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Dear Secretary General, Distinguished Colleagues,
The previous enlargement marked the end of the long division of Europe and laid the foundations of a new historic process: the return of the countries of Central and Eastern Europe to their natural environment of civilization and their affiliation with the common values of the Euro-Atlantic area.
Seven new flags have just been raised at NATO Headquarters as a final confirmation of the truly historic accomplishment of integrating the seven countries into the Alliance, thus bringing us ever closer to the united democratic Europe without dividing lines. Here and now is the moment to pay the late NATO Secretary general Manfred Worner, who laid the foundations of the process that bares fruits so successfully now-a-days, the due for his clear and farsighted vision for the future.
This integration comes as a result of a 14-year continuing effort. Back in 1990 the Grand National Assembly raised the idea of leaving the Warsaw Pact and acceding to the Washington Treaty. The consensus-'among the political parties during this 14-year period was built as a result of our great efforts, thus making it an undoubted fact. Let me illustrate it with some figures: in 1990 the followers of that "heretical" idea were only 10-15 % of the society.
Currently 70% of the public opinion supports it.
Recognizing the crucial role of NATO in protecting the Western democracies, bridging the old division/and promoting security and stability in Europe, we are firmly committed to contribute 4o further developing the political cohesion and military strength of the Alliance. In doing so, we shall be strongly supportive of both a solid transatlantic link and a much deeper European integration.
For decades now Bulgaria has been a stabilizing factor and unique example of ethnic peace and religious tolerance in the Balkans and South East Europe and we remain open to share that experience. As Chairman-in-Office of the OSCE for 2004, we have concentrated our efforts in fostering stability and security in Western Balkans and the region of Caucasus. In fact, the situation in these unstable regions is similar to ours 14 years ago, just after the end of the Cold War. That applies to Kosovo, Bosnia, Nagorno Karabah, and the separatist tendencies in Georgia. Having in mind our own experience, the most powerful strategic tool and the most effective way to contribute to the process of conflict resolution is to outline a clear vision of future integration. The stability and prosperity of the Euro-Atlantic zone and beyond it depends on the successful implementation of this process. Thus, the Alliance would not need to solve any future problems and build security by peace enforcement operations, as it happened in Kosovo.
When the international community and NATO are faced with problems, there is the prevailing illusion among the conflicting parties that time is working in favour of one side or the other. I dare to argue that this is completely wrong, since in similar situations procrastination of the conflict in time only impedes the resolution, thus working against all sides.
Today the Alliance is facing new challenges. Far beyond the borders of the Euro-Atlantic area, NATO is playing a crucial role in Afghanistan as a number one priority on its agenda and is also engaged in Iraq. In Istanbul the Alliance should take a very close look at the issue of its deeper involvement in the effort to bring Iraq back to normalcy. The greater the cooperation between NATO, EU and OSCE is, the more effective this process will be.
We should also remain loyal to the magic principle of keeping the doors of the Alliance open to newcomers. To a great extend the principle depends on the successful and responsible actions of the seven new members. We fully support the accession of other aspirant countries. We support the efforts of Serbia and Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina to join the Partnership for Peace, provided that the appropriate conditions are met. Our pro active stand of a worthy ally is the best way to give all the support they, need and we are prepared to take our responsibility.
In conclusion, Mr. Secretary General, let me once again confirm our determination to be actively engaged in the process of guiding the Alliance to the endeavors empowering it to best meet the new security challenges of the 21st century. We look forward to work with all Allies to successfully complete the process of transformation and create the most vital and effective ever Alliance of twenty six countries, united by common values and ideals.
Thank you for the attention.