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The Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu responded last week with endorsement of a two-state solution in his speech.
The Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu responded last week with endorsement of a two-state solution in his speech.
President Obama has urged Palestinians to focus on what they can build, "The Palestinian Authority must develop its capacity to govern." he said in his speech in Cairo.
President Obama has urged Palestinians to focus on what they can build, "The Palestinian Authority must develop its capacity to govern." he said in his speech in Cairo.
The US president is right.
The US president is right.
But how is such development to occur?
But how is such development to occur?
That is the question the international donor group known as the Ad-Hoc Liaison Committee (AHLC) aimed to answer at a recent high-level meeting in Oslo.
That is the question the international donor group known as the Ad-Hoc Liaison Committee (AHLC) aimed to answer at a recent high-level meeting in Oslo.
We assessed Palestine's dire economic situation, called on donors to live up to their pledges, and demanded that Israel lift restrictions that are crippling the Palestinian economy and the Palestinian Authority's process of reform.
We assessed Palestine's dire economic situation, called on donors to live up to their pledges, and demanded that Israel lift restrictions that are crippling the Palestinian economy and the Palestinian Authority's process of reform.
We know now, as we knew in 1993 when the Oslo Accords were signed, that a strong, viable Palestinian Authority (PA) is the foundation upon which a future Palestinian state will stand.
We know now, as we knew in 1993 when the Oslo Accords were signed, that a strong, viable Palestinian Authority (PA) is the foundation upon which a future Palestinian state will stand.
Palestinians are a hardworking people, and once there is an independent Palestinian state that can regulate commerce, have access to markets, and enable investment and job creation, they will gladly do without foreign aid.
Palestinians are a hardworking people, and once there is an independent Palestinian state that can regulate commerce, have access to markets, and enable investment and job creation, they will gladly do without foreign aid.
But today, still under occupation, the PA is dependent on outside donors – and the PA is crumbling before our eyes.
But today, still under occupation, the PA is dependent on outside donors – and the PA is crumbling before our eyes.
With a projected budget deficit approaching $400 million over the next few months, the PA is struggling to pay public salaries and cover utility bills.
With a projected budget deficit approaching $400 million over the next few months, the PA is struggling to pay public salaries and cover utility bills.
And while it may be too soon to speak of donor fatigue, there is tangible donor frustration as the governance institutions we've worked so hard to build up are literally torn down in military operations in Gaza and the West Bank since 2000.
And while it may be too soon to speak of donor fatigue, there is tangible donor frustration as the governance institutions we've worked so hard to build up are literally torn down in military operations in Gaza and the West Bank since 2000.
Make no mistake: If the building blocks of the Palestinian state-in-waiting are allowed to fall apart, the prospects for peace will collapse, too.
Make no mistake: If the building blocks of the Palestinian state-in-waiting are allowed to fall apart, the prospects for peace will collapse, too.
After all, the international donor community's unwavering support to the Palestinians is political, not only humanitarian.
After all, the international donor community's unwavering support to the Palestinians is political, not only humanitarian.
Our goal is a free and sovereign Palestine, living side by side with Israel in peace and security.
Our goal is a free and sovereign Palestine, living side by side with Israel in peace and security.
The billions of assistance dollars provided over the years since the Oslo Accords were intended to fortify the Palestinian economy and bolster a Palestinian state, not to keep the Palestinian territory's governing institutions on life support, even as conditions for the Palestinian people grow more desperate by the day.
The billions of assistance dollars provided over the years since the Oslo Accords were intended to fortify the Palestinian economy and bolster a Palestinian state, not to keep the Palestinian territory's governing institutions on life support, even as conditions for the Palestinian people grow more desperate by the day.
What must be done to save the PA, and who must be held accountable?
What must be done to save the PA, and who must be held accountable?
We need a new approach from every stakeholder in the peace process to rejuvenate commitment to a two-state solution and reverse the downward spiral.
We need a new approach from every stakeholder in the peace process to rejuvenate commitment to a two-state solution and reverse the downward spiral.
From Israel, we need good faith.
From Israel, we need good faith.
That means living up to the road map obligations, including a total freeze on settlement construction – provocative outposts on occupied land – and, just as essential, a readiness to engage in negotiations on a two-state solution.
That means living up to the road map obligations, including a total freeze on settlement construction – provocative outposts on occupied land – and, just as essential, a readiness to engage in negotiations on a two-state solution.
Prime Minister Netanyahu's speech was a beginning which now needs concrete follow up through action on the ground.
Prime Minister Netanyahu's speech was a beginning which now needs concrete follow up through action on the ground.
The scene is set for new negotiations, but urgent progress on the ground is needed in order to give much needed credibility to new negotiations.
The scene is set for new negotiations, but urgent progress on the ground is needed in order to give much needed credibility to new negotiations.
