Nordic Foreign Ministers: Each Nordic country has its own important role
in the Libya situation
The Nordic Foreign Ministers’ meeting in Helsinki on Tuesday focused on
discussions of the present and future role of the Nordic countries in
Libya. The Foreign Ministers stressed the Nordic countries’ unanimous
approach to Libya. "Each Nordic country has its own important role,"
stated the Foreign Ministers of Norway, Denmark and Sweden, which are
involved in the military operation.
Each state has made an independent decision on whether to participate in
this operation. According to the Foreign Ministers Finland’s decision of
non-involvement is not causing a rift in the joint Nordic approach. The
meeting approved a joint Nordic declaration on solidarity.
The Foreign Minister of Norway, Jonas Gahr Støre, emphasized the
importance of participating in the humanitarian operation. The Nordic
countries can contribute to different tasks as required by the situation.
The Foreign Ministers described Nordic cooperation as flexible. Finland
was acknowledged for its active involvement in non-military operations.
"Under the leadership of Foreign Minister Stubb, Finland played a very
active role in designing sanctions against Libya and in drafting the joint
EU declaration," said Lene Espersen, Denmark’s Foreign Minister.
Nordic countries are involved in peace-building
No deadline has been set for the end of the UN-authorized military
operation. "In parallel with the military operation, intensive work is
ongoing to find a political solution," said Sweden’s Foreign Minister Carl
Bildt. Finding a sustainable political solution is essential to achieve
peace. All the Foreign Ministers underlined the major challenges involved
in reconstructing society after the military operation.
In the future the Nordic countries can offer their expertise in the
creation of a political system and support work to build a democratic
society. Ossur Skarphedinsson, Foreign Minister of Iceland stressed the
importance of reciprocity. Support for reconstruction and the peace
process will be provided in conjunction with the Arab League and the
people of Libya. The Nordic countries are unanimously involved in efforts
to relieve the humanitarian emergency in the region.
In addition to North Africa, the meeting also discussed the situation in
other Arab countries and Afghanistan. Other topics raised at the meeting
included the Nordic countries’ G20 representation and Arctic issues.
Finland’s forthcoming parliamentary elections also featured in
conversations over lunch. "We’ve had a very productive working day," said
Foreign Minister Alexander Stubb and his colleagues.