Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
06OSLO100
2006-01-31 14:59:00
UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
Embassy Oslo
Cable title:  

NORWEGIANS INTERESTED IN FURTHER ENVIRONMENTAL

Tags:  SENV PREL NO 
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UNCLAS OSLO 000100 

SIPDIS


SENSITIVE

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: SENV PREL NO
SUBJECT: NORWEGIANS INTERESTED IN FURTHER ENVIRONMENTAL
COOPERATION

REF: STATE 218928

UNCLAS OSLO 000100

SIPDIS


SENSITIVE

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: SENV PREL NO
SUBJECT: NORWEGIANS INTERESTED IN FURTHER ENVIRONMENTAL
COOPERATION

REF: STATE 218928


1. (U) This message contains an action request. Please see
paragraph 5.


2. (SBU) Deputy Chief of Mission, Christopher Webster met
with Norwegian Environment Ministry State Secretary Henriette
Westhrin and DAS for International Environmental Cooperation
Harald Dovland on January 27 to discuss UNEP Mercury
Partnerships per reftel request. Westhrin indicated that
Norway was interested in pursuing partnerships as suggested
by the United States, but as a supplement to existing,
binding agreements as the European Union favors. She
explained that Norway believes binding agreements by
definition represent more of a commitment to take action to
solve a problem. In the case of developing countries,
participating in binding international agreements allows for
program funding through organs like the Global Environment
Facility, thereby enhancing agreement implementation.
Nonetheless, Westhrin repeated that Norway was interested in
working with the U.S. on partnerships and requested more
information on U.S. initiated mercury partnerships in which
Norway may participate.


3. (SBU) Norway is interested in continued engagement with
the United States on climate change issues as well. DAS for
International Environmental Cooperation Harald Dovland
stressed that U.S. engagement on climate change is key to
addressing the issue. In discussing the outcome of the
recent Montreal United Nations Climate Change Conference,
Westhrin asked in what capacity the USG would be willing to
discuss further climate change initiatives.


4. (SBU) Westhrin said that Norway's Barents Regional
Management Plan (BRMP) slated for release in early spring is
making good progress and that current work involves combining
separate sector plans (energy, fisheries, environment,
shipping) into a coherent whole. The project goal is to give
Norway a coordinated plan for sustainable development of the
region's resources, taking into account public,
environmental, and private sector interests. The plan will
be presented to the Norwegian parliament where specific
policy decisions driven from plan recommendations will be
made.


5. (U) ACTION REQUEST: Post requests Department provide
additional information on U.S. initiatives under the mercury
partnership program that we may forward to the Norwegians.
Post also requests guidance on the U.S. position regarding
any future climate change dialogues as agreed to in the
Montreal conference. END REQUEST
Visit Oslo's Classified website:
http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/eur/oslo/index.cf m

WHITNEY


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