliation efforts are rooted in our
commitment to the UN, NATO and European cooperation.
Although we have had high-profile
roles in some conflicts, we generally cooperate with others,
whether in the UN or in other forums. Norwegian peace building is
based on teamwork.
Of course, there are many conflicts
in which the UN cannot play, or is not given a role to play. It is
particularly in these situations that a country with Norway’s
resources, political will, and vision can make a difference.
Many consider the thrust of
Norwegian peace policy to be our participation in peace and
reconciliation processes.
Our involvement in Sri Lanka, Sudan
and the Middle East is well known. Many are also aware of the role
we are playing in the Philippines and Haiti, and — after a hiatus
of several years — we are again involved as facilitators in a
process involving the ELM and the Government of Colombia.
Let me now turn to Norway’s policy
concerning Somalia.
The Somali people have suffered for
so long! For much too long!
The plight of the people must come
to an end!
To this end, the country needs an
effective parliament and government for the people!
The drought this year and recent
battles in Mogadishu have not made the situation any easier.
If anything, the desperate needs of
so many have been amplified.
The international community must
help!
From the Norwegian side we are
committed!
We provide humanitarian assistance.
A total of more than NOK 100 million so far this year (in addition
to GAP contributions and peace and reconciliation initiatives) -
channelled through the United Nations and NGOs.
And we will continue to provide our
support to alleviate the difficult humanitarian situation. We will
also continue to encourage other countries to follow suit.
But, as you are well aware, in
Somalia even humanitarian help can be difficult to
deliver.
- Because of the shaky security
situation, because of the lack of political progress and
compromizes. That makes it very hard to reach out to the people in
real need.
Lasting and fundamental
improvements to the situation are much needed!
For this to happen, real political
will of the Somali leaders are needed!
The anarchy in Somalia cannot be
allowed to continue forever!
At the same time, lasting peace can
not be imposed from the outside. The peace effort must be owned and
driven by the Somalis themselves. Above all, the Somali leaders
must let national interests lead the way.
The ongoing process – the
Transitional Federal Charter and Institutions – carry the potential
for a new Somalia!
- With a representative Government
based on Somali traditions that can bring the country forward, away
from unrest, anarchy and possible radicalization.
- With a Government that can also
be a partner for international cooperation and bring the country
back to the community of nations.
The Charter provides a good basis,
and must be translated into real results locally – on the
ground.
The Government of Norway supports
fully the implementation of the Charter and Institutions.
We will continue our support! We
will continue to support institutional capacity building and
reconciliation efforts locally.
The fact that the Parliament has
begun its work inside Somalia is a necessary step.
It is a good step. It is a
beginning of the long road ahead.
Dialogue must now be the means of
settling differences, not arms. In this regard I am very concerned
about the developments in Mogadishu.
Compromizes must urgently be
reached so that the country can function and move forward - with
improved security, humanitarian access and gradual building up of
the institutions.
We must engage all willing groups
in dialogue to move forward. Somalia has always been a moderate
society. Emerging radical elements must be marginalized through
real progress emanating from the process in Baidoa.
As a member of the international
community, Norway also seeks to influence other countries and
organizations to do more for Somalia, to be more engaged in a
constructive way!
The multilateral system, the United
Nations, must be geared up to the challenges at hand in Somalia.
Only a united and coordinated international approach can achieve
that.
We need common efforts to support
the ongoing process for peace, governance and development within
Somalia.
We will continue to promote strong
and proactive international contributions.
We will follow up and do our part,
through the multilateral system and with our partners.
Mrs. Rina Kristmoen from the
Embassy in Nairobi will talk to you tomorrow, and go into more
detail about the cooperation we are engage in within the
region.
Last, but not least, I am very
pleased to see so many Somalis in Norway gathered here today!
The kind of inclusiveness you
demonstrate here today is a great step forward! I know you have
made great efforts to make this happen! I am also very sure it has
been worth it - and will continue to be a rewarding journey for all
of us!
Uniting in dialogue here in Oslo
today is an example to be followed by all Somalis!
You can make a difference!
Together you can send a strong
message to Somalia! In support of the efforts for peace and
development in the country!
Thank you for your attention and
good luck with the Conference!
