Translation

SPEECH BY PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF FINLAND
MR. MARTTI AHTISAARI AT THE CITY HALL
IN ATHENS ON 15.9.1998

I express my best thanks to you, Mr. Mayor, for the kind words that you have addressed to me and to my country. I also appreciate the honour that you have given me on this my first official visit to your city. The Gold Medal of Merit will be a pleasant memento of my visit.

The Parthenon temple on the Acropolis still dominates the landscape of the centre of your city. One can imagine how in the days of antiquity the great statue of the goddess Athena there protected the city. The construction of the temple and its splendid works of art are an example of masterful architecture and superb building skill. Marble was so successfully harnessed in the service of beauty and aesthetics that the Classical style has continued to influence our buildings to the present day. The Finnish architect Alvar Aalto, the centenary of whose birth we are celebrating this year, greatly admired the architecture of antiquity and came here to see it. I am delighted that I now have the opportunity to do the same.

The history of antiquity has left an indelible image of Athens in our minds. It was in those days long ago that the first model for Western democracy was created. Not even here was it possible to avoid wars then, but despite the uncertain times the Greeks managed to create something that would later change the view prevalent throughout Europe that power belonged only to God and those chosen by Him. The importance of democracy can not be downplayed.

Athens is of course known for achievements other than those in antiquity. We Finns are pleased than it the year 2000 we shall be helping to continue a tradition that began here in 1985, when Athens was deservedly the first Cultural Capital of Europe. Melina Mercouri’s initiative is of great importance in our efforts to bring the European Union closer to the citizens of member states and make it easier for them to understand.

I would like to congratulate you, Mr. Mayor, and everyone involved in the project on your success in securing the 2004 Olympics for your city, 108 years after the first games of the modern era took place here. Today I had the pleasure of seeing the stadium where the contests were held then. I have noticed that you cherish Olympic ideals also more broadly. The activity of Greece and the initiative that she has shown in relation to the Cultural Olympiad and the Olympic Truce deserve support and I wish them the best of success. The Olympic Games will mean a lot of work for you, but I believe they will be a success and further strengthen your reputation.

It gives me satisfaction to have the opportunity to see your city, as such a large number of Finns do each year. Indeed, some of my compatriots live in Athens, having become so fond of your city that they have remained here permanently. They are making their own contribution to strengthening the bond between our countries.

Mr. Mayor, I thank you for the warm reception that we have been given here. I wish you and your city the best of success. I hope many Finns will compete in the Olympics. Then may the best win!