Intervention
by Madeleine
K. Albright, US Secretary of State
Thank you Mr. Secretary-General, fellow foreign ministers, distinguished
colleagues. This is my last Partnership Council ministerial. I shall miss
working with you, but I take pride in what we have accomplished together.
One of the great challenges of the new era has been to create a framework
for cooperation that includes all of the democracies of the transatlantic
community. The Partnership for Peace (PFP) and this Council are essential
components of that effort.
This is evident, first of all, in the Balkans, where our troops serve
side-by-side, and where we have worked with leaders within the region
to establish a strong and still-rising democratic tide.
This morning, I would like to congratulate High Representative Wolfgang
Petritsch for the outstanding job he has done in Bosnia and Herzogovina,
and for his excellent presentation to us.
Bosnia has come far in its recovery from war, but its future as a truly
independent and cohesive state is not yet assured. We can help by remaining
united in our support for further economic reform and the creation of
joint security institutions.
We should also support the consolidation and growth of democratic institutions
in Croatia and Yugoslavia, where new leaders are striving to overcome
the legacy of decades of misrule, and bring their countries into the mainstream
of a democratic and prosperous Europe.
I want to thank every country that has contributed to the success of
SFOR and KFOR in preventing conflict and making democratic progress possible
in Southeast Europe. Their role remains critical. The forces of moderation
are growing, but extremist elements pose an ongoing threat.
One example is in the Presevo region of Serbia, where we join Yugoslav
authorities in condemning violent incidents. The United States calls upon
all sides to exercise restraint, and supports efforts by KFOR to prevent
further incidents.
In Kosovo, we believe it is important to move forward with consultations
on how to shape new institutions for autonomous self-government, and prepare
for general elections as soon as possible next year.
Southeast Europe is only one area where our partnerships can make a difference.
The United States believes that this Council should intensify its efforts
within the regional forum focused on the Caucasus, and create a working
group to consider the comlex political, economic and security issues now
confronting the key region of Central Asia.
More generally, we look to our partnerships to enhance our collective
military effectiveness. That is why we must redouble efforts to advance
our Operational Capabilities Concept, which will help Partners participate
in future missions.
We will also continue to implement the Political-Military Framework's
provisions regarding NATO-led operations, in order to ensure greater Partner
involvement in shaping decisions and making plans.
The PFP was conceived on the principle that partners would be free to
shape their relationship with NATO in a way that best suits their own
needs and objectives. From the outset, we have made clear that NATO's
door would remain open and that we would help partners who aspired to
membership to walk through it.
The enlargement of NATO is a natural accompaniment to the evolution of
a democratic and undivided Europe. It threatens no one, and will help
us all to expand the area within Europe where wars simply do not happen.
Future NATO enlargement depends on a vigorous effort by aspirants to
improve their candidacies and implement their Membership Action Plans.
The exact timing and scope of the next round is not yet certain. What
is certain is that the first round has led to a stronger, more capable
and more dynamic alliance. There is every reason to believe that further
enlargement, if carefully planned and prepared, will yield the same result.
In closing, let me say again what an honor and pleasure it has been to
serve with you. In a short time, this Council has developed into a practical
and effective tool for coordinating the activities and aspirations of
Europe's new democracies.
It has also become a vital contributor to security, prosperity and freedom
in some of the continent's toughest neighborhoods. Month by month, year
by year, we have been shaping history in the right direction--away from
the old habits of division and conflict, and toward a new reality of unity
and peace.
This is cause for pride on the part of us all, but as I look around this
room, I feel confident that the benefits of our partnerships are only
beginning to be felt.
I salute you all, and assure you that--although I will soon begin a new
life-America's commitment to the success of this Council and to a Europe
whole and free will continue for decades to come.
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