NATO HQ , Brussels 25 October 2006

Remarks by NATO Secretary General, Jaap de Hoop Scheffer at the opening of the photo exhibition marking the 50th anniversary of the Hungarian Revolution Multimedia Photos of the exhibition in celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the Hungarian Revolution at NATO Headquarters, Brussels Thank you, Ambassador Martinusz, for that introduction.  I consider it a great honour to speak at the opening of this photo exhibition marking the 50th anniversary of the Hungarian Revolution – and a particular privilege to be standing next to Imre Mécs, who is one of the icons of that Revolution. For many people of my generation, the Hungarian revolution was the start of their political consciousness.  In my own country as well as many others, families and individuals opened their doors to the hundreds of thousands of Hungarians who fled their country at the time. And this guaranteed that the legacy of the Hungarian revolution, and the spirit of people like Imre Nagy, Cardinal Mindszenty  and Imre Mécs,  would continue to be felt on both sides of the Iron Curtain. The 50th anniversary of the Hungarian Revolution, and the exhibition that we are about to open, offer an opportunity to remember all those Hungarians who displayed great courage and commitment in trying to free their country from oppression. Many Hungarians, tragically, were killed at the time -- but their sacrifice was not in vain.  Because the quest for freedom would continue, in Hungary and elsewhere in Central and Eastern Europe.  Today, our continent is no longer divided – and Hungary and its neighbours are firmly anchored in NATO and the European Union. At the same time, we all still face threats to our liberty, our security and our common values.  These threats are very different in nature than those of fifty years ago – but they are by no means less severe.  There are no easy answers to these new threats.  They demand innovative approaches, sustained commitment, and the closest possible cooperation between nations and institutions.  A concerted effort in which NATO has a key role to play. NATO is determined to play such a role.  We are demonstrating this by our strong engagement in Kosovo, in Afghanistan and elsewhere.  By our commitment to strengthen our partnerships.  And by our resolve to further transform this Alliance politically and militarily to meet the challenges before us. The 50th anniversary of the Hungarian Revolution is an ideal occasion to rejoice at Hungary’s hard-earned freedom – but also to remind ourselves that such freedom cannot be taken for granted.  In today’s uncertain world, the NATO Alliance is committed to safe-guarding our liberty, our security and our common values.  I am delighted that, as a member of NATO, a free, democratic and prosperous Hungary is fully engaged in that effort.