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Notes for the Independence Day Speech 2010

English Pages, 30. 6. 2010

Mr. Chargé d’affaires, dear American friends, ladies and gentlemen, 

Let me use this opportunity to congratulate you on the occasion of the 234th anniversary of the Independence Day of the United States of America. I can assure you that the Czechs who gathered here are glad to be with you today. 

It is well known that relations with the United States constitute number one foreign-policy priority for the Czech Republic and for most of us. My presence at this reception every year and my numerous visits to the United States do demonstrate this quite clearly. 

Mr. Chargé d’affaires, we were pleased that the historic signing of the New START agreement took place in Prague in April this year. Let me emphasize that the Czech Republic was hosting this event as a friend of the United States, as an ally actively engaged in trans-Atlantic cooperation, as an ally committed to security and stability in the world. 

Two months ago, when we celebrated the 65th anniversary of the liberation of Plzeň and Western Bohemia by American soldiers, I said in my speech there that we must not resign on defending our freedom from new threats which very often have a different appearance than those of the past. Like the United States, the Czech Republic is well aware of the fact that the defense of its freedom and democracy starts far beyond its borders. It was true in the past, it is true now. This understanding forms the basis for our thinking about security issues within NATO and about its new strategic concept. 

This year has not only been exceptional for our very extensive foreign contacts and activities but also because of the parliamentary elections which took place in the country a month ago. I believe that after several years of fragile and weak coalition governments, the Czech government to be appointed – I hope relatively soon – will be able to rely on a stable and sufficiently strong majority in the parliament. This government will be aware of its task in solving the problems our country is facing, especially when it comes to the issue of public finance. What will not change, however, are our foreign policy priorities, first and foremost our close ties with the United States and with other allies.

Let me thank you, Mr. Chargé d’affaires, for your invitation to celebrate this Independence Day with you. I wish the American people success and prosperity.

Václav Klaus, The Residence of the U.S. Ambassador in Prague, 30 June 2010