Summary and press points after Sudan Consortium
Historisk arkiv
Publisert under: Regjeringen Stoltenberg II
Utgiver: Utenriksdepartementet
Oslo, 7 May 2008
Tale/innlegg | Dato: 07.05.2008
Sudan-konferansen ble en stor suksess, både på grunn av bred internasjonal deltakelse og for stor interesse og gode diskusjoner om de sentrale spørsmål og utfordringer, mener miljø- og utviklingsminister Erik Solheim.
- Dear Vice President, excellencies, ladies and gentlemen,
- We are honored to host this international consortium.
- Pleased that so many countries and organizations have participated – to show both their concern and solidarity with Sudan at this critical time for the country (48 countries and organizations).
- A great success, both in terms of the broad international participation and for the interesting and good discussions on the central issues and challenges.
- This was made possible because the Sudanese authorities provided us with such well prepared joint presentations and background documents.
- And it was made possible because of the excellent organization and facilitation of this consortium by the World Bank and the United Nations.
- But the consortium became a success first and foremost because it demonstrated a strong international will to support peace and development in Sudan for the last part of the interim period of the CPA with a total sum of 4.8 billion USD.
- This includes a broad spectrum of assistance, such as humanitarian aid, recovery and rehabilitation, and more long-term development.
- I am also pleased to note that so many countries see the need for a strong coordination of this assistance.
- In a parallel session, women from all parts of Sudan have agreed on a joint set of priorities to empower women and promote gender equality in the unified Sudan. Women's leadership in the reconstruction of Sudan is essential and all funds dedicated to Sudan need to further build that leadership.
- Sudan is still in a transitional phase from war to peace and from a traditional society to a modern nation. But has moved considerably forward in the three years since we were gathered in Oslo.
- This consortium has showed that the international community is ready to continue to work with you for a better future for the population in Sudan.
- I am in particular pleased to note the openness and frankness of the discussions about the challenges that lie ahead.
- We have in particular exchanged frank views on the situation in Darfur and how we from the international side can help to build peace in your western region.
- We agree that a broad strategy for peace in Darfur should be based on improved security, unhindered humanitarian assistance to all groups in need, a broadly supported peace agreement and recovery and rehabilitation.
- We are ready to go the extra mile with you to achieve peace in Darfur as an integral part of the overall national development for peace and development in Sudan.
- We in the international community can not make peace in your country – only support and assist you in your own efforts.
- Again – as I also said at the opening Tuesday – political will is the most important factor.
- Norway has doubled its pledge from the conference in 2005, from 250 million USD to 500 million USD. We are ready to double our efforts, based on the conviction that you will redouble yours.
- I will like to thank all those who made this consortium possible, in particular from Sudan and the World Bank and the United Nations, and also from my own staff in the ministry.
- Many thanks again, and a safe journey home so you can make yourself ready to begin on the next lap of the joint cooperation with Sudan for a better future for the population all over this great country.