Statements before the summit
Milan Kucan - President of Slovenia
Our membership in NATO will fulfil the expectations expressed by
the citizens of Slovenia at the plebiscite on independence twelve
years ago, to live in peace and security in their own state, a state
open to cooperation and solidarity. Security is what this country
needs for successful development. That is something it cannot provide
on its own in the present circumstances. Slovenia needs a strong and
democratic alliance in order to pay its debt to global security, for
only in such a way will it be safe. Slovenia does not expect others to
tend to its security. We are prepared to contribute our share to our
country's security and to the common security of the entire democratic
world. We are also aware of our responsibility towards others,
together with whom Slovenia wishes to reduce the threats posed by the
divisions in our world at the dawn of the 21st century.
Dr Janez Drnovsek, Prime Minister
NATO membership would strengthen the position of Slovenia in the
international community as a country that is interested in the
maintenance of international peace and security. Slovenia has
demonstrated its desire and willingness to play a role in this area a
number of times, whether through its active engagement in South
Eastern Europe or its constructive efforts as a non-permanent member
of the United Nations Security Council. Joining a regional security
arrangement, such as NATO, would therefore buttress the image of
Slovenia as a country that has managed to become politically stable
and economically prosperous, and regards this success as a sign of
readiness to accept its share of responsibility for the future of
Europe and for the stability of the world as a whole.
Borut Pahor - Speaker of the National Assembly
I am sure that the great majority of our people, after fundamental
and exhaustive debate, will understand that Slovenia's accession to
NATO is not merely a narrow military question, but a broad strategic
matter. The debate is clearly dynamic and polemical. There is no harm
in that. Some questions raised in connection with security and
defence, in connection with European security identity or the role and
future of NATO, are not just our own questions here in Slovenia;
member states themselves are also raising them. In this sense, the
debate seems to me a very constructive one. Not least of all, it will
also strengthen our awareness that we are entering the Alliance as an
active partner and that joining NATO is a crucial question of our
basic identity in the international community.
Dr Dimitrij Rupel - Minister of Foreign Affairs
Once it joins NATO, Slovenia will take on a greater responsibility
and its influence in international relations will expand. Moreover, we
will be able to assume a more active role in cross-Atlantic
relations. By entering NATO, Slovenia will become part of a large
cross- Atlantic group of countries sharing common democratic
values. There, Slovenia will be able to guarantee its fundamental
security interests within a system of collective security. Membership
in NATO certainly also brings responsibilities and I am positive that
in these ten years of independence, Slovenia has proved to be a
responsible member of the international community, ready to do all in
its power to contribute to international peace, security and
prosperity.
Dr Anton Grizold - Minister of Defence
In a little over a decade, Slovenia has become a stable and
democratic country with a working market economy and a high level of
human rights protection. As such, it would like to participate in the
shaping of the political and security make-up of Europe and the
world. It has therefore made a commitment to provide its know-how,
experience and means for that purpose. It wants to take part as an
equal and credible partner in adopting decisions that will affect its
future development. It is no doubt that NATO membership would make
such a position and role of Slovenia possible. Its national security
will take on a broader context in a new strategic framework within
NATO.
Brigadir Ladislav Lipic - Slovenian Armed Forces Chief of Staff
We are leaving for Prague with great expectations as the Slovenian
Armed Forces have been transformed into a modern defence force. NATO
armed forces experts have been very helpful; we put their proposals
into our environment and our culture. We are now ready. For the
Slovenian Armed Forces, NATO means enhanced military power, better
chances of security, exchange of training and education programmes,
common efforts to secure military defence and a joint concern for
peace outside Slovenia's borders. NATO membership is for us a step
forward and an opportunity for optimal military defence, which the
Slovenian Armed Forces have to guarantee our citizens.
Jelko Kacin - Chair of the Parliamentary Foreign Defence Committee
We welcomed NATO's military intervention in Bosnia-Herzegovina, FR
Yugoslavia, Kosovo and, in some ways, also in Macedonia. The
intervention came late, for many victims too late, but it was the only
possible and efficient means to stop hostilities, pave the way for a
political solution and establish peace. NATO has facilitated
stabilisation and peace in the territory of other successors to the
former Yugoslavia. Slovenia exports peace and stability to these
countries and can therefore, all the more, appreciate the process of
NATO enlargement and expansion of areas of stability.
Rudolf Petan - Chair of the Parliamentary Defence Committee
NATO membership is one of the priorities of Slovenian
politics. Slovenia would like to exercise its basic security interests
within the system of collective defence enabled by NATO membership. At
the same time, we are aware of our responsibility and wish to do all
in our power to contribute our share to securing peace in our region.
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