Meeting of the Euro- Atlantic Partnership Council in Defence Ministers Session Brussels, 13 June 1997

Speech by Mr. Tit Turnek, Minister of Defense of the Republic of Slovenia

Mr. Chairman, ladies and gentlemen, Allow me to add a few remarks to this interesting and useful discussion. Although it is always wiser to let history determine the importance of an event, I am sure that everyone will agree that we are witnesses here today to events and an era in which history is being made more quickly and productively than perhaps any other time in recent years. The Republic of Slovenia is firmly convinced that there is no alternative to the enlargement of NATO. At the same time the Alliance needs to complete the reforms and restructuring required by the NATO Strategic Concept. Candidate countries can be pleased to join a reorganized Alliance, capable of solving security challenges of the post Cold War period. That is why we are determined to become a member of this organization, which has at its disposal the most effective mechanisms for guaranteeing security and stability. Slovenia especially welcomes the establishment of EAPC, which reflects even through its name a new and higher level of cooperation between NATO and partner nations. Slovenia, will actively participate in both political consultations and practical activities within the EAPC framework. Slovenia will take the maximum possible of this opportunity offered by enhanced PfP and Planning and Review process (PARP). Slovenia today takes part in peace support operations under the auspices of UN and OSCE. Slovenian pilots and aircraft are prepared, immediately upon signing of the formal agreement, to join SFOR coalition forces. Our medical unit at a battalion level has been providing medical assistance to the forces participating in Operation "Alba" in Albania for several weeks, and the first Slovenian contingent from the 10th Battalion will leave for Cyprus in autumn. They have been prepared for these tasks in accordance with the objectives of the second implementation cycle of PARP. Mr. Chairman, dear colleagues, Allow me to emphasize, in these short remarks, the importance of regional cooperation between members and non-members of NATO. Slovenia, as a Central European, Alpine and Mediterranean country, is especially aware of the need for regional cooperation, which can and should involve various groups of countries. The decision to set up a joint military unit between Italy, Hungary and Slovenia is not merely proof of the importance of cooperation in the region. When operational, this brigade should serve as a tool for multinational, joint endeavor to create a force readily available for protection of regional security and stability. Mr. Chairman, The NATO's decision to open its door and extend invitations to the countries of the "new" Europe to assume full solidarity, responsibility and risks in ensuring collective security is the most important one. The expectations of the partners were big and justified; they were based on evaluations of the allies that they meet all known criteria for enlargement. It will be very difficult to explain some recent statements released by the allies in reference to the size of the enlargement to the partners. This could also have certain political implications in partner nations that are not to be included in the first round of enlargement. Inclusion in the European Union and Euro-Atlantic security structure was, is and will remain a strategic orientation and goal of Slovenia regardless of Madrid decision. We hope that the door will open very soon again. Thank you for your attention.