Here, by any standard, is an astonishing and impressive gathering of leaders and of parties.
I extend a warm welcome to you all.
We are here because of our commitment to the ideals we share, and because we want to give practical effect to those ideals. [end p1]
That was our intention in Salzburg in 1978 when I helped to found the European Democratic Union.
The purpose was for people from like-minded parties—whether in or out of government—to meet regularly and to take common counsel. [end p2]
It allows us to join the battle of ideas with greater strength and vigour.
It makes possible discussion at all levels of our party organisations.
Together, we can work more effectively—whether on the tactics in elections or on those issues which affect the survival of nations. [end p3]
In particular, we are strengthened in those endeavours by the presence of Vice-President Bush of the Republican Party.
I cannot help recalling that George Washington in his farewell address warned his successors to avoid: “entangling alliances” with European nations. [end p4]
What would he have thought of today.
I believe he would have seen that the IDU is an enterprise dedicated to the international propagation of his own high standards. [end p5]
From across the globe we have come together to defend and extend our shared belief in free and democratic society.
Today we proclaim a new union for democracy.
Let the words of Winston Churchill—who lived in this house—be ours. [end p6]
“United we stand. Divided we fall.
Divided, the dark ages return.
United, we can save and guide the world.”