12 March 1999
TEXT: CZECH FOREIGN MINISTER STATEMENT ON NATO ENTRY, MARCH 12
(NATO's adaptation to challenges of post-Cold War era) (1120) Independence, Missouri -- The admission of the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Poland into NATO "is a recognition of the strategic changes in Central and Eastern Europe ... and a manifestation of NATO's adaptation to the challenges of the post-Cold War period," the Foreign Minister of the Czech Republic says. Foreign Minister Jan Kavan, during the NATO enlargement ceremony March 12 at the Truman Presidential Library in Independence, Missouri, said that the Czech Republic is prepared to meet all "obligations and duties which stem from" membership in NATO. He praised the role the United States has played since World War Two in integrating Europe. And he said the Czech Republic shares the interest in keeping NATO "the strongest link between Europe and North America," in order to deal with the risks and threats of the 21st century. But he noted that the Czech Republic recognizes "that Europe should significantly contribute to its own defense and to the solutions of crises on its own continent." Following is the Czech Republic's text, as prepared for delivery: (begin text) Intervention by Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic, Mr. Jan Kavan, at the deposition of instruments of ratification of the Czech Republic's accession to the North Atlantic Treaty, Harry S. Truman Library, Independence, Missouri, 12 March, 1999 Madame Secretary, Minister Martonyi, Minister Geremek, ladies and gentlemen, My country's accession to the North Atlantic Treaty fills me with satisfaction and pride. The deposit of the ratification instruments seals off the entry of the Czech Republic into this successful and very important Alliance. It is a very special and unique feeling for a Czech politician to deposit these ratification papers in a country where the basic ideas and principles of the new Czechoslovak state were first formulated and announced in 1918 in Philadelphia. It is therefore symbolic to mark today our historic accession to NATO in a country which stood at the birth of independent Czechoslovakia. We will always remember the invaluable role of Woodrow Wilson as the new Czechoslovakia was founded on treaties for which he was primarily responsible. I am satisfied that we proved to be able to meet the Minimal Military Requirements in time for today's accession to this efficient and strong political and military alliance. We appreciate that we are now an integral part of NATO s collective defense system. We are determined not to become a burden to the Alliance, just the contrary, we are prepared to fulfill our part of the responsibilities and commitments of member states and to meet all the obligations and duties which stem from the membership. We highly appreciate that our accession to NATO was fully supported by all member states of the Alliance which we also interpret as a recognition of the fact that we all share common values and interests. Today, at the moment of joining the Alliance, allow me to express my conviction that the Czech traumas of this century have been now relegated forever only to history. I have in mind, for example, the dismemberment of the independent democratic pre-war Czechoslovakia which was betrayed by its allies, the fascist protectorate, the horrors of the WWII, the 40 years of Communist dictatorship, and the death of the 1968 Prague Spring, which was crushed by the Soviet-led Warsaw Pact invasion. At the same time, the entry of the three new member nations into NATO is also a great vindication for the renewed Czech democracy, helped to get on its feet also by the USA, and for the transformation reforms for which the Velvet revolution opened the way almost 10 years ago. More generally, the admission of the first three new NATO members is a recognition of the strategic changes in Central and Eastern Europe after the fall of the Berlin Wall and a manifestation of NATO's adaptation to the challenges of the post-Cold War period. The process of European integration of today would not be possible without the active and strong involvement of the United States since the WWII. We, the Central Europeans, will remember what the United States have done for the old continent. NATO is the strongest link between Europe and North America. The Czech Republic shares the interest to keep this transatlantic link strong in order to be able to deal with the risks and threats of the 21st century security environment. Czech Republic also appreciates the value USA and NATO attach to the concept of European Defense Identity. We fully support it as we strongly believe that Europe should significantly contribute to its own defense and to the solutions of crises on its own continent. The NATO's new strategic concept will provide an updated political and conceptual basis for foreseeable future. It will have to define more clearly the basis for the non-article 5 missions which are the most likely way of employing NATO's military power in the current situation. We look forward to the successful Washington summit which should outline the future development of NATO, including the stages of its future enlargement. NATO is not only the bedrock of our common defense but also an instrument for projecting cooperation, peace and stability beyond the treaty territory. The Partnership for Peace has become the most successful cooperative security project in the post-cold war world. We very much appreciate that the Alliance's cooperation with both Russia and Ukraine. This is very important for the European security of the 21st century. Let me allow a brief personal note. I was in this area only once in my life. It was few miles away from here, in Kansas City. And the date was 21st August 1968, the day Russian tanks rolled into Prague and the occupation of Czechoslovakia began. The powerless anger which swept me then is undescribable. While working for the Czech opposition for the subsequent 20 years, and cooperating closely with Polish and Hungarian democratic opposition, I was dreaming about the day when Central and Eastern Europe will become independent, democratic and secure. It is for me symbolic that it is here, where today we accept a guarantee that my country will never again become a powerless victim of a foreign invasion. Madame Secretary, ladies and gentlemen, The Czechs will remember the support of the American people and of its representatives for the country's entry into the Alliance. Today is a good occasion to thank the U.S. Congress, President Clinton, you personally and many others here in the United States for what you have done for us. Thank you all very much! Independence, Missouri March 12, 1999 (end text)