Our guests
Numerous dignitaries of all nationalities and beliefs have been the honoured guests of the Council of Europe. These men and women, often instrumental in the implementation of political, social and cultural initiatives, illustrate the dynamism and values which, since the 1950s, have governed the work of the Council of Europe
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Lech Walesa [1943 - ]
President of the Republic of Poland
4 February 1992
Democracy
is not an aim in itself. It is a means to a better, more
secure and more prosperous life...
His speech:
...Poland has always been in Europe.
In terms of its culture and civilization. Having
accomplished its revolution by peaceful means, she has
joined Europe politically as well. Through her own
experience, she has attracted the other countries of the
central and eastern part of our continent. Putting it in a
more graphic way - Czechoslovakia, Hungary, the Soviet Union
and other countries have translated the script of the Polish
way to freedom. They have turned it to their own use. And
now they are carrying it into effects as their strength,
possibilities and aspirations allow for it. Freedom and
democracy have now become a thing of everyday life in the
states of eastern Europe. They are now a standard over
there.(...)
I think that western Europe should support the countries of
our region, also in its own interest. You have to realize
that your opening to eastern Europe will help this
continent’s economic potential to grow. Why have I taken
this opportunity to speak about it at greater length here,
on the forum of the Council of Europe ? It is because I am
privileged to be in the heart of democratic Europe, because
it is just here that I can hope for an understanding of the
obvious truth: it is that without prosperity democracy will
have a precarious life. A difficult one, too. Prosperity
will strengthen the newly won democracy. Otherwise, the
citizens of the Eastern states will start wondering why they
have ever fought for it. Democracy is not an aim in itself.
It is a means to a better, more secure and more prosperous
life…