Message

Ambassador Robert E. Hunter

President of the Atlantic Treaty Association

25th September 2006

 

I salute each and every one of you for what you are doing this week at the Rome Atlantic Forum.
You are the future: in each of your own countries, in the Atlantic Alliance, and in the partnerships that NATO is forging with like-mined peoples in the Mediterranean and beyond. What you are doing will help determine whether, together, we will be able to meet the new challenges of peace, security, development, and democracy in the far-flung region of the North Atlantic and into Eurasia and the Middle East.
 
In the next days, you will be considering the key issues facing us all, both immediately and in the years ahead.  What you debate will also provide ideas and inspiration for the work now underway in the NATO Alliance leading toward the Riga summit at the end of November.  The leaders of our several nations need to hear from you; they need your insights and, indeed, your commitment to build relationships that can sustain the great demands now imposed by a new set of threats and challenges,but also opportunities.
 
As the "successor generation," much is being asked of you; but much is also possible for you to achieve at a time when so much is changing, so much can be shaped to positive ends by dedicated people of good will.
 
In recent years, NATO has taken in new members; it has removed Central Europe from the chess board of defunct power politics; it has reached out to all the states and peoples of the Former Soviet Union; it has stopped conflict in the Balkans and given hope to people in Bosnia and Kosovo; it is seeking to end the threat of tyranny in Afghanistan and to help that country fulfill its own destiny and development as a truly free nation; it is helping to counter terrorism, spread responsible and responsive governance, and to reduce the risks of new conflicts in areas well beyond Europe; and it is building critical relationships with the European Union -- a vital partner -- and with others, the United Nations, other international institutions, and a host of non-governmental organizations.
 
Underpinning all of this are ideas and concepts and architecture and prescriptions for turning dreams into reality.  That is where your talents and commitments and capabilities are so important; and why what you will be discussing these next days and what you will continue to do afterwards in your own countries and together are essential to a successful future.
 
I also salute the organizers of the Rome Atlantic Forum, the Comitato Atlantico Italiano, its distinguished President Professor Enrico La Loggia and Secretary General Fabrizio W. Luciolli.  And I join you in thanking all who have made this Forum possible, notably the US Mission to NATO. I regret that I could not be in Rome with you.  But the Atlantic Treaty Association is ably represented by our outstanding Secretary-General, Troels Froling.
 
My very best wishes for a successful conference and for the invaluable ideas you will produce.

 

 
 
 

52 ATA General Assembly

Athens, December 5-10. NATO's Challenges in 21st Century.  >>

Riga Summit

November 28 - 29. Think Tank representatives, Researchers and Young Political Leaders, will meet in Riga in parallel meetings and educational programs that will be addressed by the NATO Heads of State and Government.  >>

Atlantic Council of Albania

Tirana, November 18. Educational Seminar on Euro-Atlantic Values and the Cooperation for Security.

International Seminar in Milan

October 19 - 21. A three days Seminar, organized by the Catholic University and promoted by the Italian Atlantic Committee, brought together researchers, students and academicians, that analyzed NATO and the New Challenges to the Military Force and Diplomacy.