In the building of the National Assembly Budapest, Hungary 29 May 2001

Speech by Dr. Ferenc Madl Presentation of the Middle Cross with Star of the Order of Merit of the Republic of Hungary to H. E. Ambassador Sergio Silvio Balanzino, of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization Distinguished Mr. Deputy Secretary General, It is with great pleasure that I am complying with a rather pleasant constitutional duty of the President of the Republic by awarding you the Middle Cross of the Order of Merit of the Republic of Hungary. This high award constitutes the expression of the sincerest appreciation by the Government and the people of Hungary for your work as Deputy Secretary General of the North Atlantic Alliance and the dedication and sympathy you have given proof during this more than seven worked in this position of such great responsibility during one if not the most exciting and fundamental period of the history of the North Atlantic Alliance. This period has been characterized by the opening of the Alliance adversaries, a process culminating in the invitation of the first countries of the region that will hopefully be followed by others in the not too distant future. It has also been characterized by the assumption of new missions with a view to strengthening security and stability in Europe.The fact that NATO has proved extremely successful in coping with these new challenges is due to a large extent also to the personal commitment and the dedication that not only the member countries and partners of the Alliance, but also high-level officials have displayed throughout this period. Your personal role, Mr. Deputy Secretary General has been particularly important in that context. As for the development of relations between Hungary and the Alliance, which has ultimately led to full-fledged country, you have not only followed our endeavors have also actively continued to the smooth of these relations right from the start. Mr. Deputy Secretary General, I am confident that you will also continue to follow and assist our common endeavor to help make this Alliance even stronger also in whatever capacity. It is in this spirit I have the great you this high award of the Republic of Hungary family a lot of luck and success and good health. Thank you. Upon the proposal of the Prime Minister I herewith award H.E. Ambassador Sergio Silvio Balanzino, Deputy Secretary General of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. In recognition of his activities with a view to the development of relations between the Republic of Hungary and the North Atlantic treaty Organization and of his personal contribution to the accession of the Republic of Hungary to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, The Middle Cross with Star Of the Order of Merit Of the Republic of Hungary