Accession
of the Czech
Republic,
Hungary
and Poland

North
Atlantic
Council

16 Mar. 1999

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1. On behalf of my colleagues of the Council, I wish to offer the most sincere congratulations and a warmly welcome to the Prime Ministers of the Czech Republic, Hungary and Poland and to the members of the three Governments at this meeting of the Council, where the three Countries take their seats as full members of our Alliance.

2. Secretary-General Solana emphasized already the importance and great symbolic value of this occasion. The accession of the Czech Republic, Hungary and Poland constitutes the most vivid and concrete expression of NATO's commitment to overcome the dividing lines left in Europe by the Cold War. At the same time, it recognizes the high priority and meets the deep commitment shown by your countries to contribute to the respect of the principles of the Treaty, to the security in the Euro-Atlantic Area, and to a new, undivided and peaceful Europe.

3. Your accession marks the completion of a cycle and the beginning of a new one. The active and committed participation of your countries in our activities will bring a new impetus to the Alliance, based on your history, your culture and your special sensitivity to security issues affecting all of us. I believe your influence is already having a significant bearing in our collective decision process. The full participation of your three countries in that process will further enhance our ability to respond to the challenges and risks that lie ahead, underscored by our continued commitment to collective defense.

   We have, at this table, a common vision, which we all accept.

   Your accession does not mean that the contour of the Alliance is complete: our door is open - and I would like to underline that in our view it is well-open - for future enlargements, when political conditions will be fulfilled.

Messieurs les Premiers Ministres, Messieurs les Ministres,

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4. La crmonie d'aujourd'hui est un pas important pour l'environnement de scurit europen dans le cadre des relations transatlantiques.

   Nous sommes en train de dfinir les contours, le dessein de l'Europe de demain : non seulement sur le plan de la dfense et de la scurit, mais aussi sur les plans politique, conomique et social.

   La contribution de vos trois pays sera certainement importante pour la construction de l'Identit europenne l'intrieur de l'Alliance.

   Mais votre adhsion l'OTAN doit tre aussi vue comme un pas vers l'intgration de vos trois pays dans les structures europennes. Seulement ainsi vous aurez votre revanche sur l'histoire. Seulement ainsi votre intgration sera assure dans le monde auquel vous appartenez, par votre histoire et par votre culture.

   L'adhsion l'OTAN a t souhaite par vos peuples. L'adhsion aux structures europennes, et notamment l'Union europenne, le sera galement, j'en suis sr.

Prime Ministers, Ministers,

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5. As we approach NATO's Summit in Washington, your countries will have the opportunity to play a key role in shaping decisions that will have a major impact on European Security in the new millenium. Allow me to encourage you to take full advantage of that unique opportunity, so that we can all benefit from your experience, your political knowledge and from your fresh outlook.

6. To conclude, a last word to your representatives and our colleagues Ambassadors Andrs Simonyi, Karel Kovanda and Andrzej Towpik.

   They have already been amongst us for a certain time. They know our way of working, they know the strengths and weaknesses of our Council, but they especially know that the friendship, is our common denominator.

   We all are particularly pleased that you are the first representatives of your countries to the Alliance. The capacity and the efficiency with which you defended the interests of your countries always respected our own consultation and consensus process.

   I would like to wish you, now in your full capacities, a warming welcome to our tables.

   And wish you good luck.