Speech of the President of the Republic on the Occasion of October 28, 2003

English Pages, 28. 10. 2003

Dear and distinguished guests, dear radio listeners and television viewers, ladies and gentlemen,

It is the fourteenth time we are celebrating the birth of our modern State in a free and democratic country; it is the eleventh time we are remembering this date in the Czech Republic - a country whose size is not identical with that of the original Czechoslovak project, yet is still a country with a legitimate claim to the legacy of traditions and values associated with October 28, 1918.

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European Constitution Will Change Our Future

English Pages, 10. 9. 2003

When I heard several years ago about the idea of a European constitution, I hoped it was just a wishful thinking of European centralists and federalists and not a realistic project.

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Reflections on Current Situation in Europe

English Pages, 18. 8. 2003

Here, in Tennessee, my only comparative advantage is to speak about Europe. I see there two main phenomena. First, Central and Eastern part of Europe is in second decade of its difficult transition from communism to free society and it finally understands that the transition is a costly and lengthy process.

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Notes for the Independence Day Speech 2003

English Pages, 3. 7. 2003

Mr. Ambassador, Ladies and Gentlemen:

I feel very honored to be asked by Ambassador Stapleton to say a few words here on this special occasion. To say a few words not only on behalf of those Czechs who can be here today but also of those who are not or cannot be here with us.

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Address to the International Olympic Committee Session

English Pages, 1. 7. 2003

Dear Mr. Chairman,
Members of the International Olympic Committee,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
　　

Let me welcome you all at the 115th meeting of the International Olympic Committee and let me express my sincere delight that you have chosen Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic, for this very important gathering.

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Old Europe, New Europe and New Anti-Americanism

English Pages, 20. 6. 2003

To have a serious dialogue between Europe and America is of extraordinary importance. Especially now, the Beaver Creek World Forum is almost indispensable. It is our mutual task to destroy various myths and misunderstandings, both old and new ones, created by our predecessors or by us, based on fair or unfair valuations of events, on words or deeds, on authentic or only assumed positions, etc.

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Notes for the Berlin IIF Speech

English Pages, 4. 6. 2003

It is a great pleasure and honour to be here today and to be allowed to say a few words. I am aware of the fact that this meeting takes place at the moment of the Twentieth Anniversary of the Institute of International Finance. It is still a young institution but it has already developed into one of the leading organizations in global finance and I am convinced it will continue to expand its presence and activities. I have had the pleasure of speaking at your membership meetings in the past, and I have always enjoyed the opportunity to exchange views with you on various economic and financial issues. I have always had the feeling that I am here among friends. I am glad to be here.

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The Terezin Commemoration Address

English Pages, 20. 5. 2003

Dear citizens, distinguished guests,

Every year we gather at this solemn place to remind ourselves and others of the victims of the Nazi regime, as well as to pay them our respects. Their lives were brutally, tragically and pointlessly extinguished on this very land. Six decades ago, thousands of people marched through the gate of the Little Fortress and the Terezin Ghetto, including men, women and children from our country and other European countries. Many of them were transported on to other concentration camps; many never left this gruesome place.

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Europe, Global Economy, and United States: The Notes for the Munich Speech

English Pages, 2. 5. 2003

I am pleased and honoured to be here today and to get the opportunity to address this distinguished audience. Before starting, I have to say that this is my first speech abroad in my new function - with the exception of speeches at presidential dinners during my first foreign trips. I intend to participate in conferences like this one which means I have to find an uneasy and risky position between official presentations short on ideas and strong views and careless or carefree academic talks full of thoughts-provoking ideas. I am not sure I will succeed in finding it but I will do my best.

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Letter to the President of the U.S.A.

English Pages, 1. 4. 2003

Dear Mr. President,

Thank you for your warm and friendly letter from March 24.

I want to assure you of my long-standing personal friendship toward the United States. On countless occasions I have expressed my admiration for America's conservative values and its committment to the cause of liberty. I have always held in high regard the pragmatism and efficiency of American people and their genuine optimism.

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