who keep the embassy humming —
and managing an exhausting social life
that can include four or five formal
parties a week and the occasional
mega-bash, such as the July 4 shindig
he threw for a thousand or so guests.
Is being an ambassador easy or dif-
ficult? "I really don't know because I
have nothing to compare it with," said
Hermelin. "I know that representing
the United States is a serious responsi-
bility. Important issues are happening
all of the time at all levels. I feel we've
been successful so far; there have been
no big problems or disappointments."
Hermelin, 60, is known among
friends and business associates in the
Detroit area for his energy and enthu-
siasm, and these attributes have
impressed Norwegian government
officials and business leaders. He often
works late, keeps tabs of daily business
through many staff meetings, takes
work home on weekends and is avail-
able fo
es off-the-cuff lectures at
corporations and charity
ngs — and to practically anyone
will listen — telling the
orwegians about "the American way"
--and the need for international under-
standing, peace and cooperation.
"Norway, as a founding member of
NATO and the UN, casts an impor-
tant vote on many issues of impor-
tance to the United States," he said.
"Norway always has been a staunch
ally, and supports the U.S. in our poli-
cy on Kosovo, the Mideast and many
other situations around the world."
However, he adds, honing the
diplomatic style he has developed •
since January, "we have learned never
to take these things for granted. You
must continually respect the relation-
ship, share information, seek counsel
and support and many times listen to
what good friends are saying on
important issues."
One recent negotiation brought
him particular satisfaction, he said.
"I'm pleased that Norway set the
moral standard for the world in the
recent historic settlement by banks in
Switzerland with Holocaust survivors
over claims to assets lost during World
War II. Through a lot of hard work
and negotiations, Norway was able to
establish a $60 million restitution
fund for about 1,200 Jewish people
now residing in Norway."

Swift Lifistyle Changes

Despite being on the job for almost
a year, Hermelin says he is still amazed
by his appointment. "It's hard to

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Detroit Jewish News

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