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Concluding remarks by Robert R. Douglass, Chairman of Cedel International
Prime Minister Dehaene has been a tireless and effective leader in promoting European union. The fact that so many distinguished guests from government, the diplomatic community, business leaders and the media are here this evening is a testimony to his leadership. I'm particularly pleased to acknowledge the presence of His Excellency Jacques Santer, the President of the European Community, our guest of honour this evening and last year's recipient of the Vision award, and to thank His Excellency Jean-Claude Juncker, who is here this evening, who made a very special effort to be present - we appreciate that. On behalf of the entire Cedel community I would like to congratulate Prime Minister Dehaene on receiving this award. We applaud your remarks today, your distinguished career and your vision for the Europe of the future. As an American, I can't let this moment go by without commenting on what an historic and exciting mission you are engaged in, and not only your honoree but all of you.
Some two hundred and twenty years ago, my country embarked on a similar - but, I think, far less daunting - course. The road ahead was not easy: we were a young, rambunctious frontier nation with strong regional differences and a deep, very deep suspicion of devolving power in a central government. We did however, have a few things in common: a European heritage and a common language that at least, then and now, resembles English; we were blessed at the time with strong leaders who had the vision to pursue the formation of what they called 'a more perfect union'. Their success was not achieved in a fortnight. In fact, the constitutional union they created, with its concept of shared powers between federal, state and local governments - and between the branches of the federal government itself - is a living organism that continues to evolve and adapt to modern times.
As Americans and members with you in the western community, we owe a great deal of our culture, our individualism and our institutions to Europe. As Arthur Schlesinger Jr., a noted American historian, put it - and I quote - 'Europe is the source, the unique source of the ideas of individual liberty, political democracy, the rule of law, human rights and cultural freedom.' Your commitment, Mr Prime Minister Dehaene, together with the leadership of President Santer in helping to form a strong European Union with economic, social and political stability, is not only in the best interests of Europe but, I would submit, the world community as well.
We thank you for all you are doing to make this dream a reality. Let me also thank André Lussi, Cedel's International's Chief Executive Officer, for sharing his insight into the impact of the European Union and a common currency on world markets. I am sure he is dead right, and I'm not here to defend the dollar, André! And finally, let me say thanks to Edmond Israel for his vision in founding Cedel some twenty-five years ago, for his commitment to Europe and his unending devotion to his native Luxembourg, and for his work in the foundation that bears his name. And I thank you, Mark Smith, the chairman of the foundation, and the staff of Cedel International who organised this very special evening. I now would like to invite all of you to join us for some refreshments and to meet our honoured guest. I thank you all for being here.
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