Signing of the Accession Protocols 16 Dec. 1997

Speech by Minister Mr. H. Van Mierlo Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands Mr. Secretary General, Eighty years ago, because of the turmoil in Russia, the fighting at the Eastern Front stopped. The event was instrumental in bringing about the end of the First World War in Central Europe, destroying the dominance of three autocratic rulers and their division of that part of the continent. It marked the beginning of the modern states in Central Europe. Poles, as well as Czechs and Hungarians born in that period who have survived the terrors of both Hitler and then Stalin, however, until shortly not been able to share in the freedom, the growing integration and prosperity in the rest of Europe since 1945. Today's generation will be able to make better use of those opportunities. For Central Europe this century will end better than it started. The door to full NATO membership be kept open. The Netherlands wishes to cooperate on reaching a consensus for future invitations and I am delighted that you, the acceding countries, feel to the same extend committed to the continuation of the process. The signing today is an occasion as historic as the foundation of the Atlantic alliance itself. Today provides indisputable proof that we are opening up the alliance to the new democracies in the East. This dramatic move is underpinned by the awareness that Europe can be secure, democratic and prosperous only if, it becomes one.