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The Federal Accountability Act
04 November 2005
Address by the Hon. Stephen Harper, P.C., M.P.
Leader of the Conservative Party of Canada
Leader of the Official Opposition
OTTAWA
Friday November 4, 2005
**CHECK AGAINST DELIVERY **
Dear Friends,
Earlier this week, Justice John Gomery confirmed what many Canadians suspected:
• The Liberal party established the Sponsorship program,
• The Liberal party ran the Sponsorship program, and
• And the Liberal party used the Sponsorship program to enrich Liberals and finance Liberal election campaigns.
The judge was clear. He said there was, quote: “clear evidence of political involvement in the administration of the sponsorship program”
Quote: “A complex web of financial transactions… involving kickbacks and illegal contributions” to the Liberal party.
And, quote: “A culture of entitlement among political officials and bureaucrats involved with the sponsorship program”
• Illegal cash and kickbacks
• Fake contracts for no work
• A culture of entitlement and corruption
These are no longer media speculations or partisan statements. These are findings of fact in a judicial inquiry.
Quebeckers, especially, are rightfully angry and outraged. This government lied to them! This government betrayed them!
But to people at home this is about more than the specific sordid details of this particular scandal.
It’s about accountability. Accountability is what Canadians expect when they send their hard-earned tax dollars to Ottawa. It’s what they deserve.
Government exists to serve the public.
• To serve ordinary Canadians
• To serve the people who work hard, pay their taxes and play by the rules.
It’s their money that was stolen. It’s their trust that was broken. And no one has been held accountable.
When I become Prime Minister I will undertake an unprecedented overhaul of the federal government, introducing sweeping reforms to make Ottawa accountable.
That is my commitment to you. Cleaning up government begins at the top.
Paul Martin said he was mad as hell about sponsorship. He went on to blame federal public servants. He blamed former ministers. He blamed his predecessor.
But under Paul Martin’s watch, the waste, mismanagement and corruption has continued. We’ve seen Art Eggleton, a man Jean Chretien fired for giving an untendered contract to a former girlfriend; get rewarded by Paul Martin with a seat in the senate.
We’ve seen Paul Martin working on a half-million dollar severance deal with David Dingwall The guy who hired Chuck Guité to run government advertising, who as an unregistered lobbyist who accepted improper payments, and as a patronage champion who quit his job.
We’ve seen lobbyists making their pitch to Paul Martin and his ministers at $5000 per person cocktail parties. It has to stop. And it will.
Most Canadians don’t think that political office should be a guaranteed, permanent career. It should be a worthy form of limited public service. We all know people in our communities who have served for a term or two on city council, the provincial legislature, as a member of parliament or as one of any of their dedicated staff.
And I think we admire most those who after having done what they came to do, simply decide to return to their former jobs and their former lives. Rather than hanging on in office or around government as lobbyists or political appointees.
I think we all have more respect for those citizens who run for office to change politics, not to have politics change them. And that is how I want to treat my time in public office
I’m here to do a job, not to join a club, not to buy into a lifestyle. And there is no more important job to do than cleaning up government and bringing accountabilty back to Ottawa.
If we don’t clean up government, it will compromise our ability to use government as a force for good in this country.
• To ensure people get timely access to health care.
• To crack down on crime.
• To reduce taxes and reward hard work.
• To improve the quality of our life in communities.
• And yes, to keep our country united.
Canada’s unity is not a reserve of money hidden in the Prime Minister’s office. Not about contracts given to some friends to capitalize on our flag. Not about advertising agencies that created and built Canada.
It is about generations of men and women, from different cultures and backgrounds, who shared, and still do, common ambitions and values.
It is about a Quebec government, over 30 years ago, adopting the most severe and most equitable laws against election corruption.
The federal Liberals didn’t understand that message.
I am telling you today that I will follow this example, as Prime Minister of Canada.
As I’ve already said, as Prime Minister, I will ensure to follow-up Justice Gomery’s findings. We will not only prosecute agencies and individuals; but, as the judge said, the Liberal Party of Canada is responsible as an institution. And the Liberal party will be prosecuted.
Even this exercise will be meaningless unless our government is different. We must clean up corruption and lift the veils of secrecy that allow it to flourish. We must do nothing less than replace the culture of entitlement with the culture of accountability.
As Prime Minister the first piece of legislation I will introduce will be the Federal Accountability Act. The Federal Accountability Act will change the way business is done in Ottawa.
It will give more power to the auditor general, the ethics commissioner, the information commissioner, and the lobbyist registrar.
To make sure that these independent officers of parliament can hold the government accountable. It will make sure that all of the over $30 billion in federal grants, contributions and contracts are awarded fairly and provide value for taxpayers’ money. It will give real protection to those who blow the whistle on unethical behaviour.
