natgillin/translations-raw huggingface dataset:
Additional donor support is necessary too – I therefore encourage all donors to honor their commitments, including pledges made to Gaza.
Additional donor support is necessary too – I therefore encourage all donors to honor their commitments, including pledges made to Gaza.
However, it will not be possible to significantly strengthen the Palestinian economy unless there is sustainable economic growth.
However, it will not be possible to significantly strengthen the Palestinian economy unless there is sustainable economic growth.
While the Palestinian economy will continue to perform below its potential until the conflict has been resolved and the occupation ends, the situation could be greatly improved if restrictions are lifted, and existing agreements under the Paris Protocol are fully implemented.
While the Palestinian economy will continue to perform below its potential until the conflict has been resolved and the occupation ends, the situation could be greatly improved if restrictions are lifted, and existing agreements under the Paris Protocol are fully implemented.
In this context, I welcome all the measures presented by Israel at this meeting to ease restrictions, but I also urge Israel to do much more to give Palestinians access to production inputs and external markets, and enable (more) free movement of goods and people.
In this context, I welcome all the measures presented by Israel at this meeting to ease restrictions, but I also urge Israel to do much more to give Palestinians access to production inputs and external markets, and enable (more) free movement of goods and people.
These measures would dramatically improve the growth prospects of the Palestinian economy.
These measures would dramatically improve the growth prospects of the Palestinian economy.
Allowing access to Area C would boost the Palestinian economy according to the World Bank.
Allowing access to Area C would boost the Palestinian economy according to the World Bank.
It is crucial, too, that we address the slow pace of Gaza reconstruction.
It is crucial, too, that we address the slow pace of Gaza reconstruction.
Improving energy and water supplies and the movement of goods and people is crucial in the short term.
Improving energy and water supplies and the movement of goods and people is crucial in the short term.
Third and final point,
Third and final point,
Compared with a region in turmoil, we must remember that we are not starting from scratch.
Compared with a region in turmoil, we must remember that we are not starting from scratch.
Structures for cooperation and effective mechanisms for coordination between the parties and the donors already exist under the framework of the AHLC.
Structures for cooperation and effective mechanisms for coordination between the parties and the donors already exist under the framework of the AHLC.
I urge the parties to resume an economic dialogue at the ministerial level, (in line with the Paris Protocol), and to strengthen economic cooperation by making use of the local-level meetings of the AHLC with the donors.
I urge the parties to resume an economic dialogue at the ministerial level, (in line with the Paris Protocol), and to strengthen economic cooperation by making use of the local-level meetings of the AHLC with the donors.
(As Chair, Norway will take an initiative to revitalize the Joint Liason Committee.)
(As Chair, Norway will take an initiative to revitalize the Joint Liason Committee.)
There is much to gain from doing so.
There is much to gain from doing so.
New York, 30 September 2015
New York, 30. september 2015
Minister of Foreign Affairs Børge Brende gave this statement when he opened the ministerial meeting of AHLC in New York 30 September.
Utenriksminister Børge Brende holdt dette innlegget da han åpnet giverlandsmøtet for Palestina i New York onsdag 30. september.
Brussels, 19 March 2013
Brussel, 19. mars 2013
"Our common goal is to promote a two-state solution", said Minister of Foreign Affairs, Espen Barth Eide when he opened the AHLC meeting in Brussels.
- Our common goal is to promote a two-state solution, sa utenriksminister Espen Barth Eide da han åpnet møtet i Giverlandsgruppen for Palestina i Brussel.
It is a pleasure for me to welcome you to this annual spring meeting of the Ad-Hoc Liaison Committee (AHLC) in Brussels, which comes at a time of tension and uncertainty in the Middle East.
It is a pleasure for me to welcome you to this annual spring meeting of the Ad-Hoc Liaison Committee (AHLC) in Brussels, which comes at a time of tension and uncertainty in the Middle East.
As we approach the 20th anniversary of the AHLC, we need to take a critical look at what we have achieved and what remains to be done.
As we approach the 20th anniversary of the AHLC, we need to take a critical look at what we have achieved and what remains to be done.
Let us remember the very reason for our common enterprise.
Let us remember the very reason for our common enterprise.
That is to prepare the ground for an independent, democratic Palestine, living in peace and security with Israel in a way that allows both states to prosper and realise their national ambitions.
That is to prepare the ground for an independent, democratic Palestine, living in peace and security with Israel in a way that allows both states to prosper and realise their national ambitions.
Our model is based on tripartite cooperation between donors, the Palestinian Authority and the Government of Israel:
Our model is based on tripartite cooperation between donors, the Palestinian Authority and the Government of Israel:
As donors we provide the necessary financing and assistance,
As donors we provide the necessary financing and assistance,
the Palestinian Authority implements major reforms to ensure good governance and a business-friendly climate,
the Palestinian Authority implements major reforms to ensure good governance and a business-friendly climate,
and the Government of Israel responds by easing restrictions to provide the basis for Palestinian economic sustainability.
and the Government of Israel responds by easing restrictions to provide the basis for Palestinian economic sustainability.
