speeches
STATEMENT TO THE SENATE FOREIGN RELATIONS COMMITTEE
Thursday, October 20, 2005
Ben K.
Whitney
Ambassador-designate to the Kingdom of Norway
Mr. Chairman and members of the committee, I'm honored to come before this distinguished committee as the president's nominee to be ambassador to the Kingdom of Norway. I appreciate being introduced by Senator Coleman, who has been my mayor, my boss, my senator and my friend.
I thank Senator Dayton for his very kind words and support. I'm deeply grateful to President Bush for the honor and opportunity to serve him and the American people. I have great admiration for Secretary Rice. I would be proud to work with her State Department team.
The single word that defines Norwegian-American relations is friendship -- a deep, long friendship. Almost no nation contributed more -- a larger percentage of its citizens to the American melting pot. Hundreds of thousands of these Norwegian immigrants found their way to my native Minnesota and have made enormous contributions to our state ever since. Beyond heritage, our strong relationship is also grounded on common, fundamental values. Norway and America are branches off the same root of constitutional democracy, and so we share a deep devotion to the rule of law, the dignity of the individual and above all else, freedom.
The year 2005 marks the hundredth anniversary of Norway's independence. And we salute them on this important centennial. Americans and Norwegians have learned together that freedom must be constantly earned. And so we have stood shoulder to shoulder to fight Nazi tyranny and then the plague of communism. The United States ambassador to Norway must make nourishing our great friendship a primary task. This will come from respectful discussion, cultural exchange and other tools of public diplomacy.
As in all true friendships, our relations must also contain both affection and candor. Robert Louis Stevenson said, "truth that is suppressed by friends is the readiest weapon of the enemy." I will work hard to strengthen our ties by an eager commitment to hearing and speaking the truth between longtime friends.
There is important work to do at Embassy Oslo. Our nation owes a debt of thanks to current Ambassador John Doyle Long, who has worked hard to strengthen our relations with Norway. If confirmed, I will build on the strong foundation that he established.
Norway has been a good ally in the war on terrorism. We enjoy excellent cooperation in combating suspected terrorist groups and financiers. It plays an important role in Afghanistan -- contributing troops, foreign aid and leadership in reconstruction efforts and has contributed to the NATO training mission in Iraq.
Norway has been very active in non-proliferation efforts. We expect Norway will act consistent with its historic values and continue with the United States to fight terrorism and maintain global security.
Closer to home, Norway is concerned about the high North. We must address with Norway, the cleanup of nuclear waste and related environmental issues in northern Russian and the Barents Sea.
On the economic front, our relations are strong, and if confirmed, I will work to make them stronger. Energy is a key link in our bilateral economic relationship. And Norway can play a positive role in stabilizing global energy markets. Norway has just elected and installed a new government led by Labor Party leader Jens Stoltenberg. The United States has a long history of cooperation with Labor Party governments in Norway, and I am confident we will work productively with the new government.
I fully recognize my responsibilities if confirmed, as the leader and manager of Embassy Oslo. The safety of our team and their families is paramount, as is morale and training.
Mr. Chairman and members of the committee, I enter this challenge with gratitude for the life experiences that have brought me to this opportunity and that will enable me to effectively represent the people and the president.
I have been blessed to know four of the great pillars of the American experience. As an attorney, I've come to treasure the value of the rule of law, which affords us justice and protects our rights. As a business person, I've seen close up the value of free enterprise to create opportunity and reward hard work. And as a participant in the democratic process, I've worked with the tool of liberty that allow us to freely choose our leaders. And as son, husband, father and person of faith, I have enjoyed the nurture of a supportive family and community -- the bedrocks of American life.
If confirmed, I will apply these experiences and the tools they have given me, together with all the character and energy that I posses to the job to which I am nominated. I want and need to thank my wife, Mary, and my sons who are here supporting me. I ask you to recognize that they will play their important roles in our work abroad.
In conclusion, I pledge to this committee my utmost efforts to project the interests of the president and the American people by being a forthright communicator, a good listener, a diligent worker and an effective leader. I also commit to being available to members of this committee and Congress as a whole for your ongoing concerns and questions regarding Norway and our relations. I thank you for attention and welcome your questions.