It will open the windows on government with long overdue reforms to access to information laws. It will make sure that appointments to public office are fair and based on merit and qualifications.
As some of you may already know: I am not in politics because I am a good dancer or particularly funny. What I want, with the trust of my party, and with the support of all Canadians who want change, is to give a dynamic and honest government to the country we all love.
Nothing more. And nothing less.
I want to highlight three areas of the Federal Accountability Act today.
First and most importantly, this act will end the influence of big money and crack down on a lobbying culture that has thrived under Paul Martin.
As Prime Minister, I will ban all remaining corporate and union donations to federal political parties, period.
People vote, not corporations and unions. And only voters should be funding political parties.
Politics will no longer be a stepping stone to a lucrative career lobbying government.
I will close the loopholes that allow MPs and candidates to create secret personal trust funds. And I will cap all donations to federal political parties at a maximum of $1,000 per year.
This means no more big interests lobbying the Prime Minister at behind closed doors $5,000 a ticket cocktail parties.
This means no more hidden slush funds controlled by MPs and riding associations. All political campaigns will be funded by modest personal donations from people who believe in their cause not by special interests who think they can buy influence with politicians.
Second, we are going to crackdown on the revolving door between ministers’ offices, the senior public service, and the lobbying industry.
We will ban all former ministers, ministerial staffers, or senior public officials from lobbying government for five years. We will require all ministers and senior officials to record their contacts with lobbyists. And we will make sure that there are real teeth and real penalties to enforce the Lobbyist Registration Act.
Taken together, our changes would have prevented a Liberal candidate and Martin insider like Richard Mahoney from lobbying for his clients at Liberal fundraisers without registering. And, they would have prevented David Dingwall from lobbying his old colleagues in government and accepting unethical contingency fee contracts.
Politics will no longer be a stepping stone to a lucrative career lobbying government. Make no mistake, if there are MPs in the room who want to use public office for their own benefit, if there are hill staffers who dream of making it rich trying to lobby a future Conservative government,
If that’s true of any of you, you had better make different plans. Or leave.
Third, as I’ve said we are going to mandate the Auditor General to do a complete review of all of the more than 30 billion dollars in federal grants, contributions, and contracts. The Federal Accountability Act will give her the power to “follow the money” to the end recipients.
She must be able to find out whether money has been stolen, misused, or kicked back to political parties after it has left the federal treasury. Had she had this authority, she might have uncovered the depth of the sponsorship scandal three years ago or more. These and many more changes explained in detail in the Federal Accountability Act will change the way that politics and government is done in this country.
Friends, no government is perfect because none of us are perfect. We cannot “dream of a system so perfect that no one will have to be good.” Whatever the system of rules, we have a duty to do what’s best for the public good when we take the oath of public office.
When I become Prime Minister, those in government will have to serve the public interest, not their personal interests. We are going to change the way government works, not just change the colour on the letterhead.
Now the liberals will say that they too are comitted to reform. They say they will bring in changes to the administration of the public service. And they say that the second Gomery report will have even more ideas for reforming institutions.
We will listen to those ideas for reform.
But this scandal did not happen because of bad public servants or poor auditing. It is a scandal that happened because of the culture of entitlement and corruption in the Liberal party. And the veils of secrecy it has allowed to close around our federal government. The Liberal party has proved incapable of reforming itself.
It only acts after it has been caught.
And its actions are always half measures.
We cannot change the system by asking the opinions of judges and accountants.
As a democratic society, we must hold accountable the party and the people who allowed this to happen under their watch. Creating a different way of doing government must begin by electing a different government. The time has passed for weak reforms, promises, excuses, crocodile tears
It is time to change governments
Only a new government can ensure that those responsible are held accountable to the full extent of the law. And only a new government will be able to impose real reforms that will weed out the remaining problems root and branch.
When I am prime minister we will bring in the Federal Accountability Act. It will not make things perfect, but it will ensure that people are held to account for their actions. This plan which I have introduced is my commitment to Canadians to clean up government and change it forever.
I am proud to be the leader of the new Conservative Party of Canada – very proud. But I don’t want to be the Prime Minister of the Conservatives.
I am also very proud to live in Alberta. But I don’t want to be the Prime Minister of western Canada.
I want to be the Prime Minister of all Canadians. Of all those who work hard to give a better life to their children, to their communities and to their country
It is my personal word as a taxpayer, as a father, and as a fellow citizen.
I want to get this job done.
When my political career is over, I want to leave knowing that future governments will have to be more honest, more ethical, and more accountable.
But I need your help to do so.
If we want to make the Federal Accountability Act a reality, if we want to change the way the system works, we have to begin by changing this government.
