Madrid, Spain 3 June 2003

Statement by H.E. Mr. Jan Petersen Foreign Minister of Norway at the Meeting of the North Atlantic Council Since the Prague Summit Iraq has proved to be a challenge in more than one way. We now have an occasion to strengthen our determination to stand together, and move forward with resolve. We must use this occasion. The transatlantic links remain of fundamental importance. And it is not a one-way street. We share the responsibility - on both sides of the Atlantic - for keeping it in good shape in a rapidly changing environment. Alliances are more solid than coalitions. We are dramatically transforming our forces and command structures as well as our involvement on the ground. Nato’s transformation will demand a lot of us - in terms of resources and in terms of readiness to set new priorities. But we will only succeed if our publics are convinced that the transformation is a result of genuine dialogue, where differing political requirements are respected. The historic decision on ISAF IV gives us all a shared responsibility for stability in an unstable country far away. It will require a long-term political engagement, as well as a long-term allocation of resources. We must provide the incentives we can to the government in its efforts to establish stability, law and order. When needed, we must be willing to adapt our total involvement to changing requirements. We have to look carefully at how the international community can best enhance the stability of Afghanistan. A static approach may well lead to setbacks rather than progress. While Nato’s mandate is on Kabul, our perspective will have to be wider. A strengthened dialog with other organisations and with partners in the region would be of great assistance. Norway is engaged in ISAF and in Enduring Freedom. As we shape our future engagement, the decision on ISAF will, of course, be at the centre of our considerations. We are pleased that the Council yesterday decided to assist the Polish-led stabilisation forces in Iraq. Even if there was disagreement over the war, we now have to stand together in assisting the people of Iraq building a better future. The UN Security Council decision on Iraq gave a strong legal basis for our involvement. Norway will place most of its contribution in the British-led part of the stabilisation force. But we have also decided to respond positively to the Polish request for participation in their part of the force. We welcome the latest developments with regard to the roadmap for the Middle East conflict and the decision by President Bush to meet the two Prime ministers in the near future. Success will depend on the ability to stick to the roadmap and maintain its credibility and the support of both sides. Norway will contribute as chairman of the AHLC-donor group, and as an active contributor to the Palestinian reform process. The Alliance has been involved in the Western Balkans for a long time. A few days ago I visited Croatia and Serbia/Montenegro where I experienced first hand the courageous efforts now being made by the leadership in Belgrade. There is a new determination to reform the society in a comprehensive way. Belgrade holds a main key to stability in Western Balkans. A solid, moderate and reform-oriented leadership with broad public support would bring a valuable contribution to solidifying state structures in Bosnia – which is also urgently needed. And it would greatly facilitate a future discussion of the status of Kosovo. But it should also be clear that the forces resisting reform have not been eliminated. We therefore need to support those who are working for involving the Serbia/Montenegro more closely into Euro-Atlantic structures. We are, as an Alliance, engaged in many areas at the same time. There is a risk of leaving unfinished business without sufficient political attention. This reinforces the need for NATO and the EU to plan together and act in a more concerted way. By making full use of the combined strength of the two organisations, the political impact will certainly be magnified.