Signing Ceremony of the NATO-Russia Founding Act, Paris, 27 May 1997

Statement by H.E. Mr Sleyman Demirel President of the Republic of Turkey

(20 Kb) Mr Chairman Distinguished heads of State and Government, I would like to join the previous eminent speakers in thanking President Chirac and the French government for hosting this historic summit in this beautiful city. It is a great pleasure for me to be once again in Paris, the scene of many accords that have been fundamental for European security and stability. We are gathered here to renew our commitment to our common destiny. The relationship between NATO and Russia is a vital feature of European security and stability. Indeed the NATO-Russian Summit is yet another milestone in the process of defining a common democratic foundation, establishing institutions for cooperation, and setting forth guidelines for building a community of democracies in the Euro-Atlantic area. This process started over two decades ago with the signing of the Helsinki Final Act, At that time, I had the privilege to witness the beginning of our common journey, which eventually culminated in the victory of democracy. The end of the cold war made it possible for us to build upon the Helsinki process and to develop democratic and effective structures that would provide for a durable peace in Europe without recreating dividing lines or spheres of influence. With this new spirit, a gradual process of integration and cooperation was set in motion through the interplay of existing institutions, including not only NATO, but the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, the European Union, the Western European Union and others. Now, with the same spirit we are at the threshold of building the new architecture of Europe on these solid foundations. For the past eight years, we have been experiencing a radical transformation in the political landscape of the European continent. In this short span of time, our shared values of freedom, democracy, human rights, the rule of law and free market economy have become the blueprint for the global contract of humanity. Furthermore, the broadening of the geography of democracies has paved the way for real security, cooperation, confidence and transparency embracing all nations of the Euro-Atlantic Area. Indeed, we are learning how to live in true solidarity with one another Mr Chairman, Distinguished Heads of Sate and Governement, This alliance was formed half a century ago with a noble vision: to uphold the democratic values and ideals; to strengthen solidarity between free, democratic and peace-loving nations. Now, we are looking forward to sharing this vision with our new partners. Together, we have already replace conflict with cooperation and adversity with partnership. These are the indispensable values that now bind us together into a shared political vision. Inspired by this vision and as a proof of the Alliance's goodwill and peaceful intentions, we did not hesitate to extend our friendly hand to all the former Warsaw Pact countries in 1990. Since then the Euro-Atlantic Area has gradually become more secure and more stable. The process of our dialogue and cooperation was formalized with the establishment of the North Atlantic Cooperation Council and deepened with the Partnership for Peace initiative. This July in Madrid, in another historic step, our alliance will start to enlarge. By welcoming new members, we shall no doubt continue to adapt ourselves to further enlargement. Turkey welcomes and supports enlargement as a part of the ongoing European integration process. Enlargement, though, should be in harmony with the enlargement processes of the other major European organisations. Mr Chairman, Distinguished Heads of Sate and Governement, This historic act signed today will set our relationship with the Russian federation on an entirely new footing. This unique framework, together with the Euro-Atlantic partnership Council and the enhanced Partnership for Peace, will give us the golden opportunity to create a Europe, whole and free. Today, we no longer face the threat of yesterday's balance of terror, and, we hope we never will, but, we face new risks and challenges against humanity. The threat they pose are no less in magnitude. Therefore, all democratic countries and institutions should join forces for the common objectives of maintaining peace and security; promoting democracy, justice, respect for human rights and sustainable development. Only with such vision and in total solidarity can we meet the new risks and challenges before us. On the eve of the 21st century, NATO and Russia should succeed in setting a truly constructive, enduring and robust partnership based on shared values, interests and dreams. Let us be firm in our commitment to this partnership and fulfil our responsibilities towards the generations to come.