natgillin/translations-raw huggingface dataset:
Minister of International Development Erik Solheim and Auditor General Jørgen Kosmo today signed an agreement related to the efforts of the Office of the Auditor General to strengthen supreme audit institutions in developing countries and new democracies. 
Utviklingsminister Erik Solheim og og riksrevisor Jørgen Kosmo undertegnet i dag en samarbeidsavtale.
The aim of the agreement is to ensure that the development cooperation efforts of the Office of the Auditor General support Norway’s foreign and development policy aims. 
Formålet med avtalen er å sikre at Riksrevisjonens utviklingssamarbeid støtter opp om norske utenriks- og utviklingspolitiske mål.
- We know from experience how important it is to have a well-functioning public audit system. 
– Fra vår egen erfaring vet vi hvor sentralt det er å ha en godt fungerende riksrevisjon.
I believe it is very important that developing countries have strong and independent institutions that can monitor and check that state revenues are being used as intended. 
Jeg anser det som svært viktig at utviklingsland har sterke og uavhengige institusjoner som kan kontrollere og etterprøve at statens inntekter blir brukt til det de er ment til.
Over the years, the Office of the Auditor General of Norway has built up significant expertise in assisting the supreme audit institutions of other countries. 
Den norske riksrevisjonen har gjennom mange år bygget opp betydelig kompetanse i å bistå andre lands riksrevisjoner.
The Government has made the fight against international corruption a development cooperation priority area. 
Regjeringen har gjort kampen mot internasjonal korrupsjon til et prioritert område i utviklingssamarbeidet.
Support aimed at strengthening local supreme audit institutions is part of this. 
Støtte til styrking av lokale riksrevisjoner er en del av dette arbeidet.
Strengthening national supreme audit institutions also ensures better auditing of Norwegian development assistance funds in recipient countries,” said Auditor General Jørgen Kosmo. 
En styrking av de nasjonale riksrevisjoner sikrer også en bedre revisjon av norske bistandsmidler i mottakerlandene”, sier riksrevisor Jørgen Kosmo.
Press contacts: 
Pressekontakter:
Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Information Adviser Wera Helstrøm, tel. 
Utenriksdepartementet: Informasjonsrådgiver Wera Helstrøm, tlf.
(+47) 22 24 39 44/99 40 93 23. 
22 24 39 44/99 40 93 23.
The Office of the Auditor General of Norway: Acting Director General Øivind Berg Larsen, tel. 
Riksrevisjonen: Fungerende ekspedisjonssjef Øivind Berg Larsen, tlf.
(+47) 22 24 11 89/98 00 30 91. 
22 24 11 89/98 00 30 91
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Office of the Auditor General of Norway are to cooperate on good governance in developing countries 
UD og Riksrevisjonen i samarbeid for godt styresett i utviklingsland
(Check against delivery) 
(Check against delivery)
Excellencies. 
Excellencies.
Ladies and gentlemen. 
Ladies and gentlemen.
The world has a lot to learn from the Arctic. 
The world has a lot to learn from the Arctic.
Here, in the high north, countries from three continents have found remarkable ways of working together - based on common interest and respect for international law. 
Here, in the high north, countries from three continents have found remarkable ways of working together - based on common interest and respect for international law.
We have shown that sustainable resource management contributes to stable economic growth. 
We have shown that sustainable resource management contributes to stable economic growth.
We have demonstrated that trade and contact across borders leads to investments and employment opportunities. 
We have demonstrated that trade and contact across borders leads to investments and employment opportunities.
And we have proven that respect for international law ensures predictability and regional stability. 
And we have proven that respect for international law ensures predictability and regional stability.
The overall goal of Norway's Arctic policy is for the Arctic to remain a territory of dialogue and legal order - of low tension, peace and international cooperation. 
The overall goal of Norway's Arctic policy is for the Arctic to remain a territory of dialogue and legal order - of low tension, peace and international cooperation.
We have long traditions to build on. 
We have long traditions to build on.
More than 400 years ago, the king of Denmark and Norway, Christian the fourth (IV), ventured into the eastern part of the Barents Sea to promote the interests of his kingdom in the High North. 
More than 400 years ago, the king of Denmark and Norway, Christian the fourth (IV), ventured into the eastern part of the Barents Sea to promote the interests of his kingdom in the High North.
At the time, Arkhangelsk was the main seaport for trade with Moscow. 
At the time, Arkhangelsk was the main seaport for trade with Moscow.
His voyage resulted in tough negotiations with the English for the lucrative trade with Russia - negotiations that later inspired the development of the Law of the Sea – which today is the very foundation for Arctic cooperation. 
His voyage resulted in tough negotiations with the English for the lucrative trade with Russia - negotiations that later inspired the development of the Law of the Sea – which today is the very foundation for Arctic cooperation.
The Arctic is of no less strategic importance today than it was 400 years ago. 
The Arctic is of no less strategic importance today than it was 400 years ago.
Natural resources, modern technology and increased human activity are opening up new opportunities. 
Natural resources, modern technology and increased human activity are opening up new opportunities.
The Arctic is mostly ocean - and the blue economy holds great promise for new investments, growth and employment. 
The Arctic is mostly ocean - and the blue economy holds great promise for new investments, growth and employment.
For Norway, the ocean is the very foundation of our economy and prosperity. 
For Norway, the ocean is the very foundation of our economy and prosperity.
Seventy percent of the value of Norway's exports comes from ocean-related activities, and most of our sea areas are located north of the Arctic Circle. 
Seventy percent of the value of Norway's exports comes from ocean-related activities, and most of our sea areas are located north of the Arctic Circle.
We therefore have a strong interest in ensuring sustainable ocean management in this region. 
We therefore have a strong interest in ensuring sustainable ocean management in this region.
In order to achieve this, we must continuously identify greener, smarter and more innovative ways to use Arctic resources. 
In order to achieve this, we must continuously identify greener, smarter and more innovative ways to use Arctic resources.
At the same time, the impacts of global warming are dramatic: 
At the same time, the impacts of global warming are dramatic:
The sea ice is receding. 
The sea ice is receding.
The tundra is melting. 
The tundra is melting.
These are common challenges that demand collective responses. 
These are common challenges that demand collective responses.
We have a shared interest in making sure that our regional institutions are robust enough to address the rapid changes that are taking place; that our decisions are always based on the best available knowledge; and that we manage our resources responsibly. 
We have a shared interest in making sure that our regional institutions are robust enough to address the rapid changes that are taking place; that our decisions are always based on the best available knowledge; and that we manage our resources responsibly.
Most importantly, we must avoid that these changes - and the opportunities they bring along – turn into sources of tension and conflict. 
Most importantly, we must avoid that these changes - and the opportunities they bring along – turn into sources of tension and conflict.
The Arctic Council – firmly supported by member states and observer countries – plays an important role in ensuring continued stability in the Arctic. 
The Arctic Council – firmly supported by member states and observer countries – plays an important role in ensuring continued stability in the Arctic.
We must continue to encourage contact across borders and more trade between the peoples of Arctic. 
We must continue to encourage contact across borders and more trade between the peoples of Arctic.
And we need conferences like this – where we can exchange knowledge, experience and expectations – in order to develop common approaches to common challenges. 
And we need conferences like this – where we can exchange knowledge, experience and expectations – in order to develop common approaches to common challenges.
In a time when the value of trade and cooperation across borders is being questioned, the lessons from the Arctic are clear: Respect for international law, sustainable resource management and regional cooperation are exactly what leads to stability, economic growth and human development. 
In a time when the value of trade and cooperation across borders is being questioned, the lessons from the Arctic are clear: Respect for international law, sustainable resource management and regional cooperation are exactly what leads to stability, economic growth and human development.
Let's make sure the Arctic remains a global model for regional cooperation and sustainable development. 
Let's make sure the Arctic remains a global model for regional cooperation and sustainable development.
If we succeed, we can ensure the prosperity and well-being of millions of people who depend on Arctic resources for their livelihoods. 
If we succeed, we can ensure the prosperity and well-being of millions of people who depend on Arctic resources for their livelihoods.
And we will be making a contribution to a safer, more stable and more sustainable world. 
And we will be making a contribution to a safer, more stable and more sustainable world.
The Arctic: A Model for International Cooperation 
The Arctic: A Model for International Cooperation
Minister of Foreign Affairs Børge Brende's address at the opening ceremony for the International Arctic Forum. 
Utenriksminister Børge Brendes innlegg under åpningsseremonien for International Arctic Forum.
Africa regional conference on the universialisation and implementation of the convention on cluster munitions 
Africa regional conference on the universialisation and implementation of the convention on cluster munitions
Pretoria, 26 March 2010 
Pretoria, 26. mars 2010
Dear friends of the Convention, First of all I would like to thank South Africa for organising this conference. 
Dear friends of the Convention, First of all I would like to thank South Africa for organising this conference.
It shows your commitment to ensuring that the Convention on Cluster Munitions becomes an effective tool in assisting victims and ending all use of cluster munitions. 
It shows your commitment to ensuring that the Convention on Cluster Munitions becomes an effective tool in assisting victims and ending all use of cluster munitions.
Norway is proud to be your partner in this effort. 
Norway is proud to be your partner in this effort.
We have now reached the necessary 30 ratifications for the Convention to enter into force, which will be on 1 August 2010. 
We have now reached the necessary 30 ratifications for the Convention to enter into force, which will be on 1 August 2010.
This is a great inspiration for us in our preparations for the First Meeting of States Parties, which will take place in Vientiane, Lao PDR, on 9–12 November this year. 
This is a great inspiration for us in our preparations for the First Meeting of States Parties, which will take place in Vientiane, Lao PDR, on 9–12 November this year.
I would like to take this opportunity to talk about some key aspects of the process leading up to the signing of the Convention and the Convention itself. 
I would like to take this opportunity to talk about some key aspects of the process leading up to the signing of the Convention and the Convention itself.
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.