natgillin/translations-raw huggingface dataset:
I will focus on the decisive role played by strong partnerships in the process, and conclude with some observations on the way forward.
I will focus on the decisive role played by strong partnerships in the process, and conclude with some observations on the way forward.
When the Oslo Declaration was adopted by 46 states almost three years ago, our mandate was clear: to conclude by 2008 a legally binding instrument prohibiting cluster munitions that cause unacceptable harm to civilians.
When the Oslo Declaration was adopted by 46 states almost three years ago, our mandate was clear: to conclude by 2008 a legally binding instrument prohibiting cluster munitions that cause unacceptable harm to civilians.
Thinking back, it is incredible that we were actually able to achieve the Convention in such a short period of time.
Thinking back, it is incredible that we were actually able to achieve the Convention in such a short period of time.
And for me, that raises the question: Why did the Oslo process succeed?
And for me, that raises the question: Why did the Oslo process succeed?
I believe, first and foremost, it was because the focus throughout the process was on facts and realities from the situation on the ground.
I believe, first and foremost, it was because the focus throughout the process was on facts and realities from the situation on the ground.
And those facts clearly showed the inaccuracy and unreliability of cluster munitions in operational conditions.
And those facts clearly showed the inaccuracy and unreliability of cluster munitions in operational conditions.
And the facts showed the unacceptable harm they cause during and after use.
And the facts showed the unacceptable harm they cause during and after use.
The humanitarian consequences of the use of cluster munitions – in affected areas and as experienced by the victims – became the main point of reference.
The humanitarian consequences of the use of cluster munitions – in affected areas and as experienced by the victims – became the main point of reference.
This was important, because it created a shift with regard to who bore the burden of evidence.
This was important, because it created a shift with regard to who bore the burden of evidence.
This resulted in a discourse in which the users, producers and stockpilers were called upon to demonstrate that their weapons did not cause unacceptable harm.
This resulted in a discourse in which the users, producers and stockpilers were called upon to demonstrate that their weapons did not cause unacceptable harm.
There is one more key aspect that I would like to emphasise about the process that led up to the Convention.
There is one more key aspect that I would like to emphasise about the process that led up to the Convention.
Undoubtedly, one of the keys to the success of our work so far has been the partnerships between states, civil society, the UN and the International Committee of the Red Cross, all of which were accepted as full participants in the process.
Undoubtedly, one of the keys to the success of our work so far has been the partnerships between states, civil society, the UN and the International Committee of the Red Cross, all of which were accepted as full participants in the process.
The role of African states
The role of African states
Because, as you know, African states played a pivotal role in securing the Convention.
Because, as you know, African states played a pivotal role in securing the Convention.
The Livingstone Conference in March 2008 resulted in a consolidated African position prior to the final negotiations in Dublin.
The Livingstone Conference in March 2008 resulted in a consolidated African position prior to the final negotiations in Dublin.
This was followed up at the Kampala Conference in September 2008, which helped to mobilise the strong African participation at the Signing Conference in Oslo.
This was followed up at the Kampala Conference in September 2008, which helped to mobilise the strong African participation at the Signing Conference in Oslo.
During the negotiations, individual African states and the African Group as a whole played a critical and constructive role, always working towards an ambitious end result, while at the same seeking common ground.
During the negotiations, individual African states and the African Group as a whole played a critical and constructive role, always working towards an ambitious end result, while at the same seeking common ground.
The Convention on Cluster Munitions would have been weaker in all key areas without the competent and concerted African effort.
The Convention on Cluster Munitions would have been weaker in all key areas without the competent and concerted African effort.
Now our common challenge is to make sure that the obligations set out in the Convention are translated into reality on the ground.
Now our common challenge is to make sure that the obligations set out in the Convention are translated into reality on the ground.
Africa is much less affected by cluster munitions than it was by landmines, and the implementation challenges this time are quite different.
Africa is much less affected by cluster munitions than it was by landmines, and the implementation challenges this time are quite different.
Affected areas need to be cleared and rendered safe again, but the main challenge is to ensure proper care and rehabilitation for the victims.
Affected areas need to be cleared and rendered safe again, but the main challenge is to ensure proper care and rehabilitation for the victims.
The rapid destruction of remaining stockpiles is crucial to ensure that cluster munitions will never be used again.
The rapid destruction of remaining stockpiles is crucial to ensure that cluster munitions will never be used again.
The only way we can do this is to continue and further develop the partnerships of trust that have marked this process.
The only way we can do this is to continue and further develop the partnerships of trust that have marked this process.
Norway is ready to be an active partner for African states in their implementation of the Convention, and we look forward to continuing to work with you on other security issues that need to be addressed.
Norway is ready to be an active partner for African states in their implementation of the Convention, and we look forward to continuing to work with you on other security issues that need to be addressed.
