Peace and reconciliation efforts

Since the early 1990s, Norway has been playing an important role as facilitator in a number of peace and reconciliation processes. Norway’s experience has shown that small countries can also play a constructive role in resolving complex armed conflicts, even without the direct involvement of the UN or the major powers.

Norwegian peace efforts are, however, contingent on all the involved parties showing a genuine will to negotiate and on their acceptance of Norway as a facilitator. Norway can offer long-term political and economic involvement, including after a peace agreement has been reached.

The Niwano Peace Prize to Gunnar Stålsett

Ambassador Arne Walther gave this message on behalf of Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Espen Barth Eide, at the award ceremony.

Public Financial Management

- The sun shines on London - the same sun shines on Mogadishu. Let the same commitment that we are showing here today, be visible to the people of Mogadishu and the rest of Somalia, said Minister of International Development Heikki Eidsvoll Holmås at the Somalia Conference.

The situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question

- Norway is committed to a democratic and unified post-Assad Syria. Military means alone will not lead to a lasting solution in Syria. Therefore the Security Council must find a way to promote a political transition towards a pluralistic, fully representative Syria, based on the Geneva communiqu., said UN ambassador Geir O. Pedersen in Norway's statement.

Statement at South Sudan International Partner Forum

- This International Partner Forum comes at the right time. Oil has started to flow again. Still in small quantities, but it will increase. They must be busy in the Ministry of Petroleum and Mining, in the new building I was very happy to open in July last year, said Minister of International Development, Mr. Holmås, at the South Sudan International Partner Forum's meeting.

Norway following positive developments between Sudan and South Sudan closely

Minister of International Development Heikki Eidsvoll Holmås is leading a high-level conference on South Sudan’s oil production together with the US authorities in Washington this week. State Secretary Arvinn Gadgil is visiting the capital of Sudan, Khartoum, and the capital of South Sudan, Juba.

Important oil agreement between Sudan and South Sudan

Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide commented, “I am pleased that Sudan and South Sudan agreed today on how South Sudan’s vital oil production can start up again in two weeks’ time, and on the transport of the oil through pipelines in Sudan. I commend the two leaders for reaching the necessary compromises.”

Peace agreement for DR Congo gives cause for hope

“This agreement on peace, security and cooperation in the Democratic Republic of Congo offers hope to a population that has endured great suffering,” said Minister of Foreign Affairs Espen Barth Eide.

Agreement on Kachin talks encouraging

The Myanmar Government and the armed group Kachin Independence Organization (KIO) have agreed to continue talks with a view to finding a peaceful solution to the violent conflict in Kachin State. “This is encouraging news,” Minister of Foreign Affairs Espen Barth Eide commented.

Norway supports peace efforts in Syria

“The whole world is following developments in Syria with deep dismay. Lakhdar Brahimi is working on behalf of the UN and the Arab League to find a political solution to the conflict. His task is as important as it is difficult, and we are providing NOK 1.2 million to support his efforts,” State Secretary Torgeir Larsen said.

Broad support for Palestine resolution in the UN

“I am delighted to see the overwhelming support the Palestinians have received for their application to become an observer state in the UN General Assembly,” said Minister of Foreign Affairs Espen Barth Eide.

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Peace and reconciliation