Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
09STATE35243
2009-04-10 02:51:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Secretary of State
Cable title:
SECRETARY CLINTON'S MEETING WITH NORWEGIAN
how-toVZCZCXRO4906 OO RUEHDBU RUEHFL RUEHKW RUEHLA RUEHNP RUEHROV RUEHSR DE RUEHC #5243/01 1000310 ZNY CCCCC ZZH O P 100251Z APR 09 FM SECSTATE WASHDC TO RUEHNY/AMEMBASSY OSLO IMMEDIATE 7683 INFO RUEHBUL/AMEMBASSY KABUL PRIORITY 9969 RUEHGB/AMEMBASSY BAGHDAD PRIORITY 5349 RUEHNO/USMISSION USNATO PRIORITY 6422 EUROPEAN POLITICAL COLLECTIVE PRIORITY RUCNDT/USMISSION USUN NEW YORK PRIORITY 5616 RUEHGV/USMISSION GENEVA PRIORITY 6608 RUEHTV/AMEMBASSY TEL AVIV PRIORITY 7809
C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 03 STATE 035243
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 04/10/2019
TAGS: PREL PGOV PHUM NATO EAID PARM KNNP SENV
KWBG, SO, KN, AF, RS, IR, IZ, CE, IS, NO
SUBJECT: SECRETARY CLINTON'S MEETING WITH NORWEGIAN
FOREIGN MINISTER JONAS GAHR STOERE, APRIL 6, 2009, 3:30
P.M., WASHINGTON, D.C.
C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 03 STATE 035243
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 04/10/2019
TAGS: PREL PGOV PHUM NATO EAID PARM KNNP SENV
KWBG, SO, KN, AF, RS, IR, IZ, CE, IS, NO
SUBJECT: SECRETARY CLINTON'S MEETING WITH NORWEGIAN
FOREIGN MINISTER JONAS GAHR STOERE, APRIL 6, 2009, 3:30
P.M., WASHINGTON, D.C.
1. (U) Classified by Acting EUR Assistant Secretary
Marcie Ries for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d).
2. (U) April 6, 2009, 3:30 - 4:00, Washington, D.C.
3. (U) Participants:
U.S.
--------------
The Secretary
EUR Deputy Assistant Secretary Judy Garber
OES Deputy Assistant Secretary Dave Balton
Acting Spokesman Robert Wood
NSC Director Jeff Hovenier
EUR/NB Norway /Sweden Desk Officer H. Martin McDowell
(Notetaker)
Norway
--------------
Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Stoere
Ambassador Wegger C. Strommen
MFA Political Director Vegard Ellefsen
MFA Americas Dept. Head Morten Aasland
MFA Global Initiatives Adviser Inga Nyhamar
MFA Nordic Resources Adviser Gyrid Celius
4. (C) Summary: In a wide-ranging discussion with
Norwegian Foreign Minster Stoere, the Secretary
recognized Norway's contributions in Afghanistan,
requesting it consider ways to support the new strategy
and ensure international donor coordination. The
Secretary welcomed cooperation in the Arctic, including
with Russia. Stoere said Norway would: support U.S.
disarmament initiatives; do more in Iraq; continue to
coordinate closely with the U.S. on Palestinian donor
assistance; and maintain international unity on Iran
sanctions. The Secretary and Stoere agreed to continue
close cooperation to aid civilians and stop the fighting
in Sri Lanka. The Secretary welcomed Norway's ideas on
development cooperation and furthering the Human Rights
issues of maternal and children's health; Stoere
supported the U.S. decision to run for a UN Human Rights
Council (HRC) seat to help reform it from within. Stoere
pledged to help fund North Korean energy assistance once
talks resume, and the Secretary requested that Norway
stay in contact on Somalia. End Summary.
--------------
Afghanistan
--------------
5. (C) The Secretary thanked Norway for contributions in
Afghanistan and asked the Norwegian Government (GoN) to
consider further civilian and military assistance
requests (i.e., elections security, military and police
trainers) to support the new strategy. Stoere pledged
that Norway would "stay the course" in Afghanistan, and
consider additional requests. The Secretary noted the
importance of supporting UN Assistance Mission in
Afghanistan (UNAMA) Special Representative Kai Eide,
saying that donors needed to genuinely heed Eide's call
for international assistance coordination. The Secretary
said that Norway's method of allocating only 20 percent
of assistance to the region in which its troops are based
while channeling the rest through UNAMA and the Afghans
could be a model for others.
