Mur Lura
ADDRESS BY H.E. PROF. GUIDO DE MARCO, PRESIDENT OF MALTA, DURING THE EXCHANGE OF NEW YEAR GREETINGS WITH THE DIPLOMATIC CORPS
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12/01/2001
12/01/2001
Hon. Minister of Foreign Affairs,
Dean of the Diplomatic Corps,
Excellencies,
Members of the Diplomatic Corps,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
| Welcome to the Presidential Palace, a Palace that | since the sixteenth century has been at the centre of Malta's history. You have come in representation of your countries to reaffirm and renew the message and bond of mutual friendship with my Government and people. |
| We have lived through a year of mixed hopes, | expectations and outcomes. |
| While a number of international crises have | received particular diplomatic and media attention, fighting and instability still plague various parts of the world; forgotten conflicts persist in claiming the lives of thousands of men, women and children. |
| Dramatic developments in the Middle East have | polarized much of our attention. The Israeli-Palestinian question has repercussions that go well beyond the confines of the Holy Land. A year ago, I had just returned from the Christmas celebrations in Bethlehem, city of peace. At that time, although auspices were not too promising, yet there was a general feeling of eventual peace. Unfortunately, some of the worst expectations have materialised since then. |
| I visited Israel and the Palestinian-administered | territories again in September. Although I sensed that there are people of good will from both sides ready to grasp the opportunity to make of peace a reality, galloping events and hundreds of dead, amongst whom so many young people, have rendered the future so difficult, so painful. Again I had the opportunity to discuss matters with President Yasser Arafat at the Foro Formentor in Palma de Mallorca last October. |
| Malta supports efforts by the international | community to find a just solution to the many problems there. The peace of the brave is still the only alternative, but events are becoming every day more demanding on the brave. |
Excellencies,
| Several outstanding figures, during the last | century, influenced in a significant manner the ideas and vision of mankind. Mahatma Gandhi's creed of non-violent resistance was probably one of the most powerful examples and instruments of struggle and change. Mother Teresa was one of the most vivid expressions of the power of love and solidarity. Albert Einstein demonstrated the depth and heights of mankind's intellectual prowess. |
| Their contribution to history, as that of others, | is a legacy of principles and justice ? part of mankind's common heritage. They represent, aided by the unprecedented unfolding of intellectual and technological achievements, solid foundations on which to build our common future. |
| Despite encompassing some of the most brutal | episodes in history, landmark events in the twentieth century have created a growing awareness for the respect of human rights and dignity. |
Excellencies,
| I believe that my country has shown, through the | years, a commitment to democracy and freedom, both on a national and international level. Our endeavours have been pinned by our belief in justice and the benefits of peace and stability. This is a reflection of the identity of the Maltese people, an identity rooted in the values of solidarity, justice and human dignity. |
| Many Maltese, men and women, seek to aid less | fortunate people in many countries around the world. They are the ambassadors of our identity as well. H.E. Mons. Luigi Gatti reminded us earlier on, that the UN General Assembly has defined this year as the "International Year of Volunteers". I believe that there should be a Solidarity International having as its main objective that of coagulating and channeling the efforts, together with other organisations, of those Maltese who volunteer to dedicate some time of their life to helping others beyond our shores. Malta Solidarity International, when realised, can be a vivid expression of the identity and values of this nation. |
| The historical and cultural bonds with Europe have | created a determining bond with the continent. Within the context of evolving international relationships, my Government is seeking accession to the European Union. In the negotiation process, Malta has provisionally closed twelve chapters out of the seventeen opened so far. The rhythm of proceedings holds promise for the targets set ahead. The ultimate decision rests with the people of Malta in the exercise of their sovereign right to determine their future. |
| Malta values the importance of strengthening | further the very good relations with our partners around the Mediterranean, on bilateral levels as well as in multilateral fora such as the Euro-Mediterranean Partnership and the Organisation for Security and Stability in Europe (OSCE). We hope that our proposals as well as those of other countries seeking to expand areas of security, stability and prosperity will receive positive response and outcomes. |
| During the past year, I was invited to address the | Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, the OSCE Mediterranean Seminar on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of cooperation with our Mediterranean Partners, and the celebrations of the fifth anniversary of the Barcelona Conference. These occasions gave me the opportunity to underline Malta's commitment to the Euro-Mediterranean region and its relevance for peace and stability. |
| I believe that the United Nations Organisation has | to undergo essential reforms so that it be an organ that remains relevant in the context of ever-changing circumstances on the international scene. On this particular subject, I had the opportunity to address international conferences where I stressed and strengthened the need for required reforms. It was a contribution of ideas for a more relevant United Nations in the present century. |
| Because I believe that the United Nations | Organisation has to act as the ultimate guarantor of peace, as envisaged in the Charter. It is the responsibility of the international community to ensure that the United Nations be not marginalised on issues that fall under its competence and responsibility. |
| My visits to Tunisia and Albania were expressions | of understanding invigorating the ties of friendship through co-operation and solidarity. In my visit to H.M.E.H. Fra Andrew Bertie, in my official visit to H.M. Queen Elizabeth II, and my participation in the celebrations commemorating the fifth centenary of the birth of Charles V, at the invitation of H.M. King Juan Carlos, we forged added significance to our common historical roots. The Jubilee for statesmen and politicians at the Vatican City, in the presence of Pope John Paul II, was an act of faith in giving to politics the mission of serving our fellow countrymen. |
| I look forward to this coming year. Forthcoming | visits and encounters, as well as all other visits and meetings by my ministers, will reinforce our presence and commitment to the values that we believe in. |
Excellencies,
| Through the years, we have been able to build a | rapport that goes beyond professional relationship. We have weaved sincere ties of mutual esteem, indeed I often feel that many of you act as Malta's ambassadors to your home countries, and my diplomats and ambassadors as your peoples' envoys here. As we work to consolidate ever more our relations with your countries, we look forward to a continued diplomatic presence in Malta, Malta bridge of continents, cultures and civilizations. |
| For we believe that it is the diplomat's | responsibility to dedicate his intellectual gifts towards peacemaking. |
| An eminent statesman wrote " the diplomat | requires the moral gift of an attitude that favours compromise, the taking of long views and working for distant ends." |
| I believe, Excellencies, that these qualities can | lead us to attaining that peace and stability which should characterise our future, our children's future. |
| I wish you, your Governments and peoples, a | prosperous and peaceful year. |
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