Mr. Chairman,

The parliamentary elections on 12 September resulted in a change of government in Norway. The new Government has on several occasions spelled out its intention of pursuing an active European policy, and will be strongly engaged in the Council of Europe.

The Warsaw Summit provided clear guidelines and a framework for the way ahead.

Firstly,

We must take immediate action to consolidate and strengthen the European human rights system and the Court of Human Rights. The court is a powerful vehicle for strengthening the protection of human rights, the rule of law and democracy in Europe. With more than eighty thousand applications to deal with, and a constantly growing backlog, it is obvious that the court needs a substantial increase in its resources. The court’s modest and realistic request for more qualified personnel should be honoured straight away. Norway will contribute its part, and we call upon others to do the same.

We support the summit’s commitment to ensuring that Protocol No. 14 enters into force by May next year.

The protocol will contribute substantially to the court’s efficiency. However, I would like to point out that the court’s case load will continue to grow unless member states take effective measures at home to improve their national systems of human rights protection.

Secondly,

Norway is a strong advocate of closer co-operation between the Council of Europe, the OSCE and the EU. We have taken the first steps to improve synergies, in particular with the OSCE.

Norway strongly supports our decision today to launch joint operational projects between the OSCE and the Council of Europe in 2006. I would particularly like to emphasise the need for a comprehensive European campaign against trafficking. Let us join forces to put an end to this evil on our continent. We urge all member states to sign and ratify the Council of Europe Convention on action against trafficking in human beings without delay.

Norway welcomes the enhanced co-operation and political dialogue between the Council of Europe and the EU. We are looking forward to the upcoming negotiations, and we stand ready to take active part in a revitalised partnership and strengthened dialogue for mutual benefit.

Thirdly,

Important decisions were made in Warsaw that will strengthen the human dimension of our co-operation, and let me mention a few points:

• We will intensify our efforts to achieve equal opportunities for vulnerable groups.
• We will strengthen children’s rights and actively and efficiently pursue actions to prevent child abuse.
• We will contribute actively to pan-European action to combat everyday violence, including violence against women.
• We will take action to improve conditions for people with disabilities, and to secure their fundamental rights throughout Europe.
• We also welcome measures taken to strengthen the intercultural dialogue, and here I want to welcome the constructive proposals made by Armenia

Decentralisation and local democracy are important tools for strengthening good governance and human rights. We are confident that the new centre of expertise for local reform will make a valuable contribution, in close co-operation with the Congress for Local and Regional Authorities.

Fourthly,

The Summit clearly stated that reform of the Council of Europe is an urgent priority.

Dear friends, we must critically examine the administrative costs as well as the range of activities.

Norway encourages the Secretary General to take active leadership in the reform process and we look forward to substantial and rapid improvements. They are surely needed.

Finally, Mr Chairman,

I would like to emphasise our solidarity and our determination to stand together with all member countries in the fight against terrorism. Our common efforts to combat terrorism must be a constant priority.

However, the fight against terrorism must not become a pretext for deviating from the rule of law or for failing to provide fair trial guarantees. Respect for human rights and the rule of law are the first and the best way to counter terrorism. If we disregard these fundamental principles and descend to the use of totalitarian methods, then the terrorists can truly claim an ideological victory.

Finally, I would like to thank foreign minister Amaral and welcome the new chairman. From yesterday’s fireside chat we understand that we have much to expect from the Romanian chairmanship.

Thank you.