Statement by H.E. Dr. Janez Drnovsek, Prime Minister of the Republic of Slovenia
at the Euro-Atlanti Partnership Council on "The Euro-Atlantic Partnership and the Challenges of the 21st Century"
22 November 2002
Mr. Secretary-General,
I wish to begin my remarks on the topic by referring to the
important "Report on the Comprehensive Review of the
Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council and the Partnership for Peace".
The Report addresses some of the basic aspects of the current and
future relevance of Euro-Atlantic Partnership. We therefore support
its proposed innovations and adaptations, especially the recommended
development of an issue-specific, result-oriented mechanism for
practical cooperation involving Allies and interested Partners. In
this context, we welcome the proposed "Partnership Action Plan
Against Terrorism" as the first effort of this kind.
The devastating terrorist attacks of last year were directed
against the United States, but they also delivered a painful blow to
the entire Euro-Atlantic community. They therefore united us all in
our determination to stand up in defense of the values of democracy
and freedom that we cherish. The recommended Partnership Action Plan
mechanism will contribute to our efforts by systematizing and
organizing all forms of Partners' interaction with NATO in the
response to terrorism. In this connection, I would like to recall that
Slovenia promptly assumed its share of responsibilities as a member of
the international anti-terrorist coalition. We have thus taken an
active part in the fields of intelligence sharing, money laundering
prevention and arms control. We have also taken concrete steps to
buttress the stability of the new Afghan government by providing
humanitarian aid, as well as sufficient weaponry to arm three
battalions of the Afghan armed forces.
Slovenia will continue to demonstrate its solidarity in the fight
against international terrorism. At the same time, we think it is
important to reaffirm our commitment to the concept of a comprehensive
and effective Euro-Atlantic Partnership by continuing efforts to
increase our combat effectiveness and interoperability. Slovenia is
currently involved in carrying out far-reaching military reforms,
which are aimed at abolishing conscription, establishing an
all-volunteer army and increasing our defense expenditures. The goal
of this process is to develop a modern, deployable, sustainable and
flexible fighting force, capable of facing the challenges of modern
warfare and taking an active part in the Alliance's missions. In this
connection, I would like to point out that Slovenia has already
decided to bolster its participation in the NATO-led SFOR operation in
Bosnia and Herzegovina with a combat company of the all-volunteer 10th
Motorized Battalion of the Slovenian Army.
The reason why I emphasize this point is because I sincerely
believe that while thinking of adapting the Euro-Atlantic Partnership
to face new security challenges, we must not forget about
South-Eastern Europe. The collapse of former Yugoslavia sparked a
crisis in this region that has already lasted a decade. Many
international factors have become involved in its resolution and today
we are witnessing gradual progress. However, the work is not yet
over. For this reason the region must not be forgotten, and the
process of normalization must be completed. We therefore welcome the
recommendation of the Report concerning the need for Allies and
Partners to continue and enhance their efforts to ensure security and
stability in the Balkans. Slovenia certainly stands ready to increase
its engagement in its neighborhood, in order to prevent the
reemergence of destabilizing, Afghanistan-like lawlessness in the
middle of Europe.
Mr. Secretary-General,
The new challenges to our common security require constant
attention. The current action-oriented debate is an important phase in
that process. The Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council should not only be
able to identify the challenges of the 21st century, but also
demonstrate the ability to address them by implementing the necessary
ideas. We therefore endorse the Report and the recommendations
contained in it, as well as the proposed Action Plan.
Thank you.
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