From 2008 to 2010, this model produced remarkable results.
From 2008 to 2010, this model produced remarkable results.
We saw high levels of growth.
We saw high levels of growth.
We saw improved security in the West Bank.
We saw improved security in the West Bank.
We saw, not least, greater hope for the future among the Palestinian people.
We saw, not least, greater hope for the future among the Palestinian people.
This positive level reached its peak two years ago.
This positive level reached its peak two years ago.
Here in Brussels, in this very building, we concluded that the Palestinian Authority was ready for statehood, and that Palestinian institutions compared favourably with those of many established states.
Here in Brussels, in this very building, we concluded that the Palestinian Authority was ready for statehood, and that Palestinian institutions compared favourably with those of many established states.
This conclusion still stands.
This conclusion still stands.
But the model now faces fundamental challenges.
But the model now faces fundamental challenges.
Our efforts to ensure sustained economic growth for the Palestinians remain incomplete.
Our efforts to ensure sustained economic growth for the Palestinians remain incomplete.
We are not making much headway.
We are not making much headway.
The peace process is still in deadlock and the level of donor contributions has fallen due to financial and political constraints in many donor countries.
The peace process is still in deadlock and the level of donor contributions has fallen due to financial and political constraints in many donor countries.
Restrictions on Palestinian economic activities have not been lifted to allow the Palestinian Authority to build a sustainable economy.
Restrictions on Palestinian economic activities have not been lifted to allow the Palestinian Authority to build a sustainable economy.
The Palestinian people are claiming their dignity and right to run their own affairs.
The Palestinian people are claiming their dignity and right to run their own affairs.
They asked for an upgrade to their status at the United Nations and were given the status of Observer Member State by a majority vote at the UN General Assembly on 29 November last year.
They asked for an upgrade to their status at the United Nations and were given the status of Observer Member State by a majority vote at the UN General Assembly on 29 November last year.
Most countries around this table voted in favour of this resolution.
Most countries around this table voted in favour of this resolution.
Today our shared achievements are under serious pressure, as we can see, and will see, from the reports from the World Bank, the IMF and the UN.
Today our shared achievements are under serious pressure, as we can see, and will see, from the reports from the World Bank, the IMF and the UN.
Without a clear political horizon and without a significant easing of restrictions to improve the framework for economic growth, the Palestinian economy is in dire condition.
Without a clear political horizon and without a significant easing of restrictions to improve the framework for economic growth, the Palestinian economy is in dire condition.
The fiscal crisis threatens to destroy our common project.
The fiscal crisis threatens to destroy our common project.
Previous efforts will then have been in vain.
Previous efforts will then have been in vain.
Last year’s Palestinian budget had a deficit of USD 1.4 billion.
Last year’s Palestinian budget had a deficit of USD 1.4 billion.
Donor contributions covered only USD 826 million of this deficit.
Donor contributions covered only USD 826 million of this deficit.
Israeli transfers of taxes and revenue were slow and irregular, making it impossible for the Palestinian Authority to plan and execute their policies in a coherent fashion.
Israeli transfers of taxes and revenue were slow and irregular, making it impossible for the Palestinian Authority to plan and execute their policies in a coherent fashion.
The PA has had to resort to short-term borrowing from commercial banks, and is piling up debts that run into several hundred million dollars.
The PA has had to resort to short-term borrowing from commercial banks, and is piling up debts that run into several hundred million dollars.
These are the realities in the first quarter of 2013.
These are the realities in the first quarter of 2013.
The Palestinian budget deficit is projected to be USD 1.2 billion, with donor contributions covering maybe 1 billion.
The Palestinian budget deficit is projected to be USD 1.2 billion, with donor contributions covering maybe 1 billion.
Economic growth slowing in the West Bank, with no prospects for rapid growth under continued occupation.
Economic growth slowing in the West Bank, with no prospects for rapid growth under continued occupation.
In this regard it is worth noting that the key drivers of export-led growth, according to the World Bank report, have largely stagnated since 1994.
In this regard it is worth noting that the key drivers of export-led growth, according to the World Bank report, have largely stagnated since 1994.
Its relative share of GDP has been significantly reduced.
Its relative share of GDP has been significantly reduced.
This has an eroding effect on state institutions.
This has an eroding effect on state institutions.
The long-term economic outlook for the Palestinians is looking increasingly difficult, as highlighted in the World Bank report.
The long-term economic outlook for the Palestinians is looking increasingly difficult, as highlighted in the World Bank report.
