UNESCO could play key role in creating conditions for peace - President in Paris
[October 3, 2005 - 16.30 GMT]  

President Chandrika Kumaratunga today addressed delegates from 140 member states numbering over a thousand who assembled at the UNESCO Head Quarters here in Paris. The President of the General Conference Mr. Michael Omolewa who welcomed President Kumaratunga to the podium said she was a courageous leader who sacrificed much for her country.

UNESCO's strength lies in the forum it provides to create and inspire ideals, which have to be translated into action for the benefit of mankind Kumaratunga said. Speaking about UNESCO's other important mandate i.e. peace, President Kumaratunga said, "Peace can only be acquired through economic development to eliminate poverty and despair and through dialogue and understanding". 

Switching to fluent French Chandrika Kumaratunga quoted the late President François Mitterand,

(English translation) 

"Peace is a battle. Peace is never given freely, never acquired. Its conquest is the result of courage and of respect for others. It demands awareness and commitment from everyone. Peace is not the law imposed by the mighty, but that which is founded on equality and dignity of all peoples."

UNESCO she said could play an essential role in creating conditions for peace through programmes for culture, education interaction and continued dialogue between communities and nations.

Full text of the address

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Last Updated Date: October 3, 2005 - 16.30 GMT