New Security Threats and the
Transformation of Nato
The Lysebu Conference, Oslo, 2 June
2003
Check against delivery
Excellencies, ladies and
gentlemen,
Today’s international situation is
a volatile one. We are facing a range of new challenges. The
threats to our security have changed both in nature and in scope,
and are now on a truly global scale. Their roots are
multifaceted and may emanate from anywhere in the world.
In order to meet the security
threats of the 21
st> century, NATO has embarked on the most
far-reaching transformation in its history. The broad allied
support for the course charted at the NATO summit in Prague last
November is very encouraging. We must remain focused, united and
forward-looking in order to succeed.
The most pressing security threats
we face are related to international terrorism and the
proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.
The latest attacks in the Middle
East and Africa have once again underlined that terrorists can
strike at any place and at any time. And their random attacks are
intended to create fear and insecurity.
International terrorism is by
definition a global threat. Reports estimate that Al Qaida is
present in at least 60 countries, and perhaps as many as 90, and
that some 18 000 terrorists are affiliated with the
network.
Terrorists determined to acquire
weapons of mass destruction are operating in the global market
place. The horror of weapons of mass destruction in the hands of
terrorists is almost unimaginable. We must all do our utmost to
prevent this from becoming a reality. So-called “dirty bombs” can
be made from small amounts of radioactive material. We must ensure
that terrorists never get their hands on nuclear and other weapons
of mass destruction, and that they will never find safe havens that
allow them to carry out their heinous acts.
To achieve this, international
co-operation is crucial. Only through concerted efforts at all
levels, and only by employing all available instruments –
political, economic, legal and if need be military - will we be
able to effectively combat these threats to our common
security. In our globalised age security is indivisible.
Regardless of whether we are a large nation or a small one, in the
end, we all are dependent on multilateral solutions.
Preventing the spread of weapons of
mass destruction through binding international treaties and regimes
has been a top priority for decades, and much has been
achieved. Most countries have become parties to the Nuclear
Non-proliferation Treaty, the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty and the
chemical and biological weapons conventions.
However, we have seen that the
non-proliferation regimes are under pressure. Some nations have
chosen to remain outside these treaties and conventions.
North Korea’s announcement that it
intends to withdraw from the NPT is highly disturbing.
Furthermore, North Korea has stated that it possesses nuclear
weapons, and has threatened to transfer such weapons to
others. Norway has urged Pyongyang to reverse its course of
action, and to comply fully with the provisions of the NPT.
We also fear that the acquisition
of nuclear weapons is lowering the threshold for obtaining weapons
of mass destruction in other regions, which increases the risk of
the proliferation of such weapons to unstable and conflict-prone
areas, and the risk of terrorists gaining access to them.
Securing universal adherence and
full compliance with treaties aimed at preventing the spread of
weapons of mass destruction must therefore continue to be a top
priority.
Ladies and gentlemen,
In the face of such new challenges,
NATO continues to be vitally important. But to counter the new
threats, we need an Alliance that is prepared and flexible, and
which can draw on forces that are readily deployable and
interoperable. This can only be achieved by a far-reaching
transformation. And we are transforming. The Alliance is
undergoing fundamental changes.
The Alliance has reached out to new
members and new partners. The Allies have launched ambitious
initiatives to upgrade NATO’s military capabilities, and we have
undertaken far-reaching adaptations of NATO’s military
structures.
Norway wholeheartedly supports
NATO’s transformation. Tomorrow, NATO´s foreign ministers will meet
in Madrid. We will take stock of our achievements since the NATO
summit in Prague.
In Prague we took important steps
to strengthen the ability of the Alliance to combat international
terrorism and the spread of weapons of mass destruction. It is
crucial that we follow through on these commitments.
This week’s meeting of Allies in
Madrid will confirm the importance of our strong transatlantic
ties. These ties are crucial for the success of the Alliance in
countering the new threats to our security, in developing stronger
European co-operation, and in further strengthening the
co-operation between NATO and Russia.
Over the past few months we have
seen strain developing within the Alliance. Differences have
arisen, not only across the Atlantic, but also between European
Allies. We must now put these differences behind us and look ahead.
We must focus on the best ways to safeguard our fundamental, common
interests.
Europe and North America are part
of a deeply rooted and long-standing security community. Passing
disagreements must not overshadow this fact. For Norway there is no
question of choosing between North America and Europe. The only way
forward is to work jointly to further our common aims. Together the
NATO countries have created a security community that is
unique. It is in all our interests to maintain, strengthen
and extend this community. For this to happen we must all
contribute.
My expectations of the meeting in
Madrid are higher now than they were a few weeks ago. Allies are
currently working to bridge the differences that arose over issues
relating to the crisis in Iraq.