The way forward
The way forward
This regional conference has been a success.
This regional conference has been a success.
Together with the regional meetings held last fall in Chile for the Latin American and the Caribbean states and in Indonesia for the Asian and Pacific states, this conference has been important to prepare a successful First Meeting of States Parties in Laos.
Together with the regional meetings held last fall in Chile for the Latin American and the Caribbean states and in Indonesia for the Asian and Pacific states, this conference has been important to prepare a successful First Meeting of States Parties in Laos.
We warmly welcome the offer from Chile to host a global meeting on cooperation and assistance for all signatory states in Santiago on 7–9 June 2010.
We warmly welcome the offer from Chile to host a global meeting on cooperation and assistance for all signatory states in Santiago on 7–9 June 2010.
The Santiago meeting will be important for two main reasons:
The Santiago meeting will be important for two main reasons:
Firstly, its focus on cooperation and assistance will enhance our understanding of Article 6, which is key to the full implementation of the Convention.
Firstly, its focus on cooperation and assistance will enhance our understanding of Article 6, which is key to the full implementation of the Convention.
As discussed here at the Conference, we have learned from the implementation of the Mine Ban Convention that implementation is not only about financial resources, but also about how the work is organised.
As discussed here at the Conference, we have learned from the implementation of the Mine Ban Convention that implementation is not only about financial resources, but also about how the work is organised.
Secondly, the Santiago meeting will provide an important opportunity for informal discussions on our preparations for the First Meeting of States Parties.
Secondly, the Santiago meeting will provide an important opportunity for informal discussions on our preparations for the First Meeting of States Parties.
Here the active participation of African states will be crucial to ensure that we will be able to take the necessary decisions when we meet again in Vientiane.
Here the active participation of African states will be crucial to ensure that we will be able to take the necessary decisions when we meet again in Vientiane.
As an example of African leadership in this process, Sierra Leone, Niger, Zambia, Burundi, Malawi and Burkina Faso’s rapid ratification helped ensure the swift entry into force of the Convention.
As an example of African leadership in this process, Sierra Leone, Niger, Zambia, Burundi, Malawi and Burkina Faso’s rapid ratification helped ensure the swift entry into force of the Convention.
Let me take this opportunity to urge all other African states to sign and accede to the Convention without delay.
Let me take this opportunity to urge all other African states to sign and accede to the Convention without delay.
Let me conclude: while the entry into force of the Convention on 1 August 2010 will be an important milestone from a formal, legal perspective, we have already seen how the Convention has become a new benchmark for assessing how states conduct warfare.
Let me conclude: while the entry into force of the Convention on 1 August 2010 will be an important milestone from a formal, legal perspective, we have already seen how the Convention has become a new benchmark for assessing how states conduct warfare.
The Convention strengthens the international norm regarding the protection of civilians in armed conflicts.
The Convention strengthens the international norm regarding the protection of civilians in armed conflicts.
The Oslo Process came about in response to a humanitarian problem caused by the use of cluster munitions.
The Oslo Process came about in response to a humanitarian problem caused by the use of cluster munitions.
Therefore, the real measure of the success of our work is the actual difference the Convention on Cluster Munitions makes on the ground in affected communities.
Therefore, the real measure of the success of our work is the actual difference the Convention on Cluster Munitions makes on the ground in affected communities.
The Convention is a framework for effective action - to clear affected areas, - to assist victims - and to destroy the enormous stockpiles of these weapons.
The Convention is a framework for effective action - to clear affected areas, - to assist victims - and to destroy the enormous stockpiles of these weapons.
But although we are focusing on the Convention on Cluster Munitions and the Mine Ban Convention right now, we all know that we face other global challenges that are similar to those addressed by these conventions.
But although we are focusing on the Convention on Cluster Munitions and the Mine Ban Convention right now, we all know that we face other global challenges that are similar to those addressed by these conventions.
Armed violence causes unacceptable harm to civilians all over the world, every day.
Armed violence causes unacceptable harm to civilians all over the world, every day.
We need to act on these challenges – together.
We need to act on these challenges – together.
Therefore, I would like to end my presentation here today with this point: The Norwegian Government will continue to focus on the Convention on Cluster Munitions and the Mine Ban Convention.
Therefore, I would like to end my presentation here today with this point: The Norwegian Government will continue to focus on the Convention on Cluster Munitions and the Mine Ban Convention.
But we also stand ready to cooperate with our partners in a broad range of arenas to continue working for the reduction and prevention of armed violence in the years ahead.
But we also stand ready to cooperate with our partners in a broad range of arenas to continue working for the reduction and prevention of armed violence in the years ahead.
We look forward to being your partner in this important work.
We look forward to being your partner in this important work.
