THE THOUSAND YEARS OF SOLKAN'S HISTORY IS RESPECTABLE AND HONOURABLE JUBILEE
Ceremony commemorating the 1000th Anniversary of the first mention of the towns of Solkan and Gorica

Solkan, 8 September 2001




Dear townsmen of Solkan, dear people of Primorska, Ladies and Gentlemen from both sides of the border, distinguished mayor,

Allow me to welcome you most warmly here at tonight's pleasant event commemorating the 1000th anniversary of Solkan. Allow me to extend my congratulations on this occasion as well as my wishes for your proud and kind town, whose soul is embedded also in that of Nova Gorica, to live to see many a celebration still to come.

The thousand years of Solkan's history is respectable and honourable jubilee. It is a symbol of perseverance and resistance of the people who created the unique Slovenian spirit in their sincere humanity and sensitivity to injustice, and who drew with respect from the creativity and work of past generations. It is also a symbol of that special bond between Slovenians and the Soèa river, as well as of its tempestuous history where Slovenehood germinated and was being tested here on its western border.

Solkan has survived many an arduous event, centuries of uncertainty, war, conflict, crushed freedom of thought and national conscience, persecution of the different and those who thought differently. It witnessed and partook in the two greatest butcheries caused by man's imprudence. It was a boundary stone on a border that harshly delimited and divided not only states, but also people and nations. Not only with gates but also with events that caused almost irreparable injustices to people and nations. Because of the raging of fascism here in Primorska this experience had been a cruel one even before Slovenians as a nation were dragged into the horrors of World War II, deported, crushed and killed before the occupation forces divided up Slovenian territories. It is because of this very experience that you, the people of Solkan and of Primorska have done so much to make way for new times to take root, times where one could live creatively and where every sign of kindness in relations with neighbours as well as in broader European dimensions could be used to make for a safe future.

It is with grand steps that we Europeans are now creating an opportunity for peace, work and the coexistence of differences. We were able to show enough wisdom, willpower and strength to change borders into opportunities for cooperation among different people. State borders today, including borders with Italy, haven't been a separation for a long time now. Instead they call for and invite to cooperation in a united Europe, which is becoming a part of the everyday lives of the people of Europe in spite of problems and prejudices that still have to be overcome. This applies to Slovenians as well.

Slovenia has very carefully thought through its opportunity for a future within a united Europe at the plebiscite for an independent state. Italy, too, supported us in our endeavours. The then president Cossiga demonstrated his support and profound understanding of European flows of the history of the future by responding to our invitation and exactly 10 years ago crossed the border between our two countries on Erjavèeva street in Nova Gorica. Thus he was the first to offer his hand of friendly and understanding cooperation. In those days of uncertainty that was also an act of great personal courage and will forever remain engraved into our memories with gratitude.

United Europe is now becoming a reality for us and for the generations to come. Generations who want to know and understand the history of their own and of all European nations in its entirety, without keeping anything silent. They accept this history with fairness, as a lesson of good and bad and as an experience from which they want to build new foundations for a kinder future. Generations, who want to know their neighbours, understand them and rejoice in their open differences, enriching their own spiritual horizons. This is a reality that you here in Solkan and Nova Gorica have been actively creating for a long time now.

It is true that time and again one still hears calls from the past, calls for old, known divisions, subjection, conquest and deceitful simplification, aimed at escaping the demanding dilemmas of the future and concealing the inability to respond to them. But the past is behind us now. Any attempts at changing or revaluating it will remain barren. We have to take it as it is and do everything to prevent it from burdening our future. As good neighbours who know that each one of us bears their own responsibility also for the past, we are prepared to walk the path of reconciliation. We have already stated that we regret and condemn our violence immediately following the war, when individuals thought that after the end of a long nightmare they could take justice into their own hands and avenge the wrongdoings they suffered. We expect that the suffering and grave injustices brought also unto Slovenians and Slovenehood will see regret and condemnation. Thus, due to everyone's right to a future and due to the common wealth of difference between free nations and states, summoners of ghosts from the past will grow ever more distant from the common lives of Italians and Slovenians in democratic Europe

Slovenia enjoys good and fruitful relations with Italy. Bilateral agreements have finally turned the blood-drenched leaves of history and have thus opened the way for positive all-round cooperation between neighbours. This began already when Slovenia was still a part of the former Yugoslavia, and it continued virtually throughout the ten years of Slovenia's independence. We have created a good political atmosphere, which allowed for the passing of the law on the protection of the Slovenian minority after years of delays. This law and its application recognise Slovenians in Italy in their collective rights, as loyal citizens of the Republic of Italy whose own, different national identity and their differences are taken into account. The thinking has prevailed that ethnic minorities need special protection in order to enjoy their equality; that democracy, national pride and grandeur are confirmed in relation to those who are weaker. I am convinced that also in the future, with the help of both minorities living with us, we will be able to find the right common paths and ways of creating coexistence, to foster mutual respect and face new challenges of the future as equal partners, also in global dimensions and also as regards global responsibility. This is our responsibility to future generations. Future is a right for all and difference is the wealth of the future of all free nations and states. Also of Slovenia. And, I am firmly convinced, of today's Italy.


Dear people of Primorska,
You are an open and hospitable people. You receive friends warm-heartedly and decisively drive away intruders. You have learned this from the tough centuries of your past. Your nature is also a guarantee that Slovenia, as an active member of European integrations, will always be the homeland of the Slovenian nation, but still an open country, willing and capable of equal and respectful cooperation with all who are well-meaning. This is the kind of world we Slovenians hope for, the kind of world we are prepared to work and create for. I am convinced and I know that all of Primorska is prepared to do so too.

It is with pleasure that I note that this is the message Solkan is sending across the border tonight, on its 1000th anniversary. It is the message of a friendly hand offered in cooperation.

Once again accept my most heartfelt congratulations on this jubilee and all the best to you in the future.