Without stable and predictable access for Palestinians to develop Area C, the Palestinian economy will remain in a straightjacket.
Without stable and predictable access for Palestinians to develop Area C, the Palestinian economy will remain in a straightjacket.
In Gaza, conditions remain difficult under the continued blockade, with growth prospects only slightly higher than in the West Bank.
In Gaza, conditions remain difficult under the continued blockade, with growth prospects only slightly higher than in the West Bank.
The recent conflict in Gaza has not strengthened the hand of those who want a negotiated settlement.
The recent conflict in Gaza has not strengthened the hand of those who want a negotiated settlement.
However, the current ceasefire has largely been upheld and could be a signal of hope for the future.
However, the current ceasefire has largely been upheld and could be a signal of hope for the future.
As Chair of the AHLC, I expressed my alarm at our September meeting in New York.
As Chair of the AHLC, I expressed my alarm at our September meeting in New York.
There I pointed out that we had reached a make-or-break point and that we could no longer continue with business as usual.
There I pointed out that we had reached a make-or-break point and that we could no longer continue with business as usual.
I called on Israel to take bolder steps to ease restrictions and facilitate transfers.
I called on Israel to take bolder steps to ease restrictions and facilitate transfers.
I called on the Palestinian Authority to continue to reform its institutions and strengthen its fiscal discipline.
I called on the Palestinian Authority to continue to reform its institutions and strengthen its fiscal discipline.
I also called on the donors to maintain their commitment to the vision of a two-state solution and to keep up the level of contributions to help prepare for economic independence for the Palestinian people.
I also called on the donors to maintain their commitment to the vision of a two-state solution and to keep up the level of contributions to help prepare for economic independence for the Palestinian people.
I would like to commend Prime Minister Fayyad for his efforts to bring expenditure levels closer to domestic income levels.
I would like to commend Prime Minister Fayyad for his efforts to bring expenditure levels closer to domestic income levels.
However, considerable challenges remain to bring public sector staffing and expenditure levels in line with economic realities.
However, considerable challenges remain to bring public sector staffing and expenditure levels in line with economic realities.
As long as the Israeli occupation persists, the Palestinian Authority cannot be expected to achieve economic viability through austerity measures alone.
As long as the Israeli occupation persists, the Palestinian Authority cannot be expected to achieve economic viability through austerity measures alone.
While I do understand Israel’s security concerns, it is important that the Government of Israel redoubles its efforts to relax the constraints of the occupation until such time as a two-state solution becomes possible.
While I do understand Israel’s security concerns, it is important that the Government of Israel redoubles its efforts to relax the constraints of the occupation until such time as a two-state solution becomes possible.
Israeli security cannot be seen in isolation from efforts to facilitate Palestinian economic development.
Israeli security cannot be seen in isolation from efforts to facilitate Palestinian economic development.
I also call on all donors to share the burden equitably and make the extra effort needed to reverse the current fiscal crisis before it becomes completely unmanageable.
I also call on all donors to share the burden equitably and make the extra effort needed to reverse the current fiscal crisis before it becomes completely unmanageable.
I say this fully aware that many donors have their own budgetary constraints.
I say this fully aware that many donors have their own budgetary constraints.
Given the critical nature of the situation, I believe, as a matter of urgency, that we need to discuss the following measures with a view to early implementation:
Given the critical nature of the situation, I believe, as a matter of urgency, that we need to discuss the following measures with a view to early implementation:
Clearance revenues must be depoliticised and transferred in a regular, transparent and predictable manner.
Clearance revenues must be depoliticised and transferred in a regular, transparent and predictable manner.
Israel must commit itself to a significant easing of restrictions on movement and access in the West Bank, including access to Area C and the implementation of major donor projects in Area C.
Israel must commit itself to a significant easing of restrictions on movement and access in the West Bank, including access to Area C and the implementation of major donor projects in Area C.
Access to Gaza must be normalised and the restrictions on imports and exports eased.
Access to Gaza must be normalised and the restrictions on imports and exports eased.
The trade regime for Palestinian products must be greatly improved, to facilitate exports from the West Bank and Gaza to Israel and other markets.
The trade regime for Palestinian products must be greatly improved, to facilitate exports from the West Bank and Gaza to Israel and other markets.
This must be complemented by the easing of restrictions on the import of raw materials, tools and technology for the further development of a robust Palestinian industrial base.
This must be complemented by the easing of restrictions on the import of raw materials, tools and technology for the further development of a robust Palestinian industrial base.
The Palestinian Authority must commit itself to continuing its reform process,
The Palestinian Authority must commit itself to continuing its reform process,
The Palestinian Authority must strive to reduce its deficit, inter alia by putting a stop to hiring additional public employees and by freezing public employee salaries.
The Palestinian Authority must strive to reduce its deficit, inter alia by putting a stop to hiring additional public employees and by freezing public employee salaries.
