1E Ambassadør Bjørn Skogmos...

1E Ambassadør Bjørn Skogmos innlegg i spesialsesjonen om situasjonen for arbeidstakerne i de okkuperte arabiske områder

Norway would like to thank the Director-General for the comprehensive report before us. We share the concerns voiced in the report regarding the difficult economic situation in the Palestinian areas. The difficulties in the peace process have had negative economic effects. It is equally evident that the peace process in the Middle East will not succeed unless it creates jobs and economic growth in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip in addition to those created in Israel since 1993.

Norway is also seriously concerned about the continued Israeli settlement activities in the Palestinian areas which are contrary to international law and the spirit of the Oslo Agreement. We reiterate our call to the parties to resume direct contact at the highest level with a view to starting final status negotiations as soon as possible. The Ad Hoc Liaison Committee for economic assistance to the Palestinians which Norway is chairing is working continuously to improve economic conditions in the Palestinian areas, particularly with regard to employment. The donor countries have agreed to continue economic assistance to the Palestinians beyond 1999. In this context, Norway appreciates the valuable contribution of the ILO's technical cooperation programmes in coordinating with all the relevant actors for strengthening the position of Palestinian workers, thus implementing its mandate and supporting the peace process in the Middle East.