Join me.
Stand up for clean government. Stand up for accountability.
Stand up for Canada.
Thank you.
God bless Canada.
http://www.conservative.ca/EN/1004/29522 | 1 |
Speeches Speech in Copenhagen: Don't Change the Climate, Change the System 17.Dec.2009 / 09:25 pm / 11 Comments Mr. President; Gentlemen, ladies; Excellencies; Friends, I promise you that I will not speak more than the one who has spoken the most here this afternoon. Allow me an initial comment, which I would have liked to make as part of the previous point that was made by the delegation of Brazil, China, India, Bolivia - we were there asking for the floor, but it was not possible to take it. The representative of Bolivia said - I greet, by the way, comrade President Evo Morales, who is there (Applause), President of the Republic of Bolivia - among other things, the following - I took note here - "The text presented is not democratic, it is not inclusive." I had just arrived and we were sitting down when we heard the President of the previous session, the Minister, say that a document was coming around, but that no one knows. I have asked for the document, we do not yet have it; I don't think anyone knows about that document, Top Secret. Now, certainly the Bolivian comrade said it: "It's not democratic, it's not inclusive." Now, ladies and gentlemen, is that not precisely the reality of this world? Are we ina democratic world? Is the global system inclusive? Can we expect anything democratic, inclusive from the current world system? What we are experiencing on this planet is an imperial dictatorship and from here we continue to denounce it: Down with the imperial dictatorship and long live the peoples, democracy and equality on this planet! (Applause.) What we see here is a reflection of this: exclusion. There is a group of countries that believe they are superior to us in the South, to us in the Third World, to us underdeveloped countries, or as our great friend Eduardo Galeano says, we countries that have been run over as if by a train that has run over us in history. So let's not be surprised by this, let's not be surprised: There is no democracy in the world, and here we are, once again, before powerful evidence of the world imperial dictatorship. Here two young men got on; Fortunately, the law enforcement officers have been decent, some pushing around, and they collaborated, right? There's a lot of people out there, you know; Of course, they don't fit in this room. I have read in the press that there were some arrests, some intense protests there in the streets of Copenhagen, and I want to salute all those people who are out there, the people who are out there.most of them young people (Applause). Of course, they are young people who are concerned, I think rightly, much more than we are, about the future of the world. Most of us here have the Sun at our backs; they have the Sun in front of them and they are very worried. One could say, Mr. President, that a ghost is haunting Copenhagen, paraphrasing Karl Marx, the great Karl Marx. A ghost walks the streets of Copenhagen, and I think that ghost walks silently in this room, walks among us, gets into the corridors, comes out from underneath, goes up. That ghost is a frightful ghost, almost no one wants to name it. Capitalism is the ghost! (Applause); almost no one wants to name it, it is capitalism. There the people roar, out there they are heard. I had been reading some of the slogans that are in the painted streets, and I think that I heard some of these young people's slogans when the young man and woman were there. There are two that I took note of, you hear, among others, two powerful slogans: One: "Don't change the climate, change the system" (Applause), and I take it for ourselves: Let's not change the climate, let's change the system and, consequently, we will begin to change the system.save the planet. Capitalism, the destructive development model that is ending life, threatens to definitively end the human species. The other slogan calls for reflection, very much in tune with the banking crisis that swept the world and still hits it, and the way in which the countries of the rich North helped the bankers and the big banks; only the United States..., well, the figure was lost, it's astronomical, to save banks. They say in the streets: "If the climate were a bank, they would have saved it by now," and I think it's true. If the climate were a capitalist bank, one of the largest, it would have been saved by rich governments. I don't think Obama has arrived, he received the Nobel Peace Prize almost on the same day that he sent 30,000 more soldiers to kill innocents in Afghanistan, and now the President of the United States comes to present himself here with the Nobel Peace Prize. The United States has the little machine to make banknotes, to make dollars and it has saved..., well, they think they have saved the banks and the capitalist system. Well, this, comment aside, that I wanted to do it there, because we were raising thehand to accompany Brazil, India, Bolivia, China in their interesting position, which Venezuela and the countries of the Bolivarian Alliance firmly share; but, well, they didn't give us the floor, so don't tell me about these minutes, please, Mr. President, that's what they were for. Well, look, that's where I had the pleasure of meeting this French writer, Hervé Kempf. I recommend this book, I recommend it, you can get it in Spanish -there is Hervé-, also in French, in English surely, How the Rich Destroy the Planet, by Hervé Kempf. That's why Christ said it, "It will be easier for a camel to enter through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven." Christ our Lord said that (Applause). The rich are destroying the planet. Could it be that they plan to go to another when they destroy this one, will they have plans to go to another planet? So far, none are seen on the galaxy's horizon. As soon as this book has reached