New Year Address by the President of the Republic of Slovenia, Dr Danilo Türk

Ljubljana, 31.12.2007  |  speech, statement

The year that is about to end offered us some good things. Our country strengthened its position in the family of European nations and we made economic progress. Across the world, we have been enjoying an excellent reputation and we have all the opportunities to further enhance this reputation and to acquire new friends and allies. During the natural disasters that we suffered last year, the solidarity of our people was shown, and the capability to effectively help our fellow man in need was clearly demonstrated. All this reinforces our trust in ourselves and in our common future.

In Slovenia, we are justly proud of all the results that what we have already achieved in showing respect for the human rights of every citizen in our country. These achievements have to be maintained and upgraded in the future. We must endeavour to raise the level of respect for our fellow man, to ensure the rights gained and to develop as a society of cultured and tolerant people who can deal with their differences in a conciliatory manner. The knowledge that we all are equal in our creation of desires for happiness, health, welfare and friendliness should be our guideline. A lot can be done to better the lives of those among us who do not enjoy the prosperity of economic progress. A lot can also be done to help sick and elderly people, and to open the way for young people to create full and successful lives.

In the coming year, we, as responsible citizens of the world, will be able to prove that we are concerned about the fate of our planet. Slovenia will hold the Presidency of the European Union. Our country will have the opportunity to demonstrate its wisdom and responsibility for its policy. World issues such as resolving the differences between the developed and developing worlds, global warming, environmental protection and other issues will require our concern and responsibility for the success of preserving the world for future generations.

Although the issues to be dealt with are substantial, our self-confidence will lead us into the future. We are ready for new challenges. For the New Year, I wish all the best and a lot of success to all citizens of Slovenia, to our fellow Slovenes living outside our borders and all around the world and to all residents of Slovenia. My good wishes also go to all those who will have to spend this longest night at their workplaces in caring for us all.

Dr Danilo Türk
President of the Republic of Slovenia