ORDER OF THE REPUBLIC OF SLOVENIA TO GENERAL WESLEY CLARK
Speech by the President of the Republic of Slovenia, Mr. Milan Kucan

Ljubljana, 24 February 2000



Distinguished General Wesley Clark,
Distinguished Mrs. Clark,
Ladies and Gentlemen,


I have the opportunity today, to confer this high order of the Republic of Slovenia to a high-ranking officer whom I deem to be a friend of Slovenia's as well as a friend of myself personally. I believe that I share a common satisfaction over the fact that Slovenia is hosting such a distinguished, influential, important and proven person as is general Wesley Clark, Supreme Allied Commander Europe and the Supreme Commander of US armed forces on our continent. He has held this post since11 July 1997.

General Clark embarked on his military mission to Europe at a time when the alliance was enlarging to the East and when military conflicts in the Western and Central Balkans had entered a critical stage. It was just under two years since Dayton. A fragile peace reigned over Bosnia-Herzegovina. The centre of genocidal violence and fighting had moved to Kosovo. The Euro-Atlantic alliance was facing a crucial dilemma: how to put an end to mass and severe violations of fundamental human rights. General Wesley Clark's professional military judgement undoubtedly had a decisive impact on the joint decision of the alliance. I am convinced that our dear, and my dear, general Clark was also assisted by the experience of Richard Holbrooke's mission to Bosnia-Herzegovina, where the alliance was able to stop the military conflicts and open the door to the Dayton agreement through combined diplomatic and military action.

Just as it did with the Allies in World War II, Slovenia, too, actively took part in the political and military actions of the Euro-Atlantic alliance in order to end the war in the Balkans and to lay the foundations of a lasting peace. Due to the vicinity of that unstable region, this was a direct interest as well as an opportunity for our country to express a clear political and security strategy through active cooperation. With the affinity, understanding, friendship and support of General Wesley Clark, Slovenia has become a recognisable partner in the Euro-Atlantic region, with a clear prospect of joining NATO and acceding to the European Union.

General Wesley Clark and his associates have in many ways assisted the Slovenian Army in its development and in achieving interoperability with NATO forces. Slovenia mustn't forget that. I should particularly like to mention the successful joint exercise of rapid reaction forces, “Cooperative Adventure Exchange”, in the fall of 1998.

Dear friend, Wesley Clark, I still very well remember the personal talks we have held. You are a broad-minded individual with an outstanding mastery of your field. You know how to listen, you consider other peoples' different opinions and arguments. You judge events through superb military knowledge and your decisions comprise a brilliant political analysis, taking account of the history and the characteristics of the environment they concern. I am sure that once historians will be judging the events of our times from a distance, they will come to the same conclusions.

The Silver Order of Freedom I confer on you today on behalf of the Republic of Slovenia is our country's reward and recognition for your work to the benefit of Slovenia and peace in Europe. I am indeed delighted and honoured to be able to do so and I congratulate you. At the same time I would like to wish you every satisfaction with the work you will be pursuing in the future. I do not doubt in your success. I invite you to remain our friend, my friend. I stand convinced that this will be the case. Please know that you are always welcome among us.