me – it was given to me by Ignacio Ramonet, who is also there in this room – and at the end of the prologue or the preamble this sentence is very important. Kempf says the following: "We will not be able toreduce material consumption at a global level if we do not make the powerful go down several steps, and if we do not combat inequality; It is necessary that we add to the ecological principle, so useful when it comes to becoming aware: think globally and act locally, the principle that imposes the situation: consume less and distribute better." I think this is good advice given to us by this French writer Hervé Kempf. Well, Mr. President, climate change is, without a doubt, the most devastating environmental problem of this century: floods, droughts, severe storms, hurricanes, melting ice, rising average sea levels, ocean acidification and heat waves, all of which exacerbate the impact of the global crises that hit us. Current human activity exceeds the thresholds of sustainability, endangering life on the planet; but in this we are also profoundly unequal, I would like to remind you. The richest 500 million people, half a billion!, that is 7%, seven percent!, seven percent of the world's population. That 7% is responsible, those 500 million richest people are responsible for 50% of polluting emissions, while the poorest 50% are responsible for only 7% of emissionspollutants. That's why it strikes me, it's a bit strange to call the United States and China on the same level here. The United States will reach 300 million inhabitants; China has almost five times the population of the United States. The United States consumes more than 20 million barrels of oil per day; China barely reaches 5 or 6 million barrels per day. You cannot ask the same of the United States and China. These are issues that must be discussed. I wish we heads of state and government could sit down and discuss these issues truly, truly. Then, Mr. President, 60% of the planet's ecosystems are damaged, 20% of the earth's crust is degraded. We have witnessed impassive deforestation, land conversion, desertification, alterations of freshwater systems, overexploitation of marine resources, pollution and loss of biological diversity. The exacerbated use of land exceeds the capacity to regenerate it by 30%. The planet is losing the ability to self-regulate, the planet is losing that; Every day, more waste is released than can be processed.The survival of our species hammers into the consciousness of humanity. Despite the urgency, two years of negotiations have passed to conclude a second commitment period under the Kyoto Protocol, and we are attending this meeting without a real and meaningful agreement. And, by the way, with regard to the text that comes out of nowhere - as some described it, the Chinese representative - Venezuela says and the ALBA countries say, the Bolivarian Alliance, that we do not accept, as we already say, any other text than the one that comes from the working groups, the Kyoto Protocol and the Convention. These are the legitimate texts that have been discussed with such intensity in recent years and in these last hours. I think you have not slept; besides the fact that they have not had lunch, they have not slept, eh?, it does not seem logical to me that a document should come out of nowhere, as you say. The scientifically supported objective of reducing the emission of polluting gases and achieving a long-term cooperation agreement, by all accounts, today, at this hour, seems to have failed, for now. What is the reason? We have no doubt, the reason is the irresponsible attitudeand the lack of political will of the most powerful nations on the planet. No one should feel offended, I turn to the great José Gervasio Artigas when he said: "With the truth I neither offend nor fear"; but, in truth, it is an irresponsible attitude, of countermarches, of exclusion, of an elite management of a problem that belongs to all of us and that only we can solve. The political conservatism and selfishness of the large consumers of the richest countries denote a high level of insensitivity and lack of solidarity with the poorest, with the hungry, with those most vulnerable to diseases and natural disasters. Mr President, it is essential to have a new and unique agreement applicable to parties that are absolutely unequal, because of the magnitude of their contributions and economic, financial and technological capacities, and which is based on unrestricted respect for the principles contained in the Convention. Developed countries should establish binding, clear and concrete commitments to substantially reduce their emissions and assume obligations of financial and technological assistance to poor countries, to face the destructive dangers of climate change. In this sense, the uniqueness of island states and less developed countries should befully recognized. Mr President, climate change is not the only problem affecting humanity today; other scourges and injustices lie in wait for us, the gap that separates rich and poor countries has not stopped growing, despite all the Millennium Goals, the Monterrey Summit on financing, all those summits - as the President of Senegal said here, denouncing a great truth, promises and promises and unfulfilled promises, and the world continues its destructive march. The total income of the world's 500 richest individuals is higher than the income of the poorest 416 million people. The 2.8 billion people who live in poverty, on less than two dollars a day, and who represent 40% of the global population, that forty percent of the global population!, get only 5% of the world's income. Today, about 9.2 million children die each year before reaching the fifth year of life, and 99.9% of these deaths occur in the poorest countries. Infant mortality is 47 deaths per 1,000 live births; but it is only 5 per 1,000 in rich countries. TheLife expectancy on the planet is 67 years, in