Public appearances

SLOVENIAN ARMY HAS TESTED ITS INTEROPERABILITY WITH THE ALLIANCE
NATO exercise "Cooperative Adventure Exchange 98" in Slovenia
Addres by the President of the Republic of Slovenia Milan Kucan

Military Airport in Cerklje, 27 November 1998

"That this exercise has taken place in Slovenia, a partner country, and outside the area of direct responsibility of the Alliance itself," said the President on conclusion of the NATO exercise in Slovenia, "and the fact that the exercise was devoted to training for joint peace-keeping operations in Europe, give it a special importance. The exercise area was very close to the unstable part of south-eastern Europe. However, the exercise was not directed against any one country and was not intended as a direct preparation for any concrete action. This has been an exercise in peace-keeping, wherever and whenever that may be necessary and for the good of humankind."


General Clark, NATO Supreme Allied Commander, Europe,
Diplomatic and military representatives of NATO member states and partner countries,

General Ardito, General Reith, officers, non-commissioned officers and soldiers taking part in the exercise ‘Cooperative Adventure Exchange 98’, Brigadier Podbregar, officers and soldiers of the Slovenian Army,

Ladies and Gentlemen,
May I offer you all a very warm greeting.

I am very pleased to say that today has seen the successful conclusion of the military field exercise of the allied mobile brigade and other units and commands of the 18 member states and partners of the NATO Alliance organised by the Allied Ground Forces Command Southern Europe on the territory of the Republic of Slovenia.
That this exercise has taken place in Slovenia, a partner country, and outside the area of direct responsibility of the Alliance itself, and the fact that the exercise was devoted to training for joint peace-keeping operations in Europe, give it a special importance. The exercise area was very close to the unstable part of south-eastern Europe. However, the exercise was not directed against any one country and was not intended as a direct preparation for any concrete action. This has been an exercise in peace-keeping, wherever and whenever that may be necessary and for the good of humankind.

The Republic of Slovenia has hosted the exercise, and placed its territory at the disposal of the participants and also provided local logistical support. The Slovenian Army took part in the operational part of the exercise.

This cooperation has a triple importance for our country:
  • Slovenia wishes to become a full member of the Alliance. It has demonstrated its organisation and efficiency in both the military and civilian spheres, and in particular its capacity for peace-keeping operations;
  • through this exercise the young Slovenian Army has strengthened its efficiency and tested its interoperability with the Alliance;
  • the exercise has been an opportunity for our people to meet the Alliance and its military, for mutual acquaintance, cooperation and comradeship. It has strengthened mutual trust and supported the cooperation of our country with the Alliance.

During the Second World War, Slovene Partisans and the forces of the democratic Allies fought together on Slovene territory for peace and freedom. On this territory, in a joint military exercise, we have put to the test and reconfirmed the alliance of democratic Europe against violence. An alliance for peace, freedom and respect of humankind, and for the common building of an agreeable European future.

I have listened to the responses to this exercise both from the Slovenian people and from the soldiers of the Alliance. I am pleased to be able to say that Slovenia has been a good and efficient host for this important exercise. I am happy that members of the units of other countries have had a chance, if only in passing, to see and get to know the beauties of our country; that they have made friends with our hospitable and proud people and become acquainted with our army — which we anticipate they will shortly be encountering more closely and more frequently as part of a common alliance.

The exercise was conducted, despite the winter conditions, in a highly organised manner and without serious accident. This demonstrates the high level of professionalism and dedication of the leaders of the exercise and the participating units. For this they deserve every acknowledgement. I wish all of you a safe return home and successful work in the cause of peace in the future. We have received you with hospitality, as friends. You take with you our friendly wishes as you return to your homes. We wish you a merry Christmas and a happy New Year.

I would also like to congratulate the officers and soldiers of the Slovenian Army for a job well done, and to thank all those who have worked so hard to ensure the success of this exercise in Slovenia.

Thank you.

 

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