SPEECH BY MR MARTTI AHTISAARI, PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF FINLAND, AT A DINNER FOR THE CORPS DIPLOMATIQUE IN HELSINKI, APRIL 20. 1995

It is a great pleasure for us to welcome you to this annual dinner. This gathering has become a good tradition. We expect to have interesting discussions with you.

We are undergoing a period of demanding transition both domestically and internationally. All the governments in the world need new visions and boldness to be successful in overcoming the challenges of our era. The new Government of Finland has presented its vision: a prosperous and just Finland for the 21st century.

We Finns have lived through an interesting year. The Finnish people accepted European Union membership in a historic referendum

in October, and membership took effect at the beginning of this year.

Membership in the European Union as such did not make us any different from what we used to be. We did not become "more European" through accession to the Union. Indeed, I do hope that we will continue to be as much Finns as ever. To quote a typically self-centred Finnish idiom: "I come from my own house, the others from next door".

The decision to join was a logical step from the historical perspective. But it was a long and significant step. Finnish society as a whole is opening up to Europe and the world in a new way. We are facing momentous challenges. We are determined to contribute actively to peace, security and prosperity in this continent.

Finland's political system, government, administration, business and industries, the civic society - all have been able to adjust and respond to the European challenge in a positive manner. It is a real cause of satisfaction for me.

I have now been in office for almost fourteen months. For my wife and myself it has been a time of intense work, momentous occasions, the joy and excitement of meeting people both here in Finland and around the world.

My international itinerary has been extensive. In today's changing world one has to meet face to face in order to advance common goals. We live in a global society which is also experiencing a period of demanding transition. A more dynamic and broad approach to safeguarding our common security is needed. Finland is prepared to bear its responsibility in full.

I could not possibly cover so much ground without the cooperation of your Governments. I am indebted and thankful to you, Excellencies, and your staffs, for the support I have received.

Through the past weeks you have been able to witness Finnish democracy in action. A week ago today, I appointed the new five-party Government, with Mr. Paavo Lipponen as Prime Minister.

The new coalition represents fresh thinking in Finnish domestic politics. What brought the uniquely wide spectrum of political forces together was primarily recognition of the harsh economic realities. Sustainable recovery and a substantial reduction of unemployment are not possible without containing the problems of the public sector.

Public indebtedness must be reduced and budget balance restored through severe cuts in expenditure. It means blood, sweat and tears for us Finns - but also hope for something better in the years to come.

This evening we have the sad task of bidding farewell to the Distinguished Doyen of the Diplomatic Corps, Ambassador Bazing. Although you still have about two months to go, Mr. Ambassador, may I use this opportunity to express my personal gratitude and appreciation to you and your wife for your outstanding services both as the representative of your country and as Doyen of the Diplomatic Corps. I am sure that your legacy will remain as one of the landmarks of the achievements of the Diplomatic Corps accredited to Helsinki.

As representatives of your Governments in this country, you carry out invaluable work to promote good relations between Finland and your respective countries. We appreciate your contribution. For my part, I assure you of the continued support and cooperation of the Finnish Government, the authorities and the people of Finland.

I wish to raise my glass in a toast to the Corps Diplomatique accredited to Helsinki.