Statement to Fafo staff and invited guests by Jon Hanssen-Bauer, Director, Fafo AIS, Oslo, 22 August 2003 (translated from the Norwegian).

With the news of the terror attack against the UN's headquarters in Baghdad there came a message of grief to Fafo: our former colleague and good friend, Rick Hooper, was among the casualties.

Rick was Terje Rød-Larsen's right hand in the development of the UN's role in the Middle East peace process. Terje wanted to be here to remember Rick, but he has been called back to the crisis in the region. Rick was an important advisor to Norway efforts. With his keen understanding for the Middle East and the respect and trust he engendered from all sides, Rick was central in the work to bring the parties to end the conflict.

Rick joined Fafo in 1996. Together with Mark Taylor he built up our research on international co-operation for conflict resolution and peace-building. This work had an important impact on UN reform.

Three years ago, Rick left Fafo to help build the UN's use of external research. Later, he became chief of staff for the head of the UN's political department, and he was in Baghdad as an advisor to Sergio Viera de Mello.

In all his roles Rick was the UN's sharpest critic and at the same time the organisation's strongest supporter. Rick was a brilliant diplomat driven by a deep humanistic mission.

The forces of peace in the world have been struck by enormous tragedy. But when the best fall, we must double our efforts and never let terror win over solidarity.

In deep respect for Rick's memory, and in the memory of the victims in Baghdad, I ask you to raise a glass in quiet reflection and lyser fred over deres minne (pray for peace over their memory).