[ NATO SPEECHES ]

Signing
Ceremony of the
NATO-Russia
Founding Act,

Paris,
27 May 1997


Remarks

by the Honorable Ronald A. Irwin
P.C., M.P., Minister of Indian Affairs
& Northern Development, Canada
Logo Paris

Mr. President,
Mr. Secretary General,
eminent leaders,
distinguished guests,
ladies and gentlemen.

As so many distinguished leaders have said before me, the conclusion of this agreement between the Russian Federation and NATO marks the beginning of an historic new era for European security.

Nous tenons à remercier le gouvernement français, et vous au premier chef, Monsieur le Président, de l'important rôle joué dans cet événement par le France et de la merveilleuse hospitalité que celle-ci nous a offerte en cet occasion.

For many years Canada has made its contribution to the defence of democratic values. Thousands of young Canadians served in the forces stationed in France and Europe. For many of them, this service was a return to their origin. If their parents left Europe in search of a better life in Canada, they took with them, I think, the best of the country they left.

The declaration that NATO and Russia no longer look on each other as adversaries, that they will work together in the interests of peace and security, and that, most importantly, they will endeavour to prevent conflict and build peace, is a truly remarkable achievement.

Of course, we in Canada have long seen Russia as our northern neighbour. In recent years we have worked hard to develop new fora for working together. Most recently, we have inaugurated the Arctic Council where eight countries meet but, also -- more important -- where the people of the north meet to work on the problems they all face. The future will see increased contacts between ourselves and Russia, as Russia takes her rightful place in the institutions of the Euro-Atlantic area and of the world more generally.

It is worthwhile to note that for all of us many habits were ingrained by a past of confrontation. These habits are being overcome, and our meeting here today is proof of that. We are embarking on a new stage that we hope will be more productive for all of our people. The conclusion of this "Founding Act" marks the beginning. It is a beginning that many call hesitant, a fragile bargain, but it is an agreement that Canada believes will endure and flourish.

As the last representative of a country to speak, and after listening to the leaders today, I want to end on a personal note. President Yeltsin said he had a vision of what this would do for his children and grandchildren. My family and I come from many countries. My side of the family is from the mountains of Abruzzi in Italy, and from Ireland; my wife is from Baden-Baden. We came to North America and found ourselves between the Russian bear to the north and the American juggernaut to the south.

After 100 years of peace with the U.S.A., we stay there, and we cheer on American hockey teams that have Russian players and Canadian players, fighting for a cup that comes from England. My vision is that my children will see a world with no artificial boundaries, where we will sit and virtually have no more borders with Russia in the north. It is a world where we build houses, not walls, where the only time we will cross over to our neighbour's property is to build houses. It is a future of hope, prosperity, and dignity. Thank you.


 [ Go to Speeches Menu ]  [ Go to Homepage ]