There is a widespread understanding
among the Allies that the transatlantic dispute went too far. Even
the most enthusiastic supporters of a more prominent European
security and defence profile recognise that there are no short cuts
to achieving this, that the only way is through continued
transatlantic co-operation. Recently we have seen broad agreement
in the Alliance on a NATO role, although differnet in each case,
both in Afghanistan and in Iraq. These are positive decisions that
should be built on also in the future.
But we must not jump to the
conclusion that all our difficulties are now behind us. The
distrust resulting from the discussions over Iraq has not
evaporated completely. Allies still have different agendas and
objectives, even if they are now adopting a much more conciliatory
approach.
The Madrid meeting is an
opportunity to send a clear signal that NATO stands firmly by the
Prague agenda and that the transformation of the Alliance is
continuing, notwithstanding the differences of opinion during the
last few months.
NATO is in need of a genuine
dialogue between its members. The consultation and decision-making
process
must be inclusive and
transparent. All Allies, be they small or large,
must be involved. The
commitment of individual allies should not be taken for granted. If
there is insufficient inclusiveness and transparency, our ability
to contribute – to reach agreements among ourselves, to convince
our parliaments and publics – will inevitably suffer. All of us
stand to lose if we do not manage to forge a common approach. Even
coalitions of the willng must be based on common concerns and
values.
Norway worked hard to see unity
restored in NATO. Now we must look forward and concentrate on
how we can best meet the challenges ahead. NATO’s decision to take
responsibility for the security situation in Kabul, with Canada as
lead nation, is a milestone. This will be the first time the
Alliance is involved outside the Euro-Atlantic area.
Today we expect that the Alliance
will decide to support Poland in its capacity as one of the lead
nations in Iraq. This again confirms our will to transform
NATO into an instrument that is relevant to the challenges we are
facing. When necessary, we must be willing to consider similar
involvement by NATO elsewhere.
Ladies and gentlemen,
For more than five decades the
member states of the North Atlantic Alliance have stood shoulder to
shoulder in the pursuit of a single common aim – safeguarding our
way of life. Democracy, adherence to human and minority rights, and
a free market continue to be our common values.
These shared values have made NATO
the most successful and enduring alliance in modern times.
They are the best possible guarantees for the success of the
current transformation.
Our decision in Prague to include
seven new members in the Alliance was motivated among other things
by our desire to bolster our capabilities to meet the security
threats of the 21
st> century. The enlargement will add strength to the
transatlantic link and revitalise the whole Alliance.
An alliance of 26 will be different
from an alliance of 19. Ensuring cohesion and unity of
purpose will be far more demanding - for the Alliance as a whole,
and for each individual member. Success will depend on the unity of
the Alliance and the commitment of its member states.
All allies must do their share –
old and new alike. Norway is confident that the new members
will play their part. They have already demonstrated their
will and ability to contribute in important ways, in the Balkans
and most recently in Afghanistan.
The NATO Response Force is a
tangible expression of NATO’s determination to adapt to new
circumstances. It is crucial to maintaining NATO’s
credibility as an efficient instrument for security policy.
It will be a well-trained,
well-equipped, flexible and more mobile force that can be deployed
at short notice wherever the need arises. In short – we are
building an efficient force that is tailor-made for meeting the new
threats.
Norway is taking an active part in
this effortOur special forces, which have performed admirably both
in Afghanistan and in the Balkans, and our rapid reaction force,
are important contributions to that end.
Equally important is the ongoing
adaptation of the command structure. We expect that the final
decisions on this structure will be made in the course of this
spring. I am pleased that Norway seems likely to retain an
allied presence at the headquarters at Jåttå. Such a presence will
have positive long-term effects in both political and military
terms. Officers from all the Allied nations and all branches of the
armed forces will have the opportunity to work together on a daily
basis. This will enhance their understanding of joint operations
under difficult climatic conditions.
The decision to develop military resources and
capabilities within a multinational framework also reflects our
determination to turn the Alliance into a highly efficient
instrument for meeting new threats. Norway participates
actively in this endeavour.
Ladies and gentlemen,
The increased co-operation between
NATO and the EU will also help to strengthen NATO’s ability to meet
the new security threats. Provided we all recognise that security
in the transatlantic area is indivisible, and provided that
overlapping structures are avoided, division of labour can only be
an advantage for us all. Hence, Norway supports the EU’s aim
to develop and implement a European security and defence
policy. We have already committed military and civilian
resources to EU-led peace-keeping operations. We are also
participating in the first ever EU military operation, which is
taking place in Macedonia. We are also prepared to participate in
other EU-led operations in the Balkans.
The EU’s decision to take a larger
share of the responsibility for security and defence in Europe will
also benefit NATO’s transformation. It will enable the Alliance to
focus its resources more efficiently on the new security threats,
and to retain its core functions of deterrence and collective
defence.
For decades burden sharing has been
one of the most contentious issues in our transatlantic
relationship. I am confident that the forging of a European
security and defence policy will create a more equal partnership
and a more equitable sharing of the burdens and
responsibilities. This can only benefit our overall
security.