--------------
Arctic, Russia, Disarmament
--------------
6. (C) Both the Secretary and Stoere welcomed the results
of the April 6 joint session of the Antarctic Treaty
Consultative Meeting and the Arctic Council, noting the
useful synergy in bringing together countries with
interests in Antarctica and the Arctic. Stoere noted
Administration support for ratification of the Convention
on the Law of the Sea (CLOS),adding that Norway may
STATE 00035243 002 OF 003
SUBJECT: SECRETARY CLINTON'S MEETING WITH NORWEGIAN
FOREIGN MINISTER JONAS GAHR STOERE, APRIL 6, 2009, 3:
become the first nation to have Extended Continental
Shelf claims recognized under that agreement. While the
High North could be a stage for conflict, he said it does
not have to be. Sufficient legal structures (e.g., CLOS)
exist, Stoere argued, but coordinated policies and
actions to "fill in the gaps" were lacking. The
Secretary welcomed Norway's ideas on cooperative projects
in the Arctic (i.e., reducing harmful emissions of
methane and "black carbon"),saying that Arctic nations
should build consensus on issues of common interest.
Stoere urged USG support of the April 28-29 "Melting Ice"
conference/Arctic Council Ministerial in Tromso; the
Secretary supported high-level U.S. attendance.
7. (C) The Secretary and Stoere noted that the Arctic
offered opportunities to constructively engage Russia.
Stoere noted the Russians were "almost normal" in the
Arctic Council and the Ilulissat group of five Arctic
coastal nations. The Secretary said the United States
wanted to build on the current positive tone following
the meeting between Presidents Obama and Medvedev.
8. (C) Stoere welcomed recent U.S. statements on
disarmament, adding that Norway could support U.S.
initiatives with its experience, research and connections
to non-aligned groups. The Secretary said the President
had set a clear course on disarmament and that helpful
Norwegian ideas could play an important role.
--------------
Iraq, Gaza, Iran
--------------
9. (C) The Secretary requested that Norway consider
practical ways to help Iraq, suggesting capacity building
with the Iraqi Oil Ministry, supporting Iraqi
participation in the Extractive industries Transparency
Initiative (EITI),and working with the GoI on a national
energy strategy as possibilities; a high-level visit, she
added, would reinforce that message. The Secretary noted
that as a Senator, she had supported the creation of a
transparent fund for Iraq's energy proceeds, as a measure
to reduce corruption, but had found little support in the
last Administration. Assuring the Secretary that Norway
was "ready to do more" in Iraq, Stoere said he would
travel there to cement a refugee return agreement;
Norway, he added, needs real improvement in Iraq to
facilitate that return. He also pledged to support
Iraq's participation in the EITI, which has its
secretariat in Oslo.
10. (C) Turning to Israeli/Palestinian issues, the
Secretary urged Norway to continue to work closely with
Special Envoy Mitchell (including in its role as Chair of
the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee (AHLC) for coordinating
donor assistance to the Palestinians) to address the
Palestinian Authority's major challenges - severe budget
deficits, political divisions, a stand-off with Hamas,
and uncertain relations with the new Israeli Government.
While the AHLC would not venture into final status
issues, Stoere added, it provided a rare venue for
Israelis and Palestinians to talk. The Secretary
suggested that the next AHLC meeting be held at the
technical level to more effectively address assistance
issues, and noted that Mitchell would soon travel to the
region again. (Note: Stoere met with SE Mitchell
following the meeting with the Secretary. End note.)
11. (C) On Iran, the Secretary noted that while the
Administration was exploring "tough, direct diplomacy,"
Norway should help maintain international unity and
support for sanctions. Russia, she added, was
increasingly convinced by U.S. arguments that Iran
remained determined to develop a nuclear weapons
capability.
--------------
Sri Lanka
--------------
12. (C) The Secretary welcomed GoN efforts to end the
fighting and aid trapped civilians; she welcomed Norway's
ideas on how to reduce civilian casualties. She urged
Norway to consider joining a possible "Group of Friends"
to focus international efforts and give weight to the new
UN Special Envoy; Stoere agreed as the conflict could
STATE 00035243 003 OF 003
--------------
Health/Development, Human Rights
--------------
13. (C) Stoere described Norwegian emphasis on
development issues, especially maternal and children's
health under Millennium Challenge Goals Four and Five.
Norway's success in reducing infant mortality and
improving maternal health care in India and Tanzania, he
added, had attracted private sector interest, including
that of the Gates Foundation. Stoere proposed partnering
with the United States in similar projects or perhaps
under a broader development umbrella for "more secure
state building." The Secretary welcomed Norwegian ideas
on development cooperation; maternal and children's
health, she added, are also human rights issues.
14. (C) On Human Rights, Stoere welcomed the decision by
the United States (together, he noted, with Norway and
Belgium) to run for an HRC seat. Stoere argued it was
better for like-minded nations to confront challenges to
freedom of speech and religious defamation via direct
engagement while seeking to reform the HRC "from within."
