Statements after the invitation
Milan Kucan, President of the Republic Slovenia:
Membership Represents Fulfillment of Independence Goal
The invitation Slovenia has received to become a member of NATO is
a good message for the country and its citizens, while it is also an
opportunity for Slovenia to find its place in the collective defence
system of the Euro-Atlantic Alliance. What is more, eventual
membership is a means for the country to contribute through its
co-operation to the shaping of a NATO tailored to Slovenia. Slovenia's
membership of NATO represents the fulfillment of goals that the
country had set when it took a decision to go independent more than
ten years ago.
NATO membership is also an instrument for development, a new
quality of life, prosperity, peace and security. It will now be up to
Slovenia to take advantage of this.
Borut Pahor, Speaker of the Parliament
NATO Membership Invitation is Important and Valuable for Slovenia
I do not underestimate the security reasons, which brings NATO
membership, but I would like also to put great weight on the political
aspect of membership. The prospective membership does not only bring
benefits for Slovenia, but also obligations,
responsibilities. Nevertheless, they are acceptable considering what
we will gain from membership.
Dr Janez Drnovsek, Prime Minister:
Slovenia Invited to Join the Strongest in the World
Slovenia is honoured with the invitation it has been extended to
join NATO, as this places it among the strongest and most advanced
countries in the world, which are fighting together to protect peace
and security in the world
Today is a very important day, as Slovenia has received an
invitation to join an organisation that is not only military, but also
has a strong political influence. The country has been working to join
for years, almost a decade even. It is important for Slovenia to be
joining an organisation that is changing with the times. NATO is
transforming in Prague from what it was in the past to an organisation
with a new meaning, concept and goals. The situation is now clear - we
have the invitation and must face up to it.
Dr. Dimitrij Rupel, Minister of Foreign Affairs:
Invitation Is Acknowledgement for Slovenia
The invitation NATO extended today to Slovenia is a great
recognition for the country. Along with Slovenia's efforts to join the
European Union, which alone does not ensure security and depends
largely on NATO for this, the Alliance invitation is a final
aknowledgement of the maturity of Slovenia's statehood. It is also
proof that the international community has recognised Slovenia's
legitimate belonging to the West. With NATO membership, Slovenia's
responsibility and role in international relations will
strengthen. Moreover, the country will get an opportunity to play a
more active role in trans-Atlantic relations. There is no doubt that
NATO membership also brings responsibilities, and I believe that over
the past ten years of independence Slovenia has proved to be a
responsible member of the international community. It has also proved
to be ready to contribute to international peace, security and
prosperity to the best of its ability.
Anton Grizold, Minister of Defence:
New Markets will Open up
NATO is a club of developed countries which has benefits in many
areas. If we want to have access to these areas, we must become
members. I call upon Slovenian companies to gear up as new markets
will open up as Slovenia joins NATO.
| 
