General Assembly Session 61 meeting 56

The President

I give the floor to the representative of Nicaragua to introduce draft resolution A/61/L.22.

Mr. Sevilla Somoza (Nicaragua)

The world today is one in which many actors and forces intersect. It is a world where new problems and contradictions are emerging and old ones are reappearing, where conflicts of all kinds arise as a result of a variety of causes, where environmental crisis seems inevitable and where the scourges of hunger and pandemics afflict all of our peoples. Proclaiming 2009 as the International Year of Reconciliation is a way of seeking universal reconciliation, on the basis of solidarity, brotherhood and the enshrined values and principles of freedom, justice, peace, non-discrimination, democracy, development and human rights -- the very pillars that support the United Nations.

If we proclaim reconciliation as the path leading to the achievement of world peace, we should say that reconciliation means restoring humanity's lost unity -- particularly today, when human societies are fractured or deeply divided and afflicted by extreme poverty or confronted by territorial or ethnic conflicts.

We understand that, and we therefore propose reconciliation, in the sense of seeking and establishing new paradigms for human coexistence and understanding. It is impossible to exist without others, and it is always possible to live in peace with others.

We see this proposal to proclaim 2009 the International Year of Reconciliation as an initiative that is appropriate for the sphere of international relations and relations between States, nations, peoples, cultures and individuals. Such an exercise requires that we consider forgiveness, truth, justice and mercy, as maintained by the most seasoned experts on peaceful conflict settlement. However, as long as we continue to believe that war is the means to achieve peace, humanity -- which is no longer an abstract entity -- will suffer its present ills and others that are even worse. Thus, we will be plunged into darkness and barbarity.

Reconciliation results from putting into practice ethics and superior values as opposed to petty interests. It involves making the common good and human dignity the cornerstone of development. Reconciliation means analysing and overcoming the causes of violence and oppression and the origins of the problems and threats facing humanity. It also results from criticizing our own culture and way of thinking, which are inclined to be bellicose or self-centred. Here, reconciliation poses a challenge.

That is why we believe that the perspectives of all world views, world religions, political systems, peoples and individuals can contribute to world reconciliation through activities, plans and programmes that will ultimately create conditions for greater unity among human beings. Only if we are united can we confront the problems that are common to everyone, although not caused by everyone, such as the grave ecological crisis already affecting millions of human beings.

Thus, through systematic and practical reconciliation, promoted by States and citizens, we can carry out concrete actions needed in any society -- in keeping with their history and culture. Reconciliation between States in conflict, between Governments and citizens, between genders, between generations, between men and women, between human beings and nature, between religions, ethnic groups and cultures, between the North and the South, between developed countries and poor countries without access to technology -- that is the essence of reconciliation in a world where antagonisms, ruptures and discord could lead to our demise.

For the supreme value of peace -- a gift that is obtained not through military victories but through a life of brotherhood and justice -- this initiative to declare 2009 the International Year of Reconciliation is vital. We propose that it be celebrated with energy and vitality by all nations of the world. It has been supported by the High-level Group for the Alliance of Civilizations, established by the United Nations; the World Forum of Civil Society Networks; the World Council of Churches; the Polytechnic University of Nicaragua's Martin Luther King Institute for Social Research and Action, which is a network of civil society organizations working for a culture of peace in the world; and many other entities of world civil society.

On behalf of the Governments of Argentina, Brazil, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mauritius, Panama, the Philippines, Rwanda and my own country, Nicaragua, I ask that members support this initiative, draft resolution A/61/L.22, entitled "International Year of Reconciliation, 2009", which has seven preambular paragraphs and three operative paragraphs.

The first preambular paragraph recalls the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations, which we consider to be highly relevant to reconciliation processes, including bringing about by peaceful means, and in conformity with the principles of justice and international law, adjustment or settlement of international disputes.

In the second preambular paragraph, it is recognized that reconciliation processes are particularly necessary and urgent in countries and regions of the world which have suffered or are suffering situations of conflict that have affected and divided societies in their various internal, national and international facets.

The third preambular paragraph recognizes the many activities carried out by the United Nations system and the international community in diverse areas that lead to the initiation and development of reconciliation processes.

In the fourth preambular paragraph, the Assembly expresses its awareness that dialogue among opponents from positions of respect and tolerance is an essential element of peace and reconciliation.

The fifth preambular paragraph states that the Assembly is also aware that truth and justice are indispensable elements for the attainment of reconciliation and lasting peace.

The sixth preambular paragraph recalls the role of the media in reporting on reconciliation processes.

The seventh and last preambular paragraph expresses the Assembly's conviction that the declaration of an International Year of Reconciliation at the end of the first decade of the new Millennium will provide the international community with the opportunity to pursue, with the active involvement of all stakeholders, efforts to develop reconciliation processes, which are necessary to and a condition for the establishment of firm and lasting peace.

In operative paragraph 1, the Assembly expresses its steadfast determination to pursue reconciliation processes in those societies that are affected and/or divided by conflicts.

In operative paragraph 2, the Assembly decides to proclaim 2009 the International Year of Reconciliation.

Finally, in operative paragraph 3, the Assembly invites concerned Governments and international and non-governmental organizations to support reconciliation processes among affected and/or divided societies and to plan and implement adequate cultural, educational and social programmes to promote the concept of reconciliation, including holding conferences and seminars and disseminating information about the issue.

We hope that this draft resolution will not have any financial implications for the United Nations and that it will be adopted by consensus. Many personalities, peace scholars, universities and national civil societies have expressed to us their support, acceptance and approval regarding this proposal of reconciliation for the year 2009.

The President

The Assembly will now take action on draft resolution A/61/L.22. I should like to announce that, since the introduction of the draft resolution, Chile has joined the list of sponsors.

May I take it that the Assembly decides to adopt draft resolution A/61/L.22?

The President

I should like to thank the interpreters for their patience and cooperation.

I shall now give the floor to the representative of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, who wishes to make a statement in explanation of position on the resolution just adopted.

Ms. Escobar-Gómez (Venezuela)

The delegation of Venezuela wishes to make a statement of position following the adoption of the draft resolution.

We welcome Nicaragua's commendable initiative in submitting the draft resolution, whose goal is the promotion of peace through the proclamation of the year 2009 as the International Year of Reconciliation.

We would like to make an interpretive statement on the sixth preambular paragraph of the resolution relating to the role of the media.

In the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, certain media, abusing their total freedom of expression, have been manipulating public opinion and poisoning the minds of certain sectors of the Venezuelan population -- all of this in conjunction with certain sectors of the United States of America, which have gone to the extreme of calling for the assassination of our President, Mr. Hugo Chávez Frías.

The case of Venezuela is not unique. The inappropriate and anti-democratic use of means of communication represents the greatest threat to freedom of expression and to reconciliation.

The President

May I take it that it is the wish of the Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 150?