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Updated: 23 April 1999 | NATO Speeches |
At the |
Statementof Prime Minister of Norway, Kjelle BondevikMr. President Clinton, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, The founding fathers could hardly foresee the importance of the historic decision they took when signing the North Atlantic Treaty in this very room 50 years ago. In establishing NATO, they founded a security community of true and lasting value, which has guaranteed peace in our part of the world throughout the post-war era. It will continue to do so in the years to come, in a new security setting, with new challenges. Since its foundation, NATO has guaranteed my country the freedom and security upon which we have built our prosperity, and developed our democracy, human rights and the rule of law. There is strong and enduring support for NATO in Norway. We must see to it that NATO continues its success into the next Century. We must do this by safeguarding the traditional strengths of the Alliance, and build on them as we adapt to new challenges.
Norway will continue to do its part, so that NATO can ensure the defence of the Allies and contribute to stability and common security in the new, undivided Europe.
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