Signing Ceremony of the Accession Protocols of the Three invited Nations Brussels, 16 Dec. 1997

Speaking notes for H.E. Mr. Halldor Asgrimsson, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Iceland Mr. Chairman, Let me warmly welcome the Foreign Ministers of the Czech Republic, Hungary and Poland on this historic occasion. The cold war is over and we have already overcome the bitter legacy of the post-war artificial division of Europe. By signing the Accession Protocols today we have demonstrated once and for all that this division is behind us and not coming back. Let the past be where it belongs. Today there is no division in Europe and it is in nobody's interest to create new ones. We are not drawing a new line today. On the contrary we are enhancing peace and security in Europe. The new European Security Architecture does not exclude any country. There is no European country outside of the structure. Dear colleagues; Let me express the firm support of the Icelandic Government for the ratification process and for the Czech Republic, Hungary and Poland to become our Allies. At the same time I would like to underline the importance of the continuation of our open door policy and our cooperation with Russia, Ukraine and other partners. This event does not mark an end of a process, it marks a beginning of a new and lasting solidarity.