rich countries it is 79, while in some poor nations it is only 40 years. In addition, there are 1,100 million inhabitants without access to drinking water; 2,600 million without sanitation service; more than 800 million illiterate people and 1 020 million hungry people. That is the scenario of the world. Now, the cause, what's the cause? Let's talk about the cause, let's not evade responsibility, let's not evade the depth of this problem. The cause, without a doubt – I return to the subject – of all this disastrous panorama is the metabolic system, destructive of capital and its embodied model: capitalism. Here is a quote that I want to read to you, briefly, from that great theologian of Liberation, Leonardo Boff, as we know, Brazilian, our American. Leonardo Boff says, on this subject, the following: "What is the cause? Ah, the cause is the dream of seeking happiness through material accumulation and endless progress, using science and technology, with which all the resources of the Earth can be exploited in an unlimited way", and quotes Charles Darwin and his natural selection, thesurvival of the strongest; but we know that the strongest survive on the ashes of the weakest. Jean-Jacques Rousseau, it must always be remembered, said that: "Between the strong and the weak, freedom oppresses." That is why the empire speaks of freedom, it is the freedom to oppress, to invade, to murder, to annihilate, to exploit, that is its freedom. And Rousseau adds the saving phrase: "Only the law liberates." There are some countries that are playing at the fact that there is no document here, because they do not want a law, they do not want a norm, because the non-existence of that norm allows them to play their exploitative freedom, their overwhelming freedom. Let's make an effort and pressure, here and in the streets, so that a compromise comes out here, a document that commits the most powerful countries on Earth! (Applause.) Leonardo Boff wonders, President, "Have you met him, Boff?" I don't know if Leonardo could have come, I met him recently in Paraguay; we have always read it: "Can a finite Earth support an infinite project?" The thesis of capitalism: infinite developmentalism is a destructive model, let's face it. Then Boff asks us: "What could we expect from Copenhagen?" It's hardly simpleConfession: As we are we cannot continue, and a simple purpose: Are we going to change course? Let's do it, but without cynicism, without lies, without double agendas, without documents that came out of nowhere, with the truth in front of us. How long, we ask ourselves from Venezuela, Mr. President, ladies and gentlemen, how long are we going to allow such injustices and inequalities? How long are we going to tolerate the current international economic order and the current market mechanisms? How long are we going to allow major epidemics like HIV/AIDS to wipe out entire populations? How long are we going to allow the hungry to be unable to feed themselves or their own children? How long are we going to allow millions of children to continue dying from curable diseases? How long are we going to allow armed conflicts that massacre millions of innocent human beings, in order for the powerful to appropriate the resources of other peoples? Cease aggression and wars, the peoples of the world ask the empires, those who intend to continue dominating the world and exploiting us! No more imperial military bases or coups d'état! Let's build a more just and equitable economic and social order. Let's eradicate poverty. Let's immediately stop high levels of emissions, let's stopenvironmental deterioration and avoid the great catastrophe of climate change. Let us join the noble goal of being all freer and more supportive! Mr. President, almost two centuries ago a universal Venezuelan, liberator of nations and precursor of conscience, left for posterity an apothegm full of will: "If nature opposes us, we will fight against it and make it obey us." It was Simón Bolívar, the liberator. From Bolivarian Venezuela, where on a day like today, by the way, exactly 10 years ago we experienced the greatest climate tragedy in our history, the Vargas tragedy, as it is called; from that Venezuela whose revolution tries to conquer justice for all its people, only possible by the path of socialism... Socialism, the other ghost that Karl Marx spoke of, that one is also around; rather it is like a counterghost. Socialism, that is the course, that is the course for the salvation of the planet, I have no doubt. And capitalism is the road to hell, to the destruction of the world. Socialism, from that Venezuela that therefore faces the threats of the North American empire, from the countries that make up ALBA, the Bolivarian Alliance, we exhort, I want, with respect,but from my soul to exhort, in the name of many on this planet, the governments and peoples of the Earth, paraphrasing Simón Bolívar, The Liberator: if the destructive nature of capitalism is opposed, then let us fight against it and make it obey us, let us not wait with folded arms for the death of humanity. History calls us to unity and struggle. If capitalism resists, we are obliged to fight against capitalism and to open the paths of salvation for the human species. It is up to us, raising the banners of Christ, of Mohammed, of equality, of love, of justice, of humanism, of true and deepest humanism. If we didn't, the most wonderful creation in the universe, the human being, would disappear, it would disappear! This planet is billions of years old, and this planet lived billions of years without us, the human species; that is, he does not need us for him to exist. Now, we do not live without the Earth, and we are destroying Pachamama, as Evo says, as our aboriginal brothers and sisters in South America say. Finally, Mr. President, in closing, let us listen to Fidel Castrowhen he said: "One species is in danger of extinction: man." Listen to Rosa Luxemburg when she said: "Socialism or barbarism." Let us listen to Christ, the Redeemer, when he said, "Blessed are the poor, for theirs shall be the kingdom of heaven." Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, let us be able to make this earth not the tomb of humanity, let us make this earth a heaven, a heaven of life, peace and brotherhood for all humanity, for the human species. Mr. President, ladies and gentlemen, thank you very much and enjoy your meal (Applause). http://www.chavez.org.ve/temas/discursos/discurso-copenhague-no-cambien-clima-cambien-sistema-2/ | 2 |
