General Assembly: Plenary

In the Plenary debate on the International Criminal Tribunals for Rwanda and the Former Yugoslavia, Ambassador Morten Wetland commended the Tribunals for their contribution to advancing justice and the rule of law. He also urged enhanced cooperation from Member States. The following statement was held on 8 October, 2009.

Norway's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Jonas Gahr Støre, delivered Norway's statement to the 64th General Assembly on Tuesday September 29. The following is a copy of that speech.

Statement to the General Assembly on 28 July 2009 by H.E. Mr. Morten Wetland Ambassador Permanent Representative.

Norway again stated in GA that it is in favour of enlargement of the Security Council to make it more representative, but also stresses that it needs to be more efficient, thus supporting concrete proposals made by the Group of Five Small States.

- The Security Council needs to be reformed to better reflect the world community of the 21st century, said Mona Juul in a statement given to the meeting about SC reform in GA February 19th.

In the debate about Regional Representation Norway stated That the composition of the Council should better reflect the current configuration of the membership of the United Nations, including developing states and smaller states.

"Gender equality and more equal participation in the work-force, or in the unpaid care, helps economic growth. They improve the competitive edge of our economy", said the Noprwegian Minister of Children and Equality Anniken Huitfeldt to the 53rd session of CSW.

On the meeting in the General Assembly about Security Council reform Norway stated that it remains open to the idea of expanding membership in the Security Council. While encouraging current members to restrict their use of the veto, Norway also holds the view that the right of veto should not be extended to any new members in case of expansion.

On the first of five meetings in the General Assembly on the reform of the Security Council, Norway stated that it’s open to the idea of enlargement of the council in both the permanent and non-permanent category.

– We reiterate our demand for an immediate ceasefire to alleviate the suffering of the civilian population in Gaza and to lay the foundations for a lasting peace, said Ambassador Mona Juul in Norways statement in the special session in the General Assembly on the situation in Gaza.