Good evening, Honorable Mr. Mesic, Mr. Trajkovski, honorable directors of Radio Free Europe, honorable participants,

Today, we are all witnesses of a historic day for NATO and [for] our countries: Seven countries of the [former] Eastern bloc were accepted as members [in NATO], whereas our three Balkan countries were confirmed as candidates. The greatest political alliance in history will enlarge its security zone and confirm our common future. [At] this summit, 43 million inhabitants of Europe will join [the] North Atlantic alliance. We greet the admission of new members. Their success is also the success of all of us; it [is] success for democracy and the road we [have] already [embarked] upon.

The Prague summit [has] recognized and supported the role of Albania in its cooperation with NATO. The decision [reached] did not catch us unaware, nor is it discouraging to us. We have felt [that] in being part of NATO, its open doors are a strong support for us to accelerate the reform process and achieve [the alliance's] membership standards.

NATO has played a determining role in the fall of the Iron Curtain, [the] establishment of democratic societies, as well as [in providing] peace and security assurances. Its free will to allow new members coming from the geographical area [that] only a decade ago opposed NATO confirms the great values the alliance has represented and defended since its foundation.

NATO membership is a fundamental orientation in Albanian foreign policy. Since the beginning of the [transition to democracy], my country [was] one of the first to express the will to be [a] member [of NATO], and [it was] the first European country to sign [a] Partnership for Peace [agreement].

Conscious of the alliance's role and values, Albania has been giving maximum support to all peacekeeping operations and missions [under]taken by NATO in our region, and in some cases has acted as a de facto member of the alliance. Currently, Albania is [a part] of [the] international coalition against terrorism. In this context, we have sent a military unit [to] Afghanistan. NATO, and its presence in [the] postcommunist Balkans, has been and remains vitally indispensable. This presence is seen as not only a sign of security and stability but also as an important factor for the development and deepening of democratic processes in other countries.

A new climate has started in the Balkans [that is aimed] at a new system of values of coexistence, regional communication, and cooperation. We are an active part of this transformation, and we think that not only Albania, but also the Albanian factor as a whole in this geographical area has shown itself to be an essential factor for peace, stability, and coexistence in the region.

We are three countries [that] aspire quick NATO membership. [With regard to] this aim, we propose the institutionalization of our contacts immediately after [the] Prague [summit] by organizing periodic meetings on high political levels in our countries' respective capitals. We [have] talked about these things also with President [Stipe] Mesic and President Boris Trajkovski. Our common problems, like regional security, strengthening of democracy, free-market reforms, the reform of armed forces, and the war against terrorism, will be more effective through our understanding and cooperation.

Albania is engaged in an irreversible process of reforms. The aim of this process is the consolidation of democracy, [the] normal functioning of a market economy, the guarantee of individual freedoms, and [the] strengthening of the rule of law. Part of this process is also the reform of the armed forces to meet the member states' standards. I can gladly confirm in front of you with great pleasure that the political spectrum and the institutions of the Albanian state are committed to fully supporting this process of reforms and integration into Euro-Atlantic structures.

We are fully aware that the reform process is not easy. My country's own difficult transition, as well as the crisis our region has gone through, particularly the dramatic events in [the former] Yugoslavia have had their own impact on [slowing down] the process of reforms and, consequently, on membership standards. We are convinced that [we will] now be [a] candidate for NATO accession. [At the] next summit, we wish the same [for] the other two countries [in] our region.

We consider our active participation in the NATO membership process [to be] a great and valuable experience. This has enhanced our awareness to successfully face our challenges and responsibilities in the NATO context.

Thank you.