JAGLAND'S CANDIDACY FOR NEXT COE SECRETARY GENERAL

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 OSLO 000199 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 03/24/2019 TAGS: PREL PHUM COE NO SUBJECT: JAGLAND'S CANDIDACY FOR NEXT COE SECRETARY GENERAL REF: STRASBOURG 8 OSLO 00000199 001.2 OF 002 Classified By: Ambassador Benson K. Whitney for reasons 1.4 (b,d) ¶1. (C) Summary. Thorbjorn Jagland is a leading Norwegian politician whose thoughtful comments often crystallize debates and support US positions. While he was the subject of some controversy while he was Prime Minister, he is now a seasoned elder statesman who would be a strong candidate to head the Council of Europe and would be a strong US ally. Jagland is willing to stand up for his values and does so in a way that promotes healthy debate and progress. End Summary. ¶2. (U) Born November 5, 1950, Jagland is currently the President of the Storting (Parliament). Previously, he served as Prime Minister of Norway (1996-1997) and Foreign Minister (2000-2001). Within the Labor Party, he was both party secretary (1986-1992) and party leader (1992-2002). He will be the head of the Norwegian Nobel Committee in 2009. A Statesman Now ... but Past Controversy -------------- ¶3. (C) Although Jagland was a Labour Party leader for years, as Prime Minister he was widely criticized for poor cabinet choices that ended up resigning and questionable political tactics that led to the end of his government. Perhaps more importantly in the age of the internet, he also well known for a series of unfortunate comments and photos. In a famous photo that an actress orchestrated, he is seen touching the chest of the (clothed) TV star. This later led to charges of adultery against the star which were then dropped. As Foreign Minister in 2001, he commented on national television about having to go around meeting "Bongo from the Congo," which also undermined his credibility. A Thoughtful Commentator Now -------------- ¶4. (C) In 2005, Jagland become President of the Norwegian Parliament. In this role, he has proved himself a thoughtful politician who speaks his mind, often prompting national debates on key issue. One observer said "Jagland looks for political answers with openness. He doesn't think what should I feel about this in order to be politically correct or to toe the party line." He is broadly seen as enriching the public debate in Norway. ¶5. (SBU) He has spoken out frequently in the media over issues of interest to the US: --Afghanistan: Amid widespread debate over the failings of NATO in Afghanistan, Jagland warned that the West must not forget who the Taliban are and what they stand for. His statement that we must not accept the Taliban as a legitimate actor was the clearest explanation and defense of Norway's and NATO's involvement in Afghanistan given by any Norwegian official. --Gaza: Jagland urged the international community to be more coordinated and for Hamas to recognize Israel with the 1967 borders and Israel to accept Palestinian state following the same borders. --Financial Crisis: Jagland has warned against protectionism. --Blasphemy Law: Jagland strongly attacked his party's initial efforts to force through legislation to restrict freedom of expression, arguing it violated the UN Human Rights Convention and was more consistent with authoritarian regimes working actively for international laws against dishonoring religion following the Prophet Mohammed caricatures. --Durban Conference: Jagland advised the GON to boycott the conference or walk out if it continues in the direction of limiting human rights and freedom of expression. --Development Aid: Jagland has slammed the Norwegian left for trying to save the world with billions in aid and high flown rhetoric. Instead, they should work for greater international engagement, stepping out of an insular view. --Islam: Most recently, he questioned fellow Labour Party leaders focus on "radical" Islam, urging greater clarity in the terms used and warning against compressing the wearing of the hijab and terrorism into one term. ¶6. (C) In short, Jagland is willing to stand up for his values and does so in a way that promotes healthy debate and progress. Embassy Access and Assessment -------------- ¶7. (C) Jagland has met regularly with us, pleased to consult and offer his opinion. He regularly attends Embassy functions, including the Election Gala where he spoke warmly of US-Norwegian relations. He comes across as gracious and elegant (very much at odds with the impression from his earlier days). He was a strong ally on issues critical to the US such as the GON purchase of the JSF. We believe him OSLO 00000199 002.2 OF 002 to be a critical thinker who clearly recognizes the importance of the US, NATO and transatlantic ties. Pluses of a Norwegian Candidate -------------- ¶8. (C) Finally, we note that having a Norwegian head of the Council of Europe may offer some institutional pluses: --Norway has excellent relations with the U.S. but without baggage of former Warsaw Pact nations; --Norway has excellent relations with EU, but without being a member so less subject to EU pressure (note: Jagland himself strongly supports Norway joining the EU); --Norway has excellent relations with Russia while still being willing to raise Human Rights abuse and other matters with the GOR. Conclusion -------------- ¶9. (C) In short, Embassy Oslo believes a Jagland term at the Council of Europe would be positive for the U.S. WHITNEY