On the 10th anniversary of the country I consider that Slovenia has justified its independence to its citizens and to the international communitiy. I am sure that the majority of Slovenia's citizens feel that they live in a better state today than they did in the previous one, and that they live better. The successes of the past years are, of course, not given once and for all. The time today may, from the point of view of history, be less spectacular that that of ten years ago; but it is equally important. Now we need wisdom and prudence to develop further what we have created. We have to strengthen democracy, be open to the world and accept, without prejudices, the difference of ideas. We will enhance social cohesion through an economically strong and financially stable state which must ensure adequate social justice.