Kjell Magne Bondevik, (right, pictured at the opening of the Norwegian Human Rights House, August 2004), until last September Prime Minister of Norway, launched his plans today for an independent centre for peace, reconciliation in conflict-ridden areas and international human rights. (09-JAN-05)
By HRH / Niels Jacob Harbitz. This article is based on today´s coverage of the press conference found at the websites of the Norwegian newspapers Dagsavisen, Dagbladet, VG, Vaart Land and Dagens Naeringsliv. All photos: HRH / The Norwegian Human Rights House.
Bondevik said at the press conference at the Nobel Peace Centre that his two terms as Prime Minister has generated numerous opportunities that will now enable him and his centre to make a positive contribution.
-Carter, dae-Jung and Ahtisaari as partners
-I intend to use the network I created while serving as PM. The idea is to establish a centre where people of experience and expertise in international affairs can work for peace and human rights at a global level. In the autumn, when we get going properly, we will have five or six full-time employees. We shall co-operate internationally, and have already made contact with former US President Jimmy Carter andhis Peace Center, former South Korean President Kim Dae-Jung and his library and former Finnish President Martti Ahtisaari and his foundation, all with a view to co-operate closely also with their institutions.
-Not a party think tank
-I have had this dream for my retirement from politics for years, added Bondevik, -to work for the poor and persecuted of the world through establishing a centre of this kind. With me on the team, as Chairman of the board, I will have another former PM, currently Speaker of the Norwegian Parliament Thorbjorn Jagland, left. In addition to this high profile signing, Bondevik will also be assisted by former policy adviser Oistein Mjaerum and party colleague from the Christian People´s Party (CPP), former MP and also one of the ministers in Bondeviks first government; Einar Steensnaes. -I assure you, though, that this is not intended as a CPP think tank. The board will also consist of current Finnish President Tarja Halonen and Vidar Helgesen, former Secretary of the Minister of Foreign Affairs during Bondevik´s recently ended spell as PM.
-Funding in place. And work to do, too
Bondevik, who is currently writing his memoirs, has already secured the funding for the first five years´ running of his centre, with major Norwegian companies like Hydro, Statoil, Aker asa and DnB Nor among the confirmed sponsors. Three of the centre´s first tasks have also been identified; a WHO project to save more newborn babies, the establishment of a commission for peace dialogue in Africa, and a health project in co-operation with the American Carter Centre.
-We can compliment each other
-In Norway, we are very good at prevening anyone from achieving anything as soon as they leave national politics. Here, at last, is an initiative which opens up for a better use of the knowledge and experience politicians acquire, Jagland argued. And Bondevik continued: -This centre will base its work on dialogue, not 
confrontation. Our efforts will be aimed towards authority level. Others work at the grassroots and may pursue a more confrontational line. That is fine. This way, we can compliment each other. Current Director of the Norwegian Human Rights House Bjoern Engesland, right, received the invitation to the press conference within three hours of its opening, and was thus unable to attend.