SPEECH BY RAFAEL CORREA – Campaign speech in Quito [Transcription by Rebeca and Dave Coon in July 2007] Thank you for being here. That shows the hope of an entire people, we are all a proud and sovereign homeland comrades! This is a new way of doing politics: cheerful, hopeful, without buying people. Thank you to the people who have come from all corners of the country. This is an excited people. A hopeful people that has said enough; enough to the same as always; enough for the traitors of the homeland. Let's build that new homeland that we all dream of and deserve, fellow compatriots. (Musical propaganda). We are common created like you – people who have been in everyday life, many anonymous heroes, like the mothers of families who miraculously fill the pot every day to feed their children. We have been ordinary people, ordinary people, everyday people, but we have said enough with good times. Enough as they have left us without a country. So much destruction is enough and that is why, my dear friends, we have organized this alliance of the country – this proud and sovereign homeland. This is a project foryoung people with joy and hope, because in this country, my friends, it needs a great revolution in democracy, but revolution! We must rebuild the homeland; That is why we are here, that is why we are all together, that is why we are inaugurating this headquarters – which is going to be the headquarters of all of us. We are not preparing for one person's victory. We are not preparing for the victory of a group. We are preparing the victory of an entire people. If you are not the ones who take the reins of this country, who will? They would be accomplices in the tragedy of our homeland. If we do not say here, present young people, present young people, present youth. Present, we have to take the future of our country into our hands. We are going to fight all together compañeros. What does 2006 postulate to be the birth of a new homeland and what homeland do we want? – a haughty and sovereign homeland. They have robbed us of even our dignity. They treat us like dogs. Remember when I was Minister of Economy for reforming the Perigré law [sp??] At the World Bank and he did not give us the one hundred million that they had already decreed for the country– a vulgar extortion of international bureaucrats who speak English and therefore believe themselves untouchable. Remember how they tell us: sign the FTA or we will take away the tariff preferences; that tariff preferences are the compensations for the fight against drugs. We spend money on the fight against drugs and more children die from diarrhea than from drugs. That is not our problem; The problem is the gringo Ecuadorian brothers and sisters. Enough of the sellouts. Fight to the death against corruption! They are taking the country away from us in pesos and some are still talking about privatization. Here we have to deprivatize customs, deprivatize PACIFITEL, deprivatize DINATEL, deprivatize Petro-Ecuador, because they are in the hands of mafias linked to political parties, linked to those hungry dogs who own the country. Enough of them taking our homeland in pesos. (Cheers for the audience). With a country that has denied the future to the majority of its citizens. Our people have swallowed it – this beloved homeland. No one leaves their homeland of their own free will and on this day, this afternoon, in this emblematic place of Quito and of the homeland, let us remember with deep affection, withDeep gratitude, to those heroes who have gone out to the homeland and by taking any risk, even of their own lives, they try to earn a decent living in other latitudes. I am referring to our immigrant brothers and sisters, dear comrades – greetings from here to all of them. We always carry them in our hearts! (Cheer for the audience). It is really necessary to recreate the state. The state no longer gives this political revolution and at least in two axes. First, we must go to a participatory democracy where the common citizen, the everyday citizen has voice and vote, participation in decisions. That representative democracy that dominated the world in the last two centuries is no longer enough. The citizens, not only of Ecuador, the citizens of Latin America and the world no longer want to elect someone to follow them. They want to decide for themselves. They want to be held accountable. They want their leaders to be in front of them, answering questions, explaining, absorbing concerns. For that, dear comrades, a national constituent assembly is needed that improves. Democracy, my dear comrades, is not about electing any impostor who, once elected, betrays everythingWhat he said in the campaign, and we have to endure the four years in the name of democracy, would at most be in the name of elections. Democracy is that you, brothers and sisters, the Ecuadorian people, the sovereign, the principal, through the ballot box, deliver a mandate, an order, to the president, the president, the one who receives a mandate. If that president betrays the mandate, he has to go home. If we deceive, if we betray, compañeros, you know well. Those who know us know that this will never happen, but assuming that it could happen. If we betray. Drag us out! Kick us out! Throw us away! That is democracy. (Propaganda music with applause). The centralist state does not give more, ask the