This record is a partial extract of the original cable. The full text of the original cable is not available.

UNCLAS OSLO 000100 
 
SIPDIS 
 
 
SENSITIVE 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: SENV PREL NO
SUBJECT: NORWEGIANS INTERESTED IN FURTHER ENVIRONMENTAL 
COOPERATION 
 
REF: STATE 218928 
 
¶1. (U) This message contains an action request. Please see 
paragraph 5. 
 
¶2. (SBU)  Deputy Chief of Mission, Christopher Webster met 
with Norwegian Environment Ministry State Secretary Henriette 
Westhrin and DAS for International Environmental Cooperation 
Harald Dovland on January 27 to discuss UNEP Mercury 
Partnerships per reftel request.  Westhrin indicated that 
Norway was interested in pursuing partnerships as suggested 
by the United States, but as a supplement to existing, 
binding agreements as the European Union favors.  She 
explained that Norway believes binding agreements by 
definition represent more of a commitment to take action to 
solve a problem.  In the case of developing countries, 
participating in binding international agreements allows for 
program funding through organs like the Global Environment 
Facility, thereby enhancing agreement implementation. 
Nonetheless, Westhrin repeated that Norway was interested in 
working with the U.S. on partnerships and requested more 
information on U.S. initiated mercury partnerships in which 
Norway may participate. 
 
¶3. (SBU)  Norway is interested in continued engagement with 
the United States on climate change issues as well.  DAS for 
International Environmental Cooperation Harald Dovland 
stressed that U.S. engagement on climate change is key to 
addressing the issue.  In  discussing the outcome of the 
recent Montreal United Nations Climate Change Conference, 
Westhrin asked in what capacity the USG would be willing to 
discuss further climate change initiatives. 
 
¶4. (SBU)  Westhrin said that Norway's Barents Regional 
Management Plan (BRMP) slated for release in early spring is 
making good progress and that current work involves combining 
separate sector plans (energy, fisheries, environment, 
shipping) into a coherent whole. The project goal is to give 
Norway a coordinated plan for sustainable development of the 
region's resources, taking into account public, 
environmental, and private sector interests.  The plan will 
be presented to the Norwegian parliament where specific 
policy decisions driven from plan recommendations will be 
made. 
 
¶5. (U)  ACTION REQUEST: Post requests Department provide 
additional information on U.S. initiatives under the mercury 
partnership program that we may forward to the Norwegians. 
Post also requests guidance on the U.S. position regarding 
any future climate change dialogues as agreed to in the 
Montreal conference. END REQUEST 
Visit Oslo's Classified website: 
http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/eur/oslo/index.cf m 
 
WHITNEY 
 
 
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