The current lack of trust and confidence among Israelis and Palestinians alike is critical due to numerous setbacks and broken promises in the past.
The current lack of trust and confidence among Israelis and Palestinians alike is critical due to numerous setbacks and broken promises in the past.
Israel must also abide by its pledge to lift the blockade on Gaza – a regime that bars staple foods like baby formula and tea, and that bans the import of construction materials needed to repair the tens of thousands of homes damaged or destroyed in the aerial bombardment earlier this year.
Israel must also abide by its pledge to lift the blockade on Gaza – a regime that bars staple foods like baby formula and tea, and that bans the import of construction materials needed to repair the tens of thousands of homes damaged or destroyed in the aerial bombardment earlier this year.
As long as the current conditions persist, there can be no economic development, let alone security and peace.
As long as the current conditions persist, there can be no economic development, let alone security and peace.
The only local growth-industries will be tunnel trafficking and extremism.
The only local growth-industries will be tunnel trafficking and extremism.
From the Palestinians, we need unity of purpose and enhancement of security throughout occupied territories.
From the Palestinians, we need unity of purpose and enhancement of security throughout occupied territories.
The competing Palestinian factions must bridge the river of mistrust between them.
The competing Palestinian factions must bridge the river of mistrust between them.
Only a unified Palestinian national movement, ready to respect international norms, can credibly negotiate and implement a final-status agreement with Israel.
Only a unified Palestinian national movement, ready to respect international norms, can credibly negotiate and implement a final-status agreement with Israel.
From the international community, we need resolve – and we need pressure.
From the international community, we need resolve – and we need pressure.
Western and Arab donors alike must urgently honor their past financial commitments.
Western and Arab donors alike must urgently honor their past financial commitments.
So far this year, international donors have cut their contributions to the PA by as much as half compared with 2008.
So far this year, international donors have cut their contributions to the PA by as much as half compared with 2008.
While we all agree on the imperative of Palestinian reconciliation, we must not hold our assistance pledges hostage in the meantime – for there will be nothing left to reconcile if the PA falls apart.
While we all agree on the imperative of Palestinian reconciliation, we must not hold our assistance pledges hostage in the meantime – for there will be nothing left to reconcile if the PA falls apart.
The AHLC is the only body left that can facilitate the required cooperation among these stakeholders.
The AHLC is the only body left that can facilitate the required cooperation among these stakeholders.
For despite its name, the AHLC is anything but ad hoc: It is the last standing pillar of the Oslo peacemaking architecture that has enabled dialogue among the Israelis, Palestinians, and their international partners through all the ups and downs of the past 16 years.
For despite its name, the AHLC is anything but ad hoc: It is the last standing pillar of the Oslo peacemaking architecture that has enabled dialogue among the Israelis, Palestinians, and their international partners through all the ups and downs of the past 16 years.
Our goal remains unchanged: a Palestinian state, living side by side with Israel, both peoples secure and at peace.
Our goal remains unchanged: a Palestinian state, living side by side with Israel, both peoples secure and at peace.
But the largest obstacle is unchanged as well: a crippling lack of trust.
But the largest obstacle is unchanged as well: a crippling lack of trust.
And time is running out.
And time is running out.
If the PA dies, there will be no second chance.
If the PA dies, there will be no second chance.
Let the clarion call go forth from Oslo: Support the PA now, or risk all prospects for peace.
Let the clarion call go forth from Oslo: Support the PA now, or risk all prospects for peace.
Article in Disarmament Times, 30 September 2010
Artikkel i Disarmament Times, 30. september 2010
An important shift has taken place in the debate on nuclear disarmament in recent years, writes Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Støre in an article in Disarmament Times.
An important shift has taken place in the debate on nuclear disarmament in recent years, skriver utenriksminister Jonas Gahr Støre i en artikkel i Disarmament Times.
An important shift has taken place in the debate on nuclear disarmament in recent years.
An important shift has taken place in the debate on nuclear disarmament in recent years.
A number of military and political strategists have drawn the same conclusion as peace activists and international humanitarian organizations: that the world would be safer without nuclear weapons.
A number of military and political strategists have drawn the same conclusion as peace activists and international humanitarian organizations: that the world would be safer without nuclear weapons.
Perhaps the most significant development is that the largest nuclear weapons states – the US and Russia – now subscribe to the goal of a world without nuclear weapons.
Perhaps the most significant development is that the largest nuclear weapons states – the US and Russia – now subscribe to the goal of a world without nuclear weapons.
The NPT platform The Review Conference of the Non-Proliferation Treaty in New York in May was seen by many as a “make or break” for the viability of the NPT regime.
The NPT platform The Review Conference of the Non-Proliferation Treaty in New York in May was seen by many as a “make or break” for the viability of the NPT regime.