provinces that are here. How do they feel? It is now necessary to go to an aggressive process of decentralization, deconcentration and correct autonomies. That improves the quality of public administration. It takes advantage of one of the few successful experiences we have had in recent years, which are local governments, and even, compañeros and compañeras, it improves the quality of democracy. Of course, beware of those deranged people who talk about independence, separatism. Here we are all going to have Maradi, Esmeralda or Arias as our first name,and Chincha, Azuay, Cañar, but as a second surname Ecuador. Never forget that. Latin America, the liberating dream cannot be just another dream. From the moment that Latin America, as is inevitable – fulfills Bolívar's dream – we are going to have to explain to our children, to our grandchildren, not why we unite, not why we integrate. We are simply going to have to explain to you why we took so long, compatriots... (Applause from the audience) Comrades have robbed us of many things. We cannot allow them to rob us of hope. The moment we lose hope, we are going to be more victims of the executioners; We are going to leave the homeland in the hands of the same people as always. We cannot afford that – let us regain hope. Let's believe again: not in Rafael Correa, not in the country's alliance. Let's believe in each one of us again. This wonderful people of good people, deserves a better destiny – the greatest wealth of a country my dear friends and especially young people. Listen. The greatest wealth of a country is not oil, it is not its seas, it is not its lands. We are each ofwe with determined people, with united people. The future is in our hands. Here, we begin to build the new homeland. Here, we begin to build our future. We are all country. We are all a haughty and sovereign homeland. (Candidate speaks Indian language) ... but all together... (Candidate speaks Indian language) ... We will have that new homeland. Until victory always my dear brothers and sisters! God bless you. (Music, propaganda and applause for the closing of the speech) | 2 |
Sunday, 29 November 2009 22:54 Speech by President Mauricio Funes at the First Plenary Session of the XIX Heads of State and Government, Ladies and Gentlemen. First of all, I would like to thank once again the Government of Portugal for its hospitality and diligence in organizing this XIX Ibero-American Summit. At the same time, we express our support for the government of the Argentine Republic for the organization of the next Summit, to be held in that sister country. Greetings to the government and people of Uruguay for holding their elections yesterday, which have resulted in Mr. José Mojica, presidential candidate of the Frente Amplio, as the undisputed winner, in an atmosphere of absolute respect for democratic legality. I cannot greet with the same enthusiasm the people of Honduras who also held elections yesterday in the midst of a climate of institutional instability and breakdown of the constitutional order. However, I hope that the new situation created in that country will lead to a process of national dialogue that will conclude as soon as possible in the restoration of democracy and constitutional order. That is the challenge that lies ahead for the candidatethat he be elected so that the international community and especially the countries of Ibero-America can normalize relations with Honduras. It is not a question of recognizing or not recognizing elections, but of stimulating processes that allow the strengthening of democracy. And that is why we are leaning towards a reform of the Democratic Charter of the OAS that leaves no room for doubt about our distance from coups d'état. This new meeting brings together those of us who are united by history and by the future. We are united by ties of origin, language and culture, but also by the conviction that the construction of our future as independent countries will be successful within the Ibero-American community. At this stage when nationalities are giving way to major associations – the European Union clearly realizes this – these conferences serve to cement integration, the only way for the sustainable and equitable development of our region. For this reason, the debate that we are starting today must lead us to define common policies in a matter of great importance to promote the development and well-being of our peoples. Indeed, the great task before us is what we have yesterday,during the inauguration of the Summit, we defined it as the democratization of knowledge. We know that the course that history has taken at this point has led to concentration, in the same way that it has happened with wealth in our societies. A few advanced countries have achieved high levels of development and access to knowledge for their inhabitants, while the majority remain on the margins of this historical progress. My government, which began its journey just 5 months ago, has, from day one, the ambitious objective of changing the course of a country that, according to various studies, is increasingly lagging behind in terms of competitiveness and, therefore, development and well-being. The deterioration of institutions, the lack of strategic public investment and the absence of responsible and long-term State policies have allowed the country to fall more than 30 positions in the ranking prepared by the World Economic Forum in 5 years. Behind these figures lies the urgent need to transform everything from the education system to the efficiency of the institutional bureaucracy. There is no doubt that the challenge is very great, but it is also unpostponable.because, as you know, the rest of the world will not wait for us. Moreover, this fall we are suffering is nothing more than the result of not having undertaken the necessary reforms much earlier, when other countries did. That is why it is one of our priorities for El Salvador