Jan Egeland
- Published in print:
- 2007
- Published Online:
- June 2013
- ISBN:
- 9781846310652
- eISBN:
- 9781846314155
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Discontinued
- DOI:
- 10.5949/UPO9781846314155.006
- Subject:
- Political Science, UK Politics
This chapter presents an insider's view of the effectiveness of ‘third–party’ intercession in conflict situations. The author was part of the Norwegian team that helped start the Middle East peace ...
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This chapter presents an insider's view of the effectiveness of ‘third–party’ intercession in conflict situations. The author was part of the Norwegian team that helped start the Middle East peace negotiations of 1992–95. Norway, with its long–standing reputation for neutrality and expertise in international human rights issues, was well placed to win the trust of the opposing parties. Even so, it took endless meetings at secret locations in Norway and desperate efforts to prevent media discovery, which would have forced the participants to ‘play to the gallery’ with damaging political rhetoric. As extreme difficulties have continued, the author reflects on the lessons to be learned. These include secrecy in the early stages and continuity of personnel; a willingness on the part of the leaders and their public to reach often painful compromises; the acceptance that the process will take time and will only endure when ordinary people experience its benefits; and the importance of adequate mediation machinery and international diplomacy to supply appropriate tools and support.Less
This chapter presents an insider's view of the effectiveness of ‘third–party’ intercession in conflict situations. The author was part of the Norwegian team that helped start the Middle East peace negotiations of 1992–95. Norway, with its long–standing reputation for neutrality and expertise in international human rights issues, was well placed to win the trust of the opposing parties. Even so, it took endless meetings at secret locations in Norway and desperate efforts to prevent media discovery, which would have forced the participants to ‘play to the gallery’ with damaging political rhetoric. As extreme difficulties have continued, the author reflects on the lessons to be learned. These include secrecy in the early stages and continuity of personnel; a willingness on the part of the leaders and their public to reach often painful compromises; the acceptance that the process will take time and will only endure when ordinary people experience its benefits; and the importance of adequate mediation machinery and international diplomacy to supply appropriate tools and support.