I am aware that many NGOs and observers were disappointed that the outcome document did not set specific timelines for the elimination of existing nuclear weapons, or initiate a process to negotiate a nuclear weapons convention.
I am aware that many NGOs and observers were disappointed that the outcome document did not set specific timelines for the elimination of existing nuclear weapons, or initiate a process to negotiate a nuclear weapons convention.
However, compared with the alternative scenario – a failure on the scale of what we saw in 2005 – the 2010 Review Conference was an important achievement.
However, compared with the alternative scenario – a failure on the scale of what we saw in 2005 – the 2010 Review Conference was an important achievement.
The fact that the outcome succeeded in salvaging the credibility and relevance of the treaty is in itself of great importance.
The fact that the outcome succeeded in salvaging the credibility and relevance of the treaty is in itself of great importance.
The alternative would have left us with little to build on and even greater challenges to overcome.
The alternative would have left us with little to build on and even greater challenges to overcome.
Looking at what was actually achieved in New York, I see more reason for optimism than for despair.
Looking at what was actually achieved in New York, I see more reason for optimism than for despair.
The Review Conference agreed on 64 concrete actions along the three pillars of the NPT, including specific steps to be taken towards a zone free of weapons of mass destruction in the Middle East.
The Review Conference agreed on 64 concrete actions along the three pillars of the NPT, including specific steps to be taken towards a zone free of weapons of mass destruction in the Middle East.
The Conference further emphasized the fundamental goal of eliminating nuclear weapons, and explicitly brought the concept of international humanitarian law into the discussion.
The Conference further emphasized the fundamental goal of eliminating nuclear weapons, and explicitly brought the concept of international humanitarian law into the discussion.
Equally important, it was made clear that a convention (or other legally binding arrangement) was the ultimate objective of the disarmament obligations under the NPT.
Equally important, it was made clear that a convention (or other legally binding arrangement) was the ultimate objective of the disarmament obligations under the NPT.
NATO’s new Strategic Concept Another important event this year is the upcoming review of NATO’s Strategic Concept.
NATO’s new Strategic Concept Another important event this year is the upcoming review of NATO’s Strategic Concept.
The new concept is scheduled to be adopted at the Lisbon summit in November, and the nuclear doctrine is one of the key issues on the agenda.
The new concept is scheduled to be adopted at the Lisbon summit in November, and the nuclear doctrine is one of the key issues on the agenda.
The Norwegian Government is engaged to help move the issue of nuclear disarmament further up on NATO’s agenda.
The Norwegian Government is engaged to help move the issue of nuclear disarmament further up on NATO’s agenda.
We will work towards a forward-looking document by which NATO can contribute towards the reduction of the role of nuclear weapons in international security policy.
We will work towards a forward-looking document by which NATO can contribute towards the reduction of the role of nuclear weapons in international security policy.
While some countries in the alliance are committed to reducing and eventually eliminating the role of nuclear weapons in NATO’s security policy, it is clear that some do not.
While some countries in the alliance are committed to reducing and eventually eliminating the role of nuclear weapons in NATO’s security policy, it is clear that some do not.
It is also a fact that some members of NATO consider the continued deployment of US nuclear weapons to be a kind of transatlantic “superglue”, a fundamental bond.
It is also a fact that some members of NATO consider the continued deployment of US nuclear weapons to be a kind of transatlantic “superglue”, a fundamental bond.
In my view, the cohesion of NATO is founded on a joint commitment to democracy, the rule of law, human rights, political solidarity, collective defense and joint decision-making – not on the continued presence of a particular category of weapons of mass destruction.
In my view, the cohesion of NATO is founded on a joint commitment to democracy, the rule of law, human rights, political solidarity, collective defense and joint decision-making – not on the continued presence of a particular category of weapons of mass destruction.
Geopolitical shifts and the new security challenges facing NATO increase the urgency of updating NATO’s Strategic Concept.
Geopolitical shifts and the new security challenges facing NATO increase the urgency of updating NATO’s Strategic Concept.
It is important that NATO’s new nuclear doctrine reflects these new realities and that the document we present in November does not in any way create an obstacle to the NPT objective of eliminating nuclear weapons.
It is important that NATO’s new nuclear doctrine reflects these new realities and that the document we present in November does not in any way create an obstacle to the NPT objective of eliminating nuclear weapons.
Reframing the challenge Over the last ten years or so, it has become clear that the multilateral institutions established to deal with disarmament lack the efficiency needed to meet today’s challenges.
Reframing the challenge Over the last ten years or so, it has become clear that the multilateral institutions established to deal with disarmament lack the efficiency needed to meet today’s challenges.
Hence, it is no surprise that the only significant progress on multilateral disarmament in this period has taken place outside these forums.
