Bill Clinton: “Thank you, Thank you. Dober dan! You have certainly provided for me a welcome to Slovenia I will never forget. Mr.…”

“Thank you, Thank you. Dober dan! You have certainly provided for me a welcome to Slovenia I will never forget. Mr. President, Mr. Prime Minister, Mayor Potocnik; to the young lady who introduced me, Irena Majcen; and to your famous Olympian Leon Stukelj; and to all the people of Slovenia, thank you very much. I would also like to thank the Big Band of RTV for playing my national anthem and yours. Let's give the band a hand, there. [Applause] I have wanted to visit your country for a long time. The whole world admires Slovenia's success in building freedom and prosperity, and now we look to you to play a crucial role as we build a better future for all of Europe. Your great Olympic champion Leon Stukelj has now lived 100 years. He has lived throughout this century, the bloodiest and most turbulent in history, from the collapse of Austria-Hungary to the first Yugoslav State, from fascist invaders to Soviet forces to Tito's Yugoslavia. Think how many armies have marched through this square, how many flags have been raised over your city. Now, at last, the flag flying in this capital stands for independence and democracy and the better life you are building. Congratulations, and God bless you. All over the world, people seek the same kind of freedom and justice and peace that you have brought here--from Northern Ireland to the Middle East, to southern Africa, and in central and southeastern Europe. But we know these gains are fragile, for freedom's enemies hope for our failure.…”