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

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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
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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
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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

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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