SPEECH BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC
AT THE CADET PROMOTION AND APPOINTMENT CEREMONY,
JUNE 4, 1997

Cadets:

I congratulate you on successfully passing the officer's examination. I hereby promote you to lieutenant and appoint you to posts in the Defence Forces and Frontier Guard Service.

Young officers:

The social climate for your demanding work is extremely positive. Several public opinion surveys indicate that the nation has great confidence in the Defence Forces and a strong will to defend Finnish territory. As trainers of conscripts and reservists, you will play a key role in ensuring that the trust and esteem thus won will remain firm in the future, too.

The foundations of our security policy are military nonalignment, a credible independent defence and acceptance of joint responsibility for cooperation-based European security arrangements. Membership of the European Union is an important cornerstone of Finland's international standing. Our international status has thereby been clarified and strengthened. As an EU member state, we are involved in processes which will consolidate the Union's position in the international arena.

A credible defence capacity reinforces our national freedom of action and allows us to make independent choices and watch over our own interests as the structures of European security change. We have both the political will and the economic preconditions to maintain and develop a national defence capacity that will constitute a credible threshold against the exercise of military force against us or the threat of such force.

During this year, development of Europe's security structures will continue. The signing of the charter between Russia and NATO last week was a historic step forward. A new confrontation has been averted. The further development and expansion of NATO can take place without any security policy setbacks.

Universal military service expresses the nation's commitment to defending its independence and the strong determination of its people to defend their territory. Each young man and woman reporting for military service must be ensured a full, efficient and inductive training. As young officers, you play a key role in this demanding task.

The Government report on security and defence policy, which Parliament recently approved, lays down guidelines for the future of our national defence in changing times. The report also proposes the closure of certain garrisons for reasons of public finance. But these solutions will not undermine the foundations of our defence.

The international capabilities of our Defence Forces and their readiness to take part in the advance prevention of threats to security and in crisis management are a new element in our credible defence. Involvement in international cooperation as it expands is thus part of your future careers as officers.

International activities aside, the main function of the Defence Forces is at all times the defence of Finland and the Finns. The development of an independent national defence capacity is the most important task for you, too.

Young officers, I salute you and wish you all well.

Commandant of the National Defence College, commandants of the institutions of military education, and teachers:

I offer you my warmest thanks for a job well done. I wish you all every success in your officer training work.