EVENTS

Central national ceremony marking Slovenia's accession to NATO

Ljubljana, 7 April 2004

A ceremonial session of parliament and central national ceremony took place on 7 April marking Slovenia's accession to NATO.

"NATO is a firm foundation of European peace on which Europeans can build our common future safely and more carefree," stressed Parliament Speaker Borut Pahor in his keynote address.

President Janez Drnovsek addressed numerous dignitaries, officials and members of the diplomatic corps gathered at the Cankarjev dom.

"By joining NATO, Slovenia has gotten certain security guarantees but not complete security, which does not exist. There are no real cause for celebration yet, but plenty for deliberation and hard work," he stressed in his speech.

Europe's bitter history and the recent Balkan story serve to remind us that peace is not of itself assured Speech by Dr. Janez Drnovsek, the President of the Republic of Slovenia, at the national celebration honouring the membership of Slovenia to NATO - Cankarjev dom, Ljubljana
		Speech by Dr. Janez Drnovsek - Cankarjev dom, Ljubljana, 7 April 2004