NORWAY'S TAKE ON THE UN HIGH LEVEL DIALOGUE ON

UNCLAS OSLO 001055 SIPDIS SENSITIVE SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: EAID PREF SMIG UNGA SUBJECT: NORWAY'S TAKE ON THE UN HIGH LEVEL DIALOGUE ON INTERNATIONAL MIGRATION AND DEVELOPMENT REF: STATE 122513 (SBU) Thoralf Stenvold, Adviser in the UN section, told PolOff on August 22 that Norway wants to maintain the UN HLD as a forum for the discussion of immigration issues. While acknowledging the importance of regional-level discussion and positively considering the use of the IOM for global discussion, Norway believes that these organizations need to be supplemented by the UN HLD. It provides a forum for political discussion and the exchange of information and best practices. Stenvold acknowledged that the GON is also concerned that members might use the forum as a place to 'bash' receiving states, but felt that proper preparation would minimize the danger of this occurring. Following the meeting in September, Norway will likely push for a follow-on dialogue in a similar forum. Visit Oslo's Classified website: http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/eur/oslo/index.cf m WHITNEY