Donors must continue to make adequate funding available for budget support and frontload payments – if they have the ability to do so - to cover the PA’s immediate needs.
Donors must continue to make adequate funding available for budget support and frontload payments – if they have the ability to do so - to cover the PA’s immediate needs.
These are limited, but meaningful steps that could halt a further downward slide in the Palestinian economy and build a basis for a more sustainable Palestinian economy.
These are limited, but meaningful steps that could halt a further downward slide in the Palestinian economy and build a basis for a more sustainable Palestinian economy.
Yet these will remain stop-gap measures until the wider issue is addressed – engaging in meaningful negotiations to achieve a two-state solution.
Yet these will remain stop-gap measures until the wider issue is addressed – engaging in meaningful negotiations to achieve a two-state solution.
I urge the parties to return to the negotiating table as soon as possible.
I urge the parties to return to the negotiating table as soon as possible.
The crisis in the Palestinian economy has deepened since we last met.
The crisis in the Palestinian economy has deepened since we last met.
The peace process remains stalled.
The peace process remains stalled.
Progress on implementing past commitments has been slow.
Progress on implementing past commitments has been slow.
The structural impediments preventing sustainable private-sector-led growth remain.
The structural impediments preventing sustainable private-sector-led growth remain.
Donor contributions have fallen, partly due to the economic crisis in many countries, and partly due to frustrations with the peace process.
Donor contributions have fallen, partly due to the economic crisis in many countries, and partly due to frustrations with the peace process.
We know what the problems are.
We know what the problems are.
We know what the consequences of inaction are.
We know what the consequences of inaction are.
We need to agree on measures that can improve the current situation and chart a way out of the current stalemate.
We need to agree on measures that can improve the current situation and chart a way out of the current stalemate.
I have mentioned some of them.
I have mentioned some of them.
I urge you to consider these and/or other measures that could bring us forward.
I urge you to consider these and/or other measures that could bring us forward.
Our common goal is to promote a two-state solution.
Our common goal is to promote a two-state solution.
This is a task of great magnitude.
This is a task of great magnitude.
The issues at stake are not just technical; they are intrinsically political.
The issues at stake are not just technical; they are intrinsically political.
I therefore believe we should consider holding our next meeting in New York at political level to do a serious stock-taking as to the continued relevance of our current strategies.
I therefore believe we should consider holding our next meeting in New York at political level to do a serious stock-taking as to the continued relevance of our current strategies.
Chairs summary
Chairs summary
Palestinian state on hold
En palestinsk stat på vent
Opening address at the meeting of the AHLC
Åpningsinnlegg på giverlandsmøte for Palestina
Workshop in Oslo, 18-19 June 2009
Oslo, 18.-19. juni 2009
What does arms control have to do with promoting health?
What does arms control have to do with promoting health?
And what could possibly be the common ground between all these eminent people?
And what could possibly be the common ground between all these eminent people?
The simplest answer is that both communities share a common agenda for promoting human security and safety.
The simplest answer is that both communities share a common agenda for promoting human security and safety.
The Biological Weapons Convention (BWC) is a normative and legal barrier against the use of biological agents as weapons, disease used as a means of warfare, Foreign Minister Støre said.
The Biological Weapons Convention (BWC) is a normative and legal barrier against the use of biological agents as weapons, disease used as a means of warfare, sa utenriksminister Støre.
I am very happy to see such a great number of experts on arms control and on global health – from some thirty countries and international organisations – gathered here in Oslo.
I am very happy to see such a great number of experts on arms control and on global health – from some thirty countries and international organisations – gathered here in Oslo.
At first glance, the theme of our workshop might seem a bit strange to the casual observer.
At first glance, the theme of our workshop might seem a bit strange to the casual observer.
How do these two agendas come together?
How do these two agendas come together?
What could possibly be the common ground?
What could possibly be the common ground?
Because health is our first line of defence – if the worst should happen.
Because health is our first line of defence – if the worst should happen.
These topics are now highly relevant.
These topics are now highly relevant.
On Monday (15 June) I attended the UN Secretary-General’s forum on advancing global health in the face of crisis in New York and later that day I launched the 2009 report of the Global Campaign for the Health Millennium Development Goals Leading by Example – Protecting the most vulnerable during the economic crisis.
On Monday (15 June) I attended the UN Secretary-General’s forum on advancing global health in the face of crisis in New York and later that day I launched the 2009 report of the Global Campaign for the Health Millennium Development Goals Leading by Example – Protecting the most vulnerable during the economic crisis.
The Biological Weapons Convention (BWC) is a normative and legal barrier against the use of biological agents as weapons, disease used as a means of warfare.
The Biological Weapons Convention (BWC) is a normative and legal barrier against the use of biological agents as weapons, disease used as a means of warfare.