Hence, it is no surprise that the only significant progress on multilateral disarmament in this period has taken place outside these forums.
In my view, we should build on these experiences.
In my view, we should build on these experiences.
First, there is clearly a need for a renewal of the intergovernmental machinery, based on the principles of openness, transparency and inclusiveness.
First, there is clearly a need for a renewal of the intergovernmental machinery, based on the principles of openness, transparency and inclusiveness.
It should be oriented towards practical on-the-ground impact and structured in a manner that enables an agenda of opportunities.
It should be oriented towards practical on-the-ground impact and structured in a manner that enables an agenda of opportunities.
Secondly, there is no reason why the arena for debate on nuclear disarmament should be limited to diplomats and technicians.
Secondly, there is no reason why the arena for debate on nuclear disarmament should be limited to diplomats and technicians.
A broader range of actors who share the goal of a world free of nuclear weapons should be engaged in these efforts.
A broader range of actors who share the goal of a world free of nuclear weapons should be engaged in these efforts.
It is particularly crucial to apply the humanitarian perspective and to engage humanitarian actors.
It is particularly crucial to apply the humanitarian perspective and to engage humanitarian actors.
They were key partners in the processes that led to the banning of anti-personnel landmines and cluster munitions, and they will be equally important in our efforts to eliminate nuclear weapons.
They were key partners in the processes that led to the banning of anti-personnel landmines and cluster munitions, and they will be equally important in our efforts to eliminate nuclear weapons.
Over the last century, the concept of international humanitarian law has developed dramatically.
Over the last century, the concept of international humanitarian law has developed dramatically.
The principle of avoiding unnecessary suffering and unacceptable harm has led to bans on certain conventional weapons, as well as two categories of weapons of mass destruction, i.e. biological and chemical weapons.
The principle of avoiding unnecessary suffering and unacceptable harm has led to bans on certain conventional weapons, as well as two categories of weapons of mass destruction, i.e. biological and chemical weapons.
In the long run, it is hard to justify an exemption from this principle for the most inhuman weapon ever created.
In the long run, it is hard to justify an exemption from this principle for the most inhuman weapon ever created.
It is therefore encouraging that the humanitarian dimension was included in the outcome document of the NPT 2010 Review Conference.
It is therefore encouraging that the humanitarian dimension was included in the outcome document of the NPT 2010 Review Conference.
We also need to forge new partnerships with the business community.
We also need to forge new partnerships with the business community.
Obviously, any use of nuclear weapons, intentional or by accident, would have devastating effects on economic activity.
Obviously, any use of nuclear weapons, intentional or by accident, would have devastating effects on economic activity.
It is perhaps no coincidence that the famous articles by Kissinger, Schultz, Nunn and Perry on this subject were published in The Wall Street Journal.
It is perhaps no coincidence that the famous articles by Kissinger, Schultz, Nunn and Perry on this subject were published in The Wall Street Journal.
Partnerships should also be developed with scientific and academic actors and communities, with the aim of gaining better understanding of how full nuclear disarmament should be undertaken.
Partnerships should also be developed with scientific and academic actors and communities, with the aim of gaining better understanding of how full nuclear disarmament should be undertaken.
Furthermore, it is important to engage military leaders, whose strategic and operational perspectives are important for consolidating the view that nuclear weapons serve no military purpose.
Furthermore, it is important to engage military leaders, whose strategic and operational perspectives are important for consolidating the view that nuclear weapons serve no military purpose.
Such partnerships provided important, if not decisive input to the preparatory work on the conventions on landmines and cluster munitions.
Such partnerships provided important, if not decisive input to the preparatory work on the conventions on landmines and cluster munitions.
The debate on whether nuclear deterrence worked during the Cold War is, in my opinion, becoming increasingly irrelevant.
The debate on whether nuclear deterrence worked during the Cold War is, in my opinion, becoming increasingly irrelevant.
What we know is that we were on the brink of nuclear war several times.
What we know is that we were on the brink of nuclear war several times.
The choice is not between status quo and proliferation, but between a world with many more nuclear weapon states or none at all.
The choice is not between status quo and proliferation, but between a world with many more nuclear weapon states or none at all.
Over the last two years, the acknowledgement of this rationale has led to a shift in the international debate on nuclear disarmament, and the implication of this should not be underestimated.
Over the last two years, the acknowledgement of this rationale has led to a shift in the international debate on nuclear disarmament, and the implication of this should not be underestimated.
As political leaders, military strategists and humanitarian activists increasingly find themselves aligned and in agreement over the need for and urgency of full nuclear disarmament, the focus of the debate should be shifted.
As political leaders, military strategists and humanitarian activists increasingly find themselves aligned and in agreement over the need for and urgency of full nuclear disarmament, the focus of the debate should be shifted.