MEETING OF PRESIDENTS CIAMPI AND KUCAN
At the 9th Meeting of Presidents of Central European States

Bled, 31 May 2002


Presidents Ciampi and Kucan met in the evening of the first day of the 9th Meeting of Presidents of Central European States

President Kucan thanked the Italian President for his very conducive and resonant contribution to the meeting of the heads of state. President Kucan assessed relations between the two countries as good and fruitful, although sporadic disturbances do occur, causing unease and uncertainty. Through the past fifty years we still have not been able to get over the past. It is only right that we do not forget the past, but that should be done with peace and a kinder future in mind. President Kucan reiterated to President Ciampi the initiative put forward two years ago in Rome for the two presidents together to pay their respects to the victims of World War II and of the violence in the years following the war.

President Ciampi agreed that they should jointly consider the initiative, emphasising himself that the past should not go forgotten, but that it must serve as a reminder for the future.

Due to official obligations on occasion of the Italian National Day President Ciampi returned to Rome in the evening.