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- Ελληνικά
29 May 2024, Acropolis Park
It is a great pleasure and honour to be among you today, such a distinguished audience, at a truly beautiful and important event.
And I would like to warmly congratulate President Dr. Christos Theodoulou and the members of the United Nations Association of Cyprus for the organization of the annual "Peaceful Coexistence" Cultural Festival, and more generally for the multidimensional work they have been doing all these years.
It is a fact that these two words, "peaceful coexistence", are the only way for humanity to walk into tomorrow.
It was said in 1945 by the then President of the United States, Harry Truman, addressing the United Nations Assembly: "If we do not want to die together in war, we must learn to live together in peace." (If we do not want to die together in war, we must learn to live together in peace. The world map was bleeding. Before the trauma of World War I had even been overcome, World War II followed, taking the lives of tens of millions of people. Cities were razed to the ground. The pain was unspeakable.
Representatives of 50 countries met in San Francisco, California, to draw up the final document that would lay the foundations for international cooperation. This text was the Charter of the United Nations. The final text of the Charter was adopted on 25 June 1945 and signed the following day in the presence of then US President Harry Truman. It entered into force on 24 October of the same year. The United Nations had just been born.
Inspired by the United Nations Charter, one year later, in 1946, the World Federation of United Nations Associations (WFUNA) was founded in Luxembourg by 22 United Nations Associations, the only world organization whose primary mission is to defend the principles and purposes of the United Nations. Through a global network, which today consists of more than 100 national United Nations Associations, it is active in direct and targeted intervention on important issues around the world and certainly in Cyprus.
Friends,
The creation of the United Nations Organization came about to meet the urgent need to prevent another, possibly larger and more destructive war. The 51 founding countries committed themselves to maintaining world peace and security, fostering friendly relations among peoples, promoting social progress and sustainable development, improving living standards and defending human rights through diplomacy and dialogue based on the principles of justice and international law. But at the same time, they are carrying out a new task that was not even envisioned by its founders. The 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, climate action, refugee protection, the fight against terrorism, nuclear non-proliferation, global health, increased food production and other fundamental issues it addresses touch the daily lives of billions of people on the planet. The scope of the Organization's activities is constantly expanding in order to effectively address new challenges.
In this history, our Cyprus claims and earns its rightful place. Since its foundation, the Republic of Cyprus has sought its place in the international environment. On 21 September 1960 it became a member of the United Nations. Since then, our country has actively participated in its work and remains a staunch supporter of the international legal framework it provides and the central role it plays in ensuring global and regional peace.
After the Turkish invasion of 1974, the Republic of Cyprus placed its hopes in the Organization to find a just and viable solution to the Cyprus problem within the framework of the proclaimed principles of the United Nations and the relevant Security Council resolutions and on the basis of the European acquis. A solution without guarantees and occupation troops.
Half a century later, we have never ceased to demand and strive for the reunification of our homeland, so that all its legitimate inhabitants can enjoy our human rights and basic freedoms in a modern, functioning European state.
We all know that freedom is a right, but also a responsibility and an obligation to respect the freedom of others.
Fully committed to the ideals expressed by the Organization, the Republic of Cyprus adopts policies that facilitate the peaceful coexistence of all Cypriot citizens.
Initiatives such as tonight's Cultural Festival, which is organized by the United Nations Association of Cyprus, reinforce in the best possible way the efforts of the State.
Recognizing the vital importance of the United Nations Association of Cyprus, I express my sincere appreciation for their tireless efforts to ensure conditions of peace and prosperity on our island. These annual gatherings provide an opportunity for productive dialogue among stakeholders and to send a message of solidarity and understanding.
Critical thinking, respect for diversity, the ability to negotiate and manage conflict are skills necessary for today's and tomorrow's citizens. The cultural richness of the different groups in a society is a factor of social progress and promotes the common bonds that unite peoples.
It is a fact that we have long been living in the shadow of terrible conflicts that are underway with incalculable consequences, causing uncertainty and insecurity throughout the planet. While strong challenges are presented in our time, at the same time many channels of communication are presented. We only need to learn to live and cooperate with others and to respect them without prejudice and stereotypes.
With these thoughts, I welcome you to the Festival and wish you a good time.
Thank you.
(MS/EP)
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