Norway Drops Implementation of EU Terrorist List

By Victor Comras

Norway issued a startling declaration earlier this month. Norwegian Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Store announced January 4th that his country would no longer follow the EU lead concerning the designation of terrorist organizations not included in the UN designated terrorist list. A Copy of the Foreign Ministry Statement is here. Norway had previously aligned itself with the EU�s list of persons, organisations and entities set out in the Common Position on the application of specific measures to combat terrorism. The decision to now deviate from the EU means that organizations such as al aqsa Martyrs Brigade, Hamas, and some 45 other designated terrorist organizations around the world may no longer be subjected in Norway to the same restrictions other EU countries have placed on them. This includes freezing their assets and financial dealings. The full implication of this move is not yet clear. Norway has sought to allay concerns by stating that "the international legal obligations that form the basis for Norway�s efforts to combat international terrorism will remain the same." Nevertheless, this step could put Norway seriously out of step with its NATO allies and the rest of Europe regarding the war on terrorism and combating terrorism financing.

The reason given by Norway for taking this action is that �continued alignment with the EU list could cause difficulties for Norway in its role as neutral facilitator in certain peace processes. Norway�s role could become difficult if one of the parties involved was included on the EU list, and the opportunities for contact were thus restricted.� Store told the press that �the role Norway can play in various peace processes means we act in accordance with the UN list, and so we cannot be linked to other lists. We will continue to have a close cooperation with the EU on terror, but we are not a member of the EU and have not had a part in composing their lists."

Norway�s decision followed the recent addition of the Communist Party of the Philippines, The New People�s Army, and CPP leader Jose Ma Sison. Norway hopes to play a role in finding common ground to end the decades old conflict involving these organizations. But, Norway has also played a traditional behind the scenes role regarding various Palestinian groups and has long been reticent to apply sanctions measures against such groups as Hamas. In a related incident, Norway recently sent Israel a formal letter reassuring Israel, following statements made by Norway's Finance Minister that called for Norway to boycott Israel.

The EU maintains two distinct list of Terrorist organizations. The first replicates the UN�s Consolidated List of al Qaeda and Taliban individuals and entities pursuant to UN Security Council Resolutions 1390 (2001) and successor resolutions. The second is based on the EU Common Position adopted in December 2001 in connection with implementing UN Security Council resolution 1373, which specifically calls for measures to combat the financing of terrorism and includes a number of other identified international terrorist groups not necessarily associated with al Qaeda or the Taliban. This list includes some 45 individuals and some 47 organizations. They include a number of European, Palestinian and other Middle East, Latin American, Pacific and Asian groups that have engaged in terrorist activities. The full list is available here.

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