The Secretary noted that HRC engagement could lead to
defining human rights in "real world" ways.
--------------
North Korea
--------------
15. (C) The Secretary said that the United States was
working with the UNSC for a strong response to North
Korea's April 5th missile launch. She asked Norway to
consider a USD 10 million pledge for North Korean energy
assistance once a return to the Six Party talks was
possible; Stoere said that Norway would be ready to help.
--------------
Africa
--------------
16. (C) Finally, Stoere noted the range of Norwegian
interests in Africa, citing close coordination with both
the UNSYG Special Representative for Somalia and USUN
Ambassador Susan Rice. The Secretary, noting U.S.
support for the new Somali coalition government as part
of the Contact group, said that Norway and the United
States should stay in close contact.
CLINTON
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 04/10/2019
TAGS: PREL PGOV PHUM NATO EAID PARM KNNP SENV
KWBG, SO, KN, AF, RS, IR, IZ, CE, IS, NO
SUBJECT: SECRETARY CLINTON'S MEETING WITH NORWEGIAN
FOREIGN MINISTER JONAS GAHR STOERE, APRIL 6, 2009, 3:30
P.M., WASHINGTON, D.C.
1. (U) Classified by Acting EUR Assistant Secretary
Marcie Ries for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d).
2. (U) April 6, 2009, 3:30 - 4:00, Washington, D.C.
3. (U) Participants:
U.S.
--------------
The Secretary
EUR Deputy Assistant Secretary Judy Garber
OES Deputy Assistant Secretary Dave Balton
Acting Spokesman Robert Wood
NSC Director Jeff Hovenier
EUR/NB Norway /Sweden Desk Officer H. Martin McDowell
(Notetaker)
Norway
--------------
Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Stoere
Ambassador Wegger C. Strommen
MFA Political Director Vegard Ellefsen
MFA Americas Dept. Head Morten Aasland
MFA Global Initiatives Adviser Inga Nyhamar
MFA Nordic Resources Adviser Gyrid Celius
4. (C) Summary: In a wide-ranging discussion with
Norwegian Foreign Minster Stoere, the Secretary
recognized Norway's contributions in Afghanistan,
requesting it consider ways to support the new strategy
and ensure international donor coordination. The
Secretary welcomed cooperation in the Arctic, including
with Russia. Stoere said Norway would: support U.S.
disarmament initiatives; do more in Iraq; continue to
coordinate closely with the U.S. on Palestinian donor
assistance; and maintain international unity on Iran
sanctions. The Secretary and Stoere agreed to continue
close cooperation to aid civilians and stop the fighting
in Sri Lanka. The Secretary welcomed Norway's ideas on
development cooperation and furthering the Human Rights
issues of maternal and children's health; Stoere
supported the U.S. decision to run for a UN Human Rights
Council (HRC) seat to help reform it from within. Stoere
pledged to help fund North Korean energy assistance once
talks resume, and the Secretary requested that Norway
stay in contact on Somalia. End Summary.
--------------
Afghanistan
--------------
5. (C) The Secretary thanked Norway for contributions in
Afghanistan and asked the Norwegian Government (GoN) to
consider further civilian and military assistance
requests (i.e., elections security, military and police
trainers) to support the new strategy. Stoere pledged
that Norway would "stay the course" in Afghanistan, and
consider additional requests. The Secretary noted the
importance of supporting UN Assistance Mission in
Afghanistan (UNAMA) Special Representative Kai Eide,
saying that donors needed to genuinely heed Eide's call
for international assistance coordination. The Secretary
said that Norway's method of allocating only 20 percent
of assistance to the region in which its troops are based
while channeling the rest through UNAMA and the Afghans
could be a model for others.
--------------
Arctic, Russia, Disarmament
--------------
6. (C) Both the Secretary and Stoere welcomed the results
of the April 6 joint session of the Antarctic Treaty
Consultative Meeting and the Arctic Council, noting the
useful synergy in bringing together countries with
interests in Antarctica and the Arctic. Stoere noted
Administration support for ratification of the Convention
on the Law of the Sea (CLOS),adding that Norway may
STATE 00035243 002 OF 003
SUBJECT: SECRETARY CLINTON'S MEETING WITH NORWEGIAN
FOREIGN MINISTER JONAS GAHR STOERE, APRIL 6, 2009, 3:
become the first nation to have Extended Continental
Shelf claims recognized under that agreement. While the
High North could be a stage for conflict, he said it does
not have to be. Sufficient legal structures (e.g., CLOS)
exist, Stoere argued, but coordinated policies and
actions to "fill in the gaps" were lacking. The
Secretary welcomed Norway's ideas on cooperative projects
in the Arctic (i.e., reducing harmful emissions of
methane and "black carbon"),saying that Arctic nations
should build consensus on issues of common interest.
