Freedom from Fear

Cluster II: Freedom from Fear

Mr Facilitator,

Norway fully supports the collective security vision that is set out in the report of the High-level Panel on Threats, Challenges and Change. We need a more comprehensive concept of collective security that tackles both new and old threats and addresses the security concerns of all States. This is our starting point for the discussion under the cluster "Freedom for Fear". Norway is in general supportive of the Secretary General’s proposals under this cluster, and following your request for short statements I will focus on those areas in the Report that are of particular importance to us.

Terrorism remains a major threat to global security and stability. This threat can only be met by a global response, where all Member States come together to consolidate their efforts to combat terrorists. Norway welcomes the comprehensive counterterrorism strategy presented by the Secretary General in Madrid and joins him in urging Member States to participate in this strategy.

Norway shares the view that we also need a comprehensive convention on terrorism. The adoption of a convention on nuclear terrorism was an important step in the right direction and showed clearly the Member States’ willingness to come together to deny terrorists access to nuclear materials. We must use this positive experience and the momentum it created to reach agreement on a comprehensive convention on terrorism before the end of the 60^{th session of the General Assembly. It is Norway’s view that the proposed definition in paragraph 91 of the Secretary General’s report provides a good basis for agreement and we urge all States to come to the negotiating table in a spirit of compromise.}

However, it must be stressed that the wide range of conventions against terrorism in all its forms have no value unless they are implemented. We urge all States to implement already existing instruments, thereby consolidating our joint efforts against terrorism.

As pointed out in the Secretary General’s report, there is a close link between terrorism and organized crime. Norway supports the Secretary General’s call for ratification and implementation of existing conventions on organised crime, in particular the Convention Against Transnational, Organized Crime (CATOC) and its additional Protocols. We agree that there is a need to strengthen the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. This office plays an important role in providing technical assistance to States to increase their capacity to implement their international obligations. For its part Norway has ratified and implemented all relevant UN instruments against organized crime.

Norway welcomes the Secretary General’s proposals to strengthen the multilateral framework for disarmament and non-proliferation. In particular, Norway supports his recommendations regarding the Non-Proliferation Treaty, which are of particular importance in view of the upcoming Review Conference. We urge all States Parties to the Treaty to do their utmost to secure a positive and balanced outcome of the Review Conference.

Norway welcomes the Report’s reference to Security Council resolution 1540 (2004) and the Proliferation Security Initiative (PSI), which are important additional tools in the fight against proliferation. The importance of full implementation of resolution 1540, including the fulfilment of its reporting requirements, must be emphasised, As a member of the PSI, Norway urges other States to join this initiative to prevent illicit trafficking in nuclear, biological and chemical weapons.

As regards the Report’s recommendations on national export controls, Norway would have liked to see a stronger focus on certain aspects. In particular, it must be emphasised that it is the responsibility of each State to implement effective controls while exercising the necessary discretion in its trade in weapons, military equipment and related goods based on national laws and practices.

Norway fully concurs with the Secretary General’s recommendations regarding small arms and light weapons. Norway strongly supports a legally binding instrument on tracing and marking that also includes ammunition, and is committed to a successful outcome of the last session of the Open-ended Woking Group in June. Furthermore, we agree with the Secretary General that negotiations on an instrument on illicit brokering should be expedited and look forward to the establishment of a group of governmental experts on brokering in 2006.

Norway acknowledges that there is a need to strengthen UN peacekeeping capacity. At the same time, we must recognize that resources are limited. In this regard, Norway welcomes the Secretary General’s proposal to establish an inter-locking system of peacekeping capacities to create a new partnership between the UN and regional organisations. We look forward to further discussions on the proposal to develop strategic reserves and a standing police capacity.

As regards the proposal to establish a Peacebuilding Commission, our initial reaction to the Secretary General’s explanatory note on the Commission is positive. The following comments may not in all aspects represent the final views of Norway, but are presented in the context of the ongoing discussion.

The clarifications of mandate and functions are satisfactory, and the suggested composition and institutional modalities suggested are overall in accordance with our view. We are, however, concerned with the presentation of the Peacebuilding Support Office, which seems to indicate that its primary function may be to serve as a Secretariat to the Peacebuilding Commission. What concerns us, is that if the Office is filled by seconded staff from operational entities, this may result in a diversion of already scarce operational capacity within the UN to carry out secretarial services for the new intergovernmental body. In our view, the focus should be on improving the international community’s performance on the ground. The operational functions of a Peacebuilding Support Office should have priority over servicing the Commission.

Norway agrees with the recommendation that the Security Council should adopt a resolution setting out the principles that should apply to the use of force and expressing its intention to be guided by them. The establishment of such principles would make it more difficult for the Council to remain passive when the criteria for action are clearly met. At the same time, it is important that the Council retains the necessary flexibility to deal with any future threat to international peace and security. This is an issue where further in-depth discussion is clearly needed. In any event, Norway would like to see an increased emphasis on preventive diplomacy. Military action must be prevented and should only be used as a last resort.

Thank you, Mr Facilitator