The Arctic Herald, Moscow, No 2/2012, June 2012
The Arctic Herald, Moskva, No 2/2012, juni 2012
- Norway’s strategic efforts in the north must be seen in a geopolitical context.
- Norway’s strategic efforts in the north must be seen in a geopolitical context.
Norway will continue its active dialogue on High North issues with its neighbours, partners and allies.
Norway will continue its active dialogue on High North issues with its neighbours, partners and allies.
Strengthened international cooperation in the north – both circumpolar cooperation and cooperation with Russia in particular – will in turn be beneficial for developments in Norway, writes Foreign Minister Støre in this article.
Strengthened international cooperation in the north – both circumpolar cooperation and cooperation with Russia in particular – will in turn be beneficial for developments in Norway, skriver utenriksminister Støre i denne artikkelen.
Norway and the High North As a point of departure, it should be noted that the High North has a special place in Norwegian hearts.
Norway and the High North As a point of departure, it should be noted that the High North has a special place in Norwegian hearts.
The very name of our country is generally understood to mean “the way northwards”.
The very name of our country is generally understood to mean “the way northwards”.
Our geography, history, economy and a whole range of artistic expression, including films and poetry, are keys to understanding our affinity for the High North.
Our geography, history, economy and a whole range of artistic expression, including films and poetry, are keys to understanding our affinity for the High North.
It was natural to refer to Rolf Jacobsen’s poem ‘Look north more often’ in The High North Strategy, and the award-winning film simply named ‘Nord’ (North) was one of Norway’s contributions to the Berlin Film Festival in February 2009.
It was natural to refer to Rolf Jacobsen’s poem ‘Look north more often’ in The High North Strategy, and the award-winning film simply named ‘Nord’ (North) was one of Norway’s contributions to the Berlin Film Festival in February 2009.
Our most illustrious national heroes, such as Fridtjof Nansen and Roald Amundsen, are renowned for their polar expeditions.
Our most illustrious national heroes, such as Fridtjof Nansen and Roald Amundsen, are renowned for their polar expeditions.
Norway’s tradition of looking to the north forms part of its identity, and shapes the self-image and mind-set of its people.
Norway’s tradition of looking to the north forms part of its identity, and shapes the self-image and mind-set of its people.
This perspective was given renewed impetus when my Government, in its inaugural address in 2005, presented the High North as Norway’s most important strategic priority area.
This perspective was given renewed impetus when my Government, in its inaugural address in 2005, presented the High North as Norway’s most important strategic priority area.
The main priorities were set out in more detail in the subsequent policy platforms.
The main priorities were set out in more detail in the subsequent policy platforms.
The High North Strategy was launched in 2006, and was followed up with New Building Blocks in the North in 2009, which sets out the Government’s priorities for the next 10–15 years.
The High North Strategy was launched in 2006, and was followed up with New Building Blocks in the North in 2009, which sets out the Government’s priorities for the next 10–15 years.
In the autumn of 2011, the policy achievements so far and the road ahead were outlined in the white paper The High North: Vision and strategies.
In the autumn of 2011, the policy achievements so far and the road ahead were outlined in the white paper The High North: Vision and strategies.
This presents a coherent, long-term Norwegian policy for addressing the challenges and utilising the opportunities in the High North.
This presents a coherent, long-term Norwegian policy for addressing the challenges and utilising the opportunities in the High North.
Our overall aim remains to enhance knowledge in and about the north, increase our activity and presence in the region and lay the foundations for sustainable economic and social development in the years to come.
Our overall aim remains to enhance knowledge in and about the north, increase our activity and presence in the region and lay the foundations for sustainable economic and social development in the years to come.
The wider Arctic context Although commonly used, the term ‘High North’ has not been precisely defined, and it does not refer solely to Norwegian territory.
The wider Arctic context Although commonly used, the term ‘High North’ has not been precisely defined, and it does not refer solely to Norwegian territory.
The breadth of this concept is reflected in the Government’s strategy.
The breadth of this concept is reflected in the Government’s strategy.
Important Norwegian interests are linked to developments in the Arctic as a whole and the wider circumpolar area, and internationally the terms ‘High North’ and ‘Arctic’ are often interchangeable.
Important Norwegian interests are linked to developments in the Arctic as a whole and the wider circumpolar area, and internationally the terms ‘High North’ and ‘Arctic’ are often interchangeable.
Norway’s strategic efforts in the north must be seen in a geopolitical context.
Norway’s strategic efforts in the north must be seen in a geopolitical context.
Strengthened international cooperation in the north – both circumpolar cooperation and cooperation with Russia in particular – will in turn be beneficial for developments in Norway.
Strengthened international cooperation in the north – both circumpolar cooperation and cooperation with Russia in particular – will in turn be beneficial for developments in Norway.