An efficient and co-ordinated
transformation effort calls for a genuine
two-way street across the
Atlantic. The required military transformation in Europe
cannot take place in the short term unless the United States is
prepared to engage in a true partnership involving sharing of
information, technology and know-how.
And, just as importantly, the
United States has to open up for state-of-the-art technology and
ideas from across the Atlantic. Best value must be the overriding
principle for all of us.
In this transformation process, it
is vital to ensure that European inputs are efficient and relevant.
There is a lot to learn. Clearly, Europeans need to focus on how to
complement the capabilities of the United States. The current
military capability and technology gaps across the Atlantic may
affect the very fabric of transatlantic relations unless they are
taken seriously.
Ladies and gentlemen,
Strengthened co-operation
between NATO and Russia is also a
vital part of our endeavours, and we have established a robust
strategic relationship. Only through close co-operation with
Russia can we effectively counter the new security threats.
The establishment of the
NATO-Russia Council is a historic opportunity to tie Russia, Europe
and North America closer in binding and efficient
co-operation. Our experience so far has been positive.
The political dialogue is open and substantial. Last month
the Council met for the first time on Russian soil.
In addition to its benefits to
NATO, co-operation within the NATO-Russia Council has already
resulted in agreements and initiatives of direct importance to
Norway. We have established co-operation on search and rescue at
sea and airspace control, and have set up a working group on civil
defence and emergency planning. There is a great potential
for further co-operation in these and other fields.
Both Russia and the allies must do
their share in order to make this a success story. All the
members of the NATO-Russia Council bear a responsibility in this
regard.
In Norway’s view, nuclear safety
should increasingly become an area of co-operation in the
Council, and we have taken initiatives to that end. We consider
that this would make the NATO-Russia Council an even more important
forum for fighting international terrorism and for halting the
proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.
Ladies and gentlemen,
Close co-operation between friends
and allies will be all the more important if we are to deal with
the many challenges ahead. Our fight against international
terrorism will be a long one. We need to find comprehensive
solutions.
It is crucial to our success that
the global coalition against international terrorism remains
committed to this fight. At the same time we must work harder to
eliminate the root causes of hatred and terrorism. Although we are
taking the recent threats against Norway seriously, they will not
stop us from playing our full part in the fight against
international terrorism.
We must find lasting solutions to
the conflicts in the Middle East. Many of the threats and
challenges we are currently facing have their roots in this
region. We welcome the road map to peace between the Israelis
and the Palestinians recently presented by the Quartet. We
must now all do what we can to ensure that the parties fully
understand that they cannot afford to miss this opportunity to make
progress towards lasting peace. They must understand that the road
map is not a menu from which they can pick and choose. The
spiral of violence must not be allowed to derail the present
efforts to find lasting solutions. I welcome the inititatives taken
by Prime Ministers Sharon and Abbas to implement the road map.
The international community must be
prepared to assist in stabilising the entire region. Norway
is also open to discussing a possible role for NATO in the Middle
East should the parties wish to avail themselves of the Alliance’s
longstanding experience.
As regards the Mediterranean
dialogue, we have already reached out to some of our partners. This
is at a preliminary stage. Norway is looking into ways to
further strengthen this co-operation, ways that take account of the
needs of our southern allies.
Ladies and
gentlemen,
We in Norway take our collective
responsibility seriously. Ever since its inception, NATO has
been a cornerstone of Norwegian foreign and security policy. Norway
was a founding member and clearly benefited from the solidarity
within the Alliance throughout the years of the cold war.
We will continue to work hard to
reinforce the ties across the Atlantic. The close
transatlantic security relationship is the best guarantee we have
of peace and security in the Euro-Atlantic area. It is also
the best guarantee of the success of our present efforts to
transform NATO into a truly efficient instrument for meeting the
threats of international terrorism and proliferation of weapons of
mass destruction.
The United States has for decades
been Norway’s most important ally. The fact that we have come
to take the security guarantee embodied in the Washington Treaty
almost for granted testifies to the strength of our ties with the
US. At the same time we must never forget that these ties
carry a commitment – both ways.
The terrorist attacks on New York
and Washington fundamentally changed the American perception of
threat and vulnerability. As an ally we have never had any
reason to question the USA’s commitment to our own defence and
security. Thus, it is important for us to demonstrate our
solidarity in practical terms. This one of the reasons why we are
participating in the international efforts to provide stability and
security in Afghanistan.
The past fifty years have taught us
that success depends on strong transatlantic ties. Through its
consultation mechanisms and collective defence provisions, NATO has
been instrumental in forging the cohesion and solidarity that has
become its trademark. We must ensure that this continues to
be the trademark of the Alliance for the next fifty years.
Norway will certainly do her part.
Thank you for the
attention.