Stoere urged USG support of the April 28-29 "Melting Ice"
conference/Arctic Council Ministerial in Tromso; the
Secretary supported high-level U.S. attendance.
7. (C) The Secretary and Stoere noted that the Arctic
offered opportunities to constructively engage Russia.
Stoere noted the Russians were "almost normal" in the
Arctic Council and the Ilulissat group of five Arctic
coastal nations. The Secretary said the United States
wanted to build on the current positive tone following
the meeting between Presidents Obama and Medvedev.
8. (C) Stoere welcomed recent U.S. statements on
disarmament, adding that Norway could support U.S.
initiatives with its experience, research and connections
to non-aligned groups. The Secretary said the President
had set a clear course on disarmament and that helpful
Norwegian ideas could play an important role.
--------------
Iraq, Gaza, Iran
--------------
9. (C) The Secretary requested that Norway consider
practical ways to help Iraq, suggesting capacity building
with the Iraqi Oil Ministry, supporting Iraqi
participation in the Extractive industries Transparency
Initiative (EITI),and working with the GoI on a national
energy strategy as possibilities; a high-level visit, she
added, would reinforce that message. The Secretary noted
that as a Senator, she had supported the creation of a
transparent fund for Iraq's energy proceeds, as a measure
to reduce corruption, but had found little support in the
last Administration. Assuring the Secretary that Norway
was "ready to do more" in Iraq, Stoere said he would
travel there to cement a refugee return agreement;
Norway, he added, needs real improvement in Iraq to
facilitate that return. He also pledged to support
Iraq's participation in the EITI, which has its
secretariat in Oslo.
10. (C) Turning to Israeli/Palestinian issues, the
Secretary urged Norway to continue to work closely with
Special Envoy Mitchell (including in its role as Chair of
the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee (AHLC) for coordinating
donor assistance to the Palestinians) to address the
Palestinian Authority's major challenges - severe budget
deficits, political divisions, a stand-off with Hamas,
and uncertain relations with the new Israeli Government.
While the AHLC would not venture into final status
issues, Stoere added, it provided a rare venue for
Israelis and Palestinians to talk. The Secretary
suggested that the next AHLC meeting be held at the
technical level to more effectively address assistance
issues, and noted that Mitchell would soon travel to the
region again. (Note: Stoere met with SE Mitchell
following the meeting with the Secretary. End note.)
11. (C) On Iran, the Secretary noted that while the
Administration was exploring "tough, direct diplomacy,"
Norway should help maintain international unity and
support for sanctions. Russia, she added, was
increasingly convinced by U.S. arguments that Iran
remained determined to develop a nuclear weapons
capability.
--------------
Sri Lanka
--------------
12. (C) The Secretary welcomed GoN efforts to end the
fighting and aid trapped civilians; she welcomed Norway's
ideas on how to reduce civilian casualties. She urged
Norway to consider joining a possible "Group of Friends"
to focus international efforts and give weight to the new
UN Special Envoy; Stoere agreed as the conflict could
STATE 00035243 003 OF 003
--------------
Health/Development, Human Rights
--------------
13. (C) Stoere described Norwegian emphasis on
development issues, especially maternal and children's
health under Millennium Challenge Goals Four and Five.
Norway's success in reducing infant mortality and
improving maternal health care in India and Tanzania, he
added, had attracted private sector interest, including
that of the Gates Foundation. Stoere proposed partnering
with the United States in similar projects or perhaps
under a broader development umbrella for "more secure
state building." The Secretary welcomed Norwegian ideas
on development cooperation; maternal and children's
health, she added, are also human rights issues.
14. (C) On Human Rights, Stoere welcomed the decision by
the United States (together, he noted, with Norway and
Belgium) to run for an HRC seat. Stoere argued it was
better for like-minded nations to confront challenges to
freedom of speech and religious defamation via direct
engagement while seeking to reform the HRC "from within."
The Secretary noted that HRC engagement could lead to
defining human rights in "real world" ways.
--------------
North Korea
--------------
15. (C) The Secretary said that the United States was
working with the UNSC for a strong response to North
Korea's April 5th missile launch. She asked Norway to
consider a USD 10 million pledge for North Korean energy
assistance once a return to the Six Party talks was
possible; Stoere said that Norway would be ready to help.
--------------
Africa
--------------
16. (C) Finally, Stoere noted the range of Norwegian
interests in Africa, citing close coordination with both
the UNSYG Special Representative for Somalia and USUN
Ambassador Susan Rice. The Secretary, noting U.S.
support for the new Somali coalition government as part
of the Contact group, said that Norway and the United
States should stay in close contact.
CLINTON