Thus, our High North strategy takes a comprehensive approach and a generational perspective.
Thus, our High North strategy takes a comprehensive approach and a generational perspective.
It has a dynamic character, also when it comes to its geographical scope.
It has a dynamic character, also when it comes to its geographical scope.
Ever since I became Foreign Minister in 2005, I have been struck by the way our European High North perspective has merged with the broader Arctic perspective.
Ever since I became Foreign Minister in 2005, I have been struck by the way our European High North perspective has merged with the broader Arctic perspective.
Due to the changes taking place in the Arctic, the High North is moving from the outskirts to a new geopolitical centre of gravity.
Due to the changes taking place in the Arctic, the High North is moving from the outskirts to a new geopolitical centre of gravity.
New developments pose new challenges and give rise to new opportunities.
New developments pose new challenges and give rise to new opportunities.
As a responsible coastal state, Norway strives to address these challenges and make use of the opportunities in a safe and environmentally sound way.
As a responsible coastal state, Norway strives to address these challenges and make use of the opportunities in a safe and environmentally sound way.
We will work to ensure that the Arctic remains a peaceful region of cooperation and sustainable resource management.
We will work to ensure that the Arctic remains a peaceful region of cooperation and sustainable resource management.
Predictable frameworks for sustainable development The Arctic is not a legal void or a political vacuum.
Predictable frameworks for sustainable development The Arctic is not a legal void or a political vacuum.
The Law of the Sea forms the legal basis for all activities in the Arctic Ocean – as it does in all oceans and seas of the world.
The Law of the Sea forms the legal basis for all activities in the Arctic Ocean – as it does in all oceans and seas of the world.
In Norway’s view, existing international law provides a predictable framework for addressing present and foreseeable challenges in the Arctic.
In Norway’s view, existing international law provides a predictable framework for addressing present and foreseeable challenges in the Arctic.
There are few unresolved issues of jurisdiction in the Arctic.
There are few unresolved issues of jurisdiction in the Arctic.
In the Ilulissat Declaration (28 May 2008) the five coastal states bordering the Arctic Ocean – Norway, Russia, Canada, Denmark (Greenland) and the United States – confirmed their continued commitment to the legal framework in the Arctic Ocean and to the orderly settlement of possible overlapping claims.
In the Ilulissat Declaration (28 May 2008) the five coastal states bordering the Arctic Ocean – Norway, Russia, Canada, Denmark (Greenland) and the United States – confirmed their continued commitment to the legal framework in the Arctic Ocean and to the orderly settlement of possible overlapping claims.
The 2010 Treaty Concerning Maritime Delimitation and Cooperation in the Barents Sea and the Arctic Ocean between Norway and the Russian Federation is a prime example of the practical application of the principles set out in the existing legal framework.
The 2010 Treaty Concerning Maritime Delimitation and Cooperation in the Barents Sea and the Arctic Ocean between Norway and the Russian Federation is a prime example of the practical application of the principles set out in the existing legal framework.
This agreement was a true milestone because unresolved maritime boundaries can be particularly difficult for states to resolve.
This agreement was a true milestone because unresolved maritime boundaries can be particularly difficult for states to resolve.
It was 40 years in the making, and entailed long-drawn-out and seemingly endless rounds of negotiations.
It was 40 years in the making, and entailed long-drawn-out and seemingly endless rounds of negotiations.
But in the end, we agreed that the Law of the Sea provided a framework that enabled us to overcome the zero-sum logic of competition and replace it with a process focused on finding a win-win solution.
But in the end, we agreed that the Law of the Sea provided a framework that enabled us to overcome the zero-sum logic of competition and replace it with a process focused on finding a win-win solution.
The establishment of the outer limits of the continental shelf outside 200 nautical miles is dealt with by the Commission on the Outer Limits of the Continental Shelf in New York.
The establishment of the outer limits of the continental shelf outside 200 nautical miles is dealt with by the Commission on the Outer Limits of the Continental Shelf in New York.
Norway was the first coastal state in the Arctic Ocean to complete the requirements of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea in this respect, and Norway has worked in close cooperation with all its neighbouring states in the High North.
Norway was the first coastal state in the Arctic Ocean to complete the requirements of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea in this respect, and Norway has worked in close cooperation with all its neighbouring states in the High North.
In Norway’s view, it is essential that shipping in the Arctic Ocean is subject to the highest safety and environmental standards.
In Norway’s view, it is essential that shipping in the Arctic Ocean is subject to the highest safety and environmental standards.
Therefore Norway strongly supports the development of a mandatory Polar Code under the International Maritime Organization.
Therefore Norway strongly supports the development of a mandatory Polar Code under the International Maritime Organization.
We invite other nations to join us in close cooperation on this matter.
We invite other nations to join us in close cooperation on this matter.