Address by the President of the Slovak Republic at the New Year’s meeting with members of diplomatic corps accredited in the Slovak Republic, Bratislava, 13. 1. 2009

Dear Apostolic Nuncio,
Your Excellencies,
Ladies and gentlemen,

A few days ago we welcomed the New Year of 2009 as we, Slovaks, always have done – with traditional congratulations and new wishes. One year ago our New Year meetings revolved around the Schengen issue. This year’s meetings focused on another, equally crucial event – Slovakia’s integration into the Eurozone. Despite overt fears of various consequences that this change may bring, I wish to point out that we are proud of our country, which is once again one step further forward in the process of wider and firmer European integration and the strengthening of our international position.

Excellencies,

The turning of the year is typically the best time to judge the year that has just passed. 2008 was the year of several important anniversaries. The celebrations marking the 15th anniversary of Slovakia’s sovereignty gave us an opportunity to realize that the political steps and amendments to constitutional legislation, both of which paved the way for the historical formation of two independent and fully-fledged states, had been correct. The 40th anniversary of the 1968 events in the then Czechoslovakia, which blocked our path to long-desired freedom and democracy for many years, was a sad, yet very strong memento.

On the international political arena, we witnessed several important events. The change of presidents of two world superpowers has probably drawn the most attention. The whole world expects and hopes that they will bring new and positive solutions. Unfortunately, we did not manage to avoid the negative consequences of international politics such as local wars and the world financial and economic crisis. Needless to say, during the first days of 2009, the countries in our region have been shaken by an energy crisis which has put Slovakia’s economy in serious jeopardy. Many industries had to halt their production. If the current situation persists, hospitals, schools and households might be affected soon as well. Therefore the Government must address this situation even if it means the use of unconventional decisions and steps.

On a European scale, our focus was aimed at – among other events – discussions on the Lisbon Treaty adoption and the possible consequences which will affect further developments in the new Europe. I hope that Slovakia’s six-month chairmanship over the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe also confirmed that our country has established its position of a sovereign state, one that is firmly based on principles of democracy, the rule of law, and human rights protection.

Our domestic political arena was rife with foreign political events as well. I hold in high regard all accepted invitations which I sent to the heads of state abroad. The same goes for invitations addressed to me, although I was able to manage only several visits due to lack of time last year.

At these bilateral visits, an old saying I wish to paraphrase here proved correct: it’s better to see once than hear a hundred times. I believe all who paid an official visit to our country last year – Her Majesty the Queen of Great Britain and Ireland, the Governor General of Canada, the presidents of the Czech Republic, Lithuania, Macedonia, Portugal and Slovenia – would subscribe to these words.

As you know from your own experience, the success of any visit of this kind rests on those who were involved in its preparation. Therefore, please allow me to say that the success of bilateral and multilateral Slovak foreign political relations and contacts can also be attributed to you. Let me avail myself of this opportunity to thank you for the great effort and cooperation on your part.

Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

The turning of the year also lends itself to making New Year’s resolutions, or presenting our wishes and expectations. In 2009 we will commemorate the fifth anniversary of the EU enlargement by ten new Member States, including Slovakia. This will, once again, give us an opportunity for contemplation and evaluations – but, most importantly, for new and positive projects and solutions that we expect from the future and for the future.

Even if we do act in a manner allowing us to be in a positive state of mind, we will not be able to forget about the dark side of history. We realize that we should be shaping the future based on a thorough knowledge of history and lessons learnt from its past mistakes. Therefore I wish to remind us all of the upcoming, albeit sad, 70th anniversary of the outbreak of the World War II and, to be more optimistic, the 20th anniversary of the fall of the iron curtain in central European countries, which opened up new directions and opportunities for these nations. I am convinced our joint wish is that we would never again want to witness events bringing about suffering, oppression, war and injustice to humankind.

I think the EU could declare the year 2009 a year of solidarity.

I also wish that we all strive together to rid this world of violence, poverty and terror. We should be pleased and honoured that we can contribute our share to building a world where people live their lives in dignity and where their lives have a meaning. Please, extend this wish as my message to the top representatives and people of the countries which you represent.