Statement by Presidents Václav Havel and Milan Kucan

Brdo Pri Kranju, 31 May

The terms of the presidents Vaclav Havel and Milan Kucan, who have been cooperating in the meetings of presidents of the Central European states are comming to an end. Since this is their last participation in this meeting, they have presented their deliberations on the path trodden by Central Europe, its transformation and its responsability for the future of the united Europe in a sprecial statement. The content of the statement has in the course of its prepraration been presented to all the participants of this year's Central European Summit.

The statement goes as follows:

The tradition of meetings of Central European Presidents began under specific historic circumstances, in the period following the fall of the Berlin Wall and of communism. Central Europe was then filled not only with hope and expectation, but also with the uncertainties about the future, considering the infinitely complex and painful history of the nations and states of Central Europe. The presidents of Central European states certainly felt their share of responsibility in devising long-term answers for overcoming such circumstances. Two major aims most clearly emerged: overcoming European divisions through the integration of new states in the European Union and seeking to strengthen European and transatlantic security. The establishment of an equitable and collegial platform was of utmost importance, allowing for friendly and trustful meetings between presidents of states that had already previously been an integral part of these integration structures and those of states that have only begun with their aspirations for membership. At the same time, the presidents identified time and again the need for the restoration, creation and further development of civil society.

The nineties gradually brought significant change to the region of Central Europe. Poland, Hungary and the Czech Republic became members of NATO. Symbolically, this year's summit where the future shape of the Alliance and its further opening is to be decided on is to take place in one of these countries. Most Central European states participated and continue with their participation in restoring and maintaining peace in the Balkans, where numerous important changes for the better have recently transpired. Certain Central European states also opted for a closer form of cooperation aimed at overcoming the not yet entirely healed tectonic rifts of the past. Unfortunately, occasional historic reminiscences remain an attractive tool in political life - reaching into Pandora's box of history instead of raising self-awareness and self-reflection. In relations between European states history should be the subject of dialogue, not of confrontation, or even conditioning the accession of a country to Euro-Atlantic integration structures.

The heads of states of our region continue to play the specific role of seeking a platform common to the still overly particular interests, and fostering the fragile mechanisms of mutual respect, keeping in mind the perspective of the broader community. In contemplating the future from today's vantage point other tasks and opportunities also arise, giving these meetings new meaning and substance. Central Europe is thus to become an open and cooperative cultural, spiritual and political community, firmly anchored within the European Union. The easing up of its borders represents both an advantage and an opportunity, further to accept and develop its legal order, its democratic political culture, and its willingness to share responsibility for the global development of our world. Such personal and informal meetings of Presidents contribute both to the formulation of a specific Central European experience, and to the wealth and diversity of a united Europe. Not least they also contribute to the deepening of contacts between states finding themselves in different historical circumstances and to whom fundamental European values are a priority in their endeavours. We are confident that also in the future the countries organising these meetings will identify the crucial issues to be discussed with an understanding of Europe as an open structure, a political community and a community of values yearning to implement Europe's influence and responsibility in today's globalised, multipolar world, representing an opportunity for all those wanting to participate in its development, stability and prosperity.

Office of the President of the Republic

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