Address by the President of the Republic of Slovenia Dr Janez Drnovšek to the Foreign Diplomatic Corps
Brdo by Kranj, 02/02/2005 | speech
Mr Prime Minister,
Dean of the Diplomatic Corps,
Excellencies,
Ladies and gentlemen,
Dear guests,
It gives me great pleasure to address you for the first time this year on behalf of a member state of the European Union and NATO. The previous year was successful for Slovenia, a turning point, for with our accession to the European Union and NATO we realised our main priorities in foreign policy. Since then the European Union and NATO have become part of our everyday lives. However, this was an important year also for the entire continent: with its ten new members the EU has made a great step towards a truly united Europe. The recent decision to launch negotiations with Turkey is no less far reaching and of potential significance for the entire world because it is a test for the future of Europe. With the entry of Bulgaria and Romania and the start of negotiations with Croatia another step forward will be made. Slovenia will continue its endeavours for the integration and development of South Eastern Europe as well as assist the European Union candidate countries with its experiences from the accession process.
The gradual enlargement of the European Union towards South Eastern Europe may significantly contribute to the stabilisation and development of a region still burdened with unresolved ethnic relations and sometimes poor economic and social situations. Issues concerning the status of parts of the region, in particular the status of Kosovo, require the international community’s special attention. This year progress must be made in resolving these issues. At the same time enhancement of democratic standards, including human rights and the protection of minorities, must remain the focus of our efforts. In 2005 Slovenia will strive to it utmost to play a constructive role in the field of foreign policy, one distinguished by our chairmanship of the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe.
This year will be also important for the future of the European Union. By signing the European Constitution, the Member States succeeded in creating a new common denominator for the future development of Europe, and the fate of the Constitution will be decided this year. The Constitution opens new horizons for European cooperation and integration. The development of the Union’s internal structure and also its future size and role in the international community depend on the support provided in the ratification processes in parliaments and at referenda. I am glad that Slovenia is among the very first countries to ratify the European Constitution and thus expressing its commitment and support to the future development of the European Union.
In this we should not forget the goals of the Lisbon process: economic competitiveness must be strengthened while taking into consideration the European social model and protection of the environment. We must look for ways to cope with the short-term costs that provide us with long-term prosperity. This refers to both dimensions of sustainable development: social and environmental.
Dear guests,
Considering the economic, environmental and security challenges of the modern world, the transatlantic alliance is more important than ever. The future of cooperation between the European Union and United States may be built on the foundations of common interest, democratic and human rights values. The necessity of such partnership becomes even more evident if we imagine that this relation might change from cooperation to explicit competition. Many of the achievements of global relations and many of the things taken for granted could be lost and we would find ourselves set back for decades. The cooperation of the European Union with the United States will be of key importance also for the successful resolution of certain topical issues; ranging from the Middle East and Transcaucasus to South Eastern Europe. Cooperation with Russia as one of the most important European Union partners will also present a significant component in addressing these issues.
The OSCE remains an important framework for coordinating diverse interests. Chairmanship of the OSCE at a time of numerous crises in the area covered by the Organisation and internal organisational tensions is an important and demanding task. Slovenia is making an effort to accomplish what is possible in the given circumstances; we are endeavouring to exploit the advantages and overcome the weaknesses of multilateral decision-making. In a time of growing interdependency, it is multilateral dialogue, cooperation and solidarity that constitute the essential elements of our own success and prosperity.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
The natural catastrophe which affected the Indian Ocean region and caused the tragic loss of such an immense number of lives, including entire communities and geographical areas, has revealed our human vulnerability and reminded us that we are all part of the same human race. Our response was also human, and without precedent in history. International solidarity exceeded all former limits. Slovenian citizens also reacted with a great humanitarian response, and with their funds demonstrated their sympathy for the people affected. Following the first humanitarian response we will have to tackle reconstruction and the establishment of normal conditions in this region. In this respect Slovenia will strive to play an active role.
The solidarity of the response inspires us with hope that people will in the future know how to reach beyond existing limitations and selfishness. Not solely in their response to natural disasters but also to war, poverty and famine. The setting up of international solidarity and assistance mechanisms within international institutions, in particular the United Nations, remains essential. We are celebrating the United Nations 60th anniversary this year and this occasion will be an opportunity for us to look back at our achievements and ask ourselves how to improve the realisation of goals set at the beginning of the new millennium. Additional sources for financing a more balanced global development, such as international taxes, are definitely one of the options that warrant more attention. I hope we will be able to confirm this year changes within the structure of the UN that will ensure its efficiency and guarantee the organisation a central role in discharging its mission.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Permit me to close by thanking you for your contribution in solving the various issues related to our coexistence in this world. I would like to express my best wishes for our common success in tackling the challenges ahead.
Thank you.