Ambassador Knut Vollebæk is appointed as the OSCE’s High Commissioner on National Minorities.
05/07/2007 :: The High Commissioner is responsible for investigating problems of national minorities in OSCE participating states, and assists in conflict prevention through project work and quiet diplomacy.
Demanding position
“I am pleased that Knut Vollebæk has been appointed as the OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities. The OSCE has chosen a very capable, knowledgeable and active person. His extensive diplomatic experience and personal qualities give Mr Vollebæk the best possible basis for succeeding in this demanding post,” says Norway’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Jonas Gahr Støre.
Extensive experience
Ambassador Vollebæk served as Norway’s foreign affairs minister from 1997 to 2000, and headed the OSCE during Norway’s chairmanship in 1999. In 2005, he was given the task of chairing the OSCE’s reform panel. Mr Vollebæk has been Norway’s ambassador in Washington, DC since 2001.
Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs