Hopefully, this pattern will continue to include a democratic,market-oriented and reformist Russia. These encouraging signs notwithstanding, we still see, unfortunately, in the Balkan region, the Caucasus and other regions signs of ethnic, social and political conflict. Whatever their root causes, their potential for conflict means that our work in building security and stability throughout the wider Euro-Atlantic region is not finished. As in the global context, we cannot remain aloof or indifferent to this potential for conflict, whether it exists in the more remote regions of this continent or closer to home, as in the Balkans. These are some of the challenges.
Nobody has all the answers.
But let me define what, in my view, is essential in helping us find the right solutions. First, Europe and North America must stick together. So security remains a team effort. And there is no stronger team than North America and Europe. Secondly, the challenges of the next century suggest that our security policies must become increasingly proactive.