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First of all I would like to appreciate this already traditional occasion to meet the US State Secretary in connection with NACC meetings.
This time it is an exceptional pleasure to meet with you. Madame Secretary, for the first time in this configuration.
Let me make a couple of comments
The recent successful conclusion of the Founding Act on Mutual Relations Cooperation and Security between NATO and Russia means not only the beginning of a new type of thinking and behaviour. It also proves that we right to pursue the NATO enlargement process - not only for its own sake, but because it is a stabilizing factor for the overall European security.
The same applies to the NATO - Ukrainian Charter on a Distinctive Partnership initialled yesterday. As we all know: a free, independent and prosperous Ukraine is a pillar of stability in the region.
The direct, open and dedicated US policy has always been a crucial factor for the success of this important process. Europe benefits not only from the US military stress on basis values, effectiveness and determination. Such an engagement o the United States is indispensable for the continuation of our common endeavour.
You yourself, Madame Secretary, have made the link to the Marshall plan. I entirely agree with you - we really are in the process of finishing what was left unfinished 50 years ago: building an entirely new Europe, and of a peaceful, free and undivided transatlantic community. As you have said: "the challenge is to do for Europe's east what could be done only for Europe's west a half a century ago".
However, we should not underestimate the difficulties that lie ahead of us. The political and diplomatic complexity rests precisely with the fact that we would like NATO enlargement to result in an entirely new security arrangement, free of dividing lines.
No country should have a feeling of being rejected or abandoned. That is why it is important that this new security arrangement offers a clear and open perspective to those countries wishing to join the Western defense system.
The openness of NATO, the will to continue the enlargement process after the first tranche should be maintained in this respect. A very special place in this regard is attributed to the EAPC (Euro-Atlantic partnership council) we are going to establish today. This Council will provide for the interaction between military and political dimension of our cooperation. It is a way for NATO to build a wider but effective group of cooperating partners to prove that NATO aims for much more than the security of its members.
The Czech Republic will remain actively involved in instituting these new cooperative and consultative ties. Important efforts are also being made in other areas: especially economic links between countries have always proved to be very solid and lasting. In this respect, let me mention the CEFTA (the Central European Free Trade Zone) which is an extremely well working regional undertaking, or the CEI (Central European Initiative). The Czech Republic has always supported the openness of these organisations for those who wish to join. Of course, another vital link will be the European Union, which will soon, I believe, start accession negotiations with a new group of countries.
To conclude, let me stress Madame Secretary that we are all looking forward to cooperating with you very closely in ensuring the success of all the goals we share: Madrid summit, NATO enlargement process and strengthening of cooperative partnership