C O N F I D E N T I A L OSLO 000009 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 01/07/2019
TAGS: PREL, GG SUBJECT: NORWAY REACTS TO GEORGIA AND GAZA REF: STATE 
134559 Classified By: Ambassador B. Whitney for reasons 1.4 (b and d) 

1. (C) Summary. Sharing U.S. ideas of using carrots and sticks to 
reintegrate South Ossetia and Abkhazia into Georgia focused the GON on 
the need to develop a long term strategy. Georgian efforts and EU 
decisions will be critical in shaping the GON approach. On Gaza, the GON
remains very interested in playing a role, albeit a supporting one. End
Summary.

Georgia
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2. (C) In a January 7 call on MFA Political 
Director Vegard Ellefsen, the Ambassador reviewed reftel points 
stressing the need for a long term strategy on Georgia and outlining the
steps we would propose. Ellefsen explained that Norway had not had a 
substantive discussion of its approach to Georgia since the fall and the
U.S. proposals would refocus Norway on this issue. He noted that Norway
has not been involved in any EU discussions on Georgia, but these would
be critical for Norway as Norway is apt to follow the lead of the 
Nordic EU countries on ideas such as a visa ban. Georgian efforts to 
include and reach out to the separatists would also be an important 
factor in Norwegian thinking. In an aside, Ellefsen noted that his 
strong impression, received at a Brussels, donor conference, was that 
Georgia is doing well and returning to normal. That in itself would be 
good sign. Ellefsen concluded by offering to continue the bilateral 
discussions on Georgia. (Comment: Norway is more likely to be a follower
than a leader on this issue, because of the cautious approach they take
to Russia. End Comment.)

Middle East
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3. (C) Turning to the 
fighting in Gaza, Ellefsen stressed that this issue is very close to the
hearts of his Foreign Minister and Prime Minister. While Norway is 
willing to invest a great deal in the effort, Norway has no specific 
formula and is happy to work with others in any way to help. Ellefsen 
mused that the critical issue is how to make any agreement stick. Norway
would be interested in reviving the 2005 Access Agreement and maybe 
establishing a monitoring system, based on other UN programs already 
operating in the region, as a way to make an agreement durable.

WHITNEY