ABSTRACT
This chapter analyzes the characteristics of the Norwegian approach as they relate to the Guatemalan and Oslo Channel examples. Track I diplomacy involves the actions and direct participation of official representatives of governments, while Track II diplomacy involves nonofficial personnel, grass-roots activity and perhaps back channel discussions. The chapter examines Norwegian involvement in the ongoing peace efforts in the Sudan and Sri Lanka to determine if the process categories derived from the earlier experience fit the later projects in any meaningful fashion. During the Oslo Channel process, a succession of the highest level Norwegian Foreign Ministry officials intervened at crucial junctures. In developing legitimacy, Foreign Ministry officials generally agree that close relationships with Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have played essential roles in building trust for in their peacemaking efforts. Moreover, Foreign Ministry officials rely upon NGOs because, 'NGO people have the needed local knowledge', and because they also contribute by building public opinion support in Norway for particular initiatives.
