2000
Norway is a candidate for one of the two non-permanent seats allocated to the Western European and Other States Group (WEOG) on the UN Security Council for the term 2001 - 2002. The elections will take place during the 55th General Assembly of the United Nations in 2000. The Norwegian candidature is endorsed by all the other Nordic countries (Denmark, Finland, Iceland and Sweden). Norway last served as a member of the Security Council in 1979 - 1980.
The Norwegian Government attaches great importance to this candidature. This is a reflection of Norway's longstanding commitment to the United Nations and to international cooperation:
· Norway's support for United Nations ideals and activities has always been unwavering and substantial.
· Norway is one of the main contributors to the economic, social and humanitarian programmes of the UN. Norway currently allocates approximately 0.9 per cent of its GNP to development cooperation and has been well above the 0.7 per cent target set by the UN for nearly two decades.
· Norway is firmly committed to the principle of the peaceful settlement of disputes, and to the enhancement of respect for international law. We have consistently recognized the primary responsibility of the Security Council for the maintenance of international peace and security in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations.
· Norway has been and continues to be a major contributor to UN peace-keeping operations, and has been actively involved in conflict prevention and resolution in many regions of the world.
As a member of the Security Council, we will pursue our active involvement in the ongoing efforts to strengthen the capacity and ability of the United Nations in conflict prevention and resolution. We will continue to work for a coordinated and comprehensive approach by the United Nations and its various bodies and agencies towards crisis management, where humanitarian assistance, conflict resolution, peace-keeping and long-term development cooperation form an integrated whole.
In the Security Council, Norway will also advocate openness, transparency and accountability towards the UN membership at large. We will work to improve consultation procedures with non-members of the Council. As a small state, Norway will feel a particular obligation towards other small states from all regions.
