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Secretary General, Dear Colleagues, Ladies and Gentlemen.
It is a great privilege as President d'Honneur of the Ministerial Council to address this auspicious ceremony. Our gathering today signifies another milestone in NATO history.
Allow me to express a special and heartfelt welcome to our colleagues from the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Poland. Your presence here today is the best evidence that Europe is doing away with its old dividing lines. A new chapter in our relations has opened up.
Today, Ministers of all NATO countries have signed the accession protocols of the new member states. Before this, you have confirmed your willingness and ability to respect the obligations and responsibilities under the Treaty. Based on this strong commitment from you and based on our conviction that security of the North Atlantic area will be enhanced by the accession of the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Poland, ministers of all NATO countries have signed the protocols today.
Now, the necessary ratification process in each NATO country can begin. Our goal is to see the ratification process completed in time for membership to become effective by the 50th anniversary of the Washington Treaty in April 1999.
Accession preparations this Autumn have been smooth and constructive. Now begins the next phase of adapting militarily to the requirements flowing from membership. I am convinced that you will address this issue in a similarly constructive and energetic manner.
Modalities for the involvement of new member states until completion of the ratification process are based on the decision in Madrid that invitees should be involved to the greatest possible extent and where appropriate. Sufficient opportunities to become involved in NATO business at all levels are essential. This will ensure a rapid and smooth accession process, and it will guarantee the effectiveness of the Alliance, also at 19.
Today, we celebrate a major step forward in the integration of Central and Eastern Europe. But this step does not stand in isolation. Rather, it signifies the "new NATO". A NATO open to all democratic European countries. Regardless of geographic location.
A NATO in close interaction and cooperation with countries in Central and Eastern Europe, with Russia, with the Ukraine, with the Mediterranean countries. A NATO open to further enlargement. A NATO which is not turned against anyone. A stronger NATO. A NATO which is streamlining its structures and internal procedures. A NATO in close cooperation with other organisations such as the WEU, the EU and the OSCE. A NATO ready to meet the challenges of the next century. Indeed, a NATO ready to contribute to a new and undivided Europe.
Today is a day to remember, a day to congratulate each other for the accomplishments already made, and a day to look forward with confidence in what is to follow.
Thank you.