Sound democratic structures and, eventually, traditions of stability and continuity help in the development of a country s economy by allowing more space for enterprise and initiative. This seems to be a scenario for progress with all the variations that occur in diverse circumstances. With a certain trepidation, I would humbly propose that we should fix as an additional objective to the Council of Europe s Research and Planning Unit the initiation of a plan to extend to our neighbours outside the continent, assistance and collaboration in the field of education, culture, and the nurture of the basic ideas of respect for human rights, the rule of law, democracy, liberty and pluralism. May I propose the formulation of possible concrete proposals for inclusion in the Inter-Governmental Programme of Activities. Liberty has a dynamic property.
Democracy is also infective.
Without any intrusion from outside, the proximity itself effects a considerable change. The vital link between economic development and personal freedom, between stability, the rule of law and democracy, has to be seen functioning to be believed. Our country has a very vivid consciousness of the importance of history as an active force of human development. We are great believers in the right of self-determination, indeed what we have suffered through wars and foreign domination has further heightened our pride in our nation s achievements. We have also learnt the importance of receiving and digesting the lessons coming from abroad.