U.S. Ambassador Richard Graber
Judicial Conference
September 16, 2008
We have nearly come to the conclusion of our Conference on Judicial Reform. Before I attempt to sum up--and make a final challenge to you--I would like to once again thank the Ministry of Justice for its support; CEELI for providing the wonderful accommodations; Ambassador Linda Duffield and the British Embassy for being a great partner and sounding board throughout the planning process and, of course, for hosting the reception which will follow this evening; Aleš Bartůněk and Weston Stacey from the American Chamber of Commerce for their outstanding cooperation and for hosting our lunch this afternoon; all of our speakers and moderators who provided so many insights and ideas; and, especially, you, the audience for drawing on your diverse backgrounds and experiences to provide the creativity and direction which drove our debate today.
I would also like to recognize and thank the many people at our embassy who worked so hard to make this conference a success. In particular, I would like to thank Amy Carnie and Helena Markusova for their extraordinary efforts. The planning for conferences involves a huge amount of work and attention to detail. Amy and Helena, you did a great job. Thanks.
While our conference is at an end, I hope that it will serve as a springboard to further reform of the judicial system in the Czech Republic. We were fortunate to benefit from the expertise of leaders in this country, Europe, and the United States.
The challenge before us now is to take these ideas and do something with them. Through the principles of freedom and justice, Czech citizens were able to peacefully re-establish democracy after the Velvet Revolution. Now there is a new generation and there are new leaders who seek further change, more opportunities and better standards of living. We heard today that judicial reform is one of those areas where change is needed in order to achieve those goals.
The costs of not taking action, of not pushing for reform, may have greater negative consequences than anyone might imagine. The judicial system is functioning--but not as well as it can. In a globalized economy, capital flees confusion and uncertainty. Countries that until now played little in the way of global competition are beginning to attract new international attention, foreign investment, and high tech opportunities. The competition is always changing. This country, like all others, must adjust to meet the competition.
We have benefitted greatly today from some of the best minds thinking about the issue of judicial reform. Now I want to call on you to carry on the discussion, to continue the effort. Don't let partisan politics slow the process. Judicial reform is an issue that all need to work toward for the betterment of the country.
And is it possible to make progress? Of course. Nineteen years ago, millions of Czechs stood up against a system that was morally, politically, and economically corrupt. With great courage, they brought communist rule to an end and charted a new course for their country. That today we speak freely about issues like judicial reform is a tribute to their courage and vision. But it also represents a challenge to you to remain vigilant, to move beyond the temptations of day to day politics and to chart a course that will strengthen the institutions of democracy and preserve the blessings of freedom for generations to come. Our Embassy and our nation will always be here as a friend and as a partner. In the end, however, it is you, and only you, that can bring about this change.
Thanks once again for your attendance. I hope you enjoyed the conference. Let's continue the discussion at the British Embassy. Enjoy the evening.
