Image:
22 Apr 2018
22 Apr. 2018 <br />
<br />
Amman- Former Norwegian Prime Minister Dr. Gro Harlem Brundtland said in a lecture at the Jordan Media Institute (JMI) that the Oslo Accord would have benefited the Palestinians and Israelis, "but many years after this accord, both sides have abandoned its principles." Brundtland, who was prime minister when the accord was signed, said that the assassination of Yitzhak Rabin had a negative impact on the Oslo Accord. Had the agreement been adhered to, the situation would have been better. Under the current circumstances, "all the parties are in big trouble."<br />
<br />
During the lecture, which was attended by HRH Princess Rym Ali, Brundtland spoke about the importance of media at present and how social media influences contemporary life. She noted that the media is having an impact on the shape of democracy worldwide. This was clear in how President Donald Trump was elected. "This makes us wonder how democracy works and how the media works and whether social media could be used negatively. The media today sometimes topples democracy through fake news," she said.<br />
<br />
Brundtland also spoke about her political career, especially since she was the first woman to become prime minister in Norway. She said: "Political positions in a democratic state enable a person to positively influence all issues, including environment, health, education, and human rights." She indicated that politics and democracy need people with experience for a better future.<br />
<br />
Commenting on questions related to refugees, the former director general of the World Health Organization said that her country was open to supporting and receiving refugees. It also supports international refugee organizations. However, many people took advantage of this support and easy access and received asylum unjustly. This made Norwegian governments tighten measures for granting asylum.<br />
<br />
On Norway's economic policy after oil and gas run out, she said that oil and gas revenues are distributed fairly and that all Norwegian citizens benefit from them. This wealth has been used to improve health and educational services. The workers in this sector will go to other sectors and take their experiences with them to contribute to development efforts. She noted that there is a sovereign fund for oil and gas revenues and that the government can only use a small percentage of it, while the remaining amount is saved for future generations.<br />
<br />
On Norway's relationship with EU countries, she pointed out that her country is not a member of the EU, but is part of the economic system in Europe, manifested in the free movement of goods and individuals. Oslo applies all the decisions of the EU, but is not part of decision-making in it.<br />
Several JMI students spoke about their experience when they visited the Kingdom of Norway and learned about the Norwegian model of local administration, political system, and media, including radio, television, and newspapers and how they influence local communities. This has enriched the experience of the students, who used it in their own institutions and hometowns.<br />
<br />
Dr. Gro Harlem Brundtland served as prime minister of Norway for around 10 years. She quit her position in 1998. She also served as minister of environment and leader of the Labor Party for several terms, as well as director general of the World Health Organization.