to have for the first time a National System of Innovation, Scientific and Technological Development with a policy determined to encourage, above all, the development of our country's human capital. The first step to achieve this objective has been to increase the low national budget allocated to public investment in innovation, quality and technological development. And we do so because we understand that, despite the very hard economic and fiscal situation that our country is going through, we cannot continue to sacrifice long-range policies, those that can change our destiny, to continue giving only short-term responses. In addition, I want to tell you that the change that my government wants to make implies a new perspective of collaboration with those countries that cooperate with the development of El Salvador. It is our objective, and it has already been launched, to establish a clear and frank dialogue with them, through which we will make them participants in ourneeds in priority areas, such as the one we are dealing with today, and in which we hope to count on your help. Recently, at the presentation of the National Culture Award of my country, I recalled the meaning of the word "emerging". He spoke of those countries, of which El Salvador wants to be a part, that grow and carry within themselves the germ of something new. One of those countries that with creativity, understanding this as the answer to the lack of resources, have managed to lift thousands of citizens out of poverty and ignorance. Well, El Salvador is also emerging, we are working to make it so, but it will not be possible if we do not develop our main engine of wealth, our most important capital, which is our people. The great popular majorities and their access to knowledge and innovation will be the focus of our conversations in this forum. And with them at the centre of the debate, we are sure that this summit will be a success. Otherwise, we will follow the path that the economy took in the last two decades and that has led us to a great world crisis: that of the concentration and marginalization of the majority in the world.the decision-making process. That is why the second step that we will take in the first half of next year will be the implementation of a National Scholarship System, aimed at providing study opportunities to our youth and contributing to raising the quality of our human resources. This will allow us to take a third step, the creation of a strategic alliance with the academic sector and the business sectors aimed at linking knowledge with production, in order to respond to two major challenges: climate change and food security. As I said yesterday, at the opening of this XIX Ibero-American Summit, I have faith that we will be able to find the path that will lead us to the democratization of knowledge and the equitable growth of our peoples and countries. Thank you very much for your attention and above all for your willingness so that at the end of our days of reflection we sign a commitment that will change the destiny of our peoples. http://www.presidencia.gob.sv/index.php/novedades/discursos/discursos/item/182-discurso-del-señor-presidente-mauricio-funes-en-la-primera-plenaria-de-sesiones-de-la-xix-cumbre-iberoamericana | 0 |
Name of Chief Executive Hernandez Name of the speech Speech Inauguration of projects in Comayagua Date 2014 Location Comayagua, Hoduras Source (where you found it) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XOdsh9z7lFk 00:00 immediately after, words of His Excellency 00:02 Mr. President of the Republic Lawyer 00:04 Conrado Hernández 00:06 Well very good morning to all of you 00:10 to those who are here today in this beautiful 00:12 square of this beautiful place of my 00:16 earth Honduras a special place 00:20 this city of Comayagua the municipality 00:23 of the department grateful sir 00:26 mayor always for your attention 00:29 and for doing an extraordinary job 00:33 for this population I feel proud 00:36 what you do for Comayagua you already know 00:38 that you have a companion to be with you 00:40 supporting there with the deputies the 00:42 governor to be hand in hand 00:50 and tell the Honduran people because I know 00:53 that in this Moment in addition to the media 00:55 that are here today that is touching 00:57 Endure a little sun too 01:00 We have the state channel 01:03 transmitting from Comayagua to all 01:06 Honduras channel 8 but we also have 01:11 h Ch Speak as you speak I congratulate you and I congratulate you 01:17Eduardo Maldonado said a little while ago 01:19 that he congratulated him too because 01:22 he felt a lot for Comayagua good zone 01:24 that is a good sign 01:26 not only good sign of images of the 01:29 channel but also a good sign of 01:31 as he is going to project himself with Comayagua 7 01:33 that get the juice Mr. Mayor and all 01:36 the other mayors of the area and 01:37 deputies governor 01:40 I want to confess that I spent the night in 01:43 Comayagua 01:46 with my wife 01:48 talking with the Minister of Security 01:52 I had the opportunity between yesterday and 01:54 today to see the livestock project more 01:59 advanced in this country 02:01 I have also been able to see crops 02:05 with a specialized treatment and today 02:09 more than ever I am convinced that the 02:12 new scheme of financing to agriculture 02:15 that I want to ask again to the Honduran private bank 02:17 to accompany us with 02:20 that effort plus the other one that goes on 02:24 parallel because we already gathered at 02:26 schools sorry to the universities of 02:29 agriculture together with agribusiness 02:32 together with the government and producers 02:35 to be able to have a02:39 Quality in technical assistance to agriculture 02:41 Now what would be needed is the 02:44 transfer of technology and I am 02:46 I am sure that this country in a short time will 02:49 be a leading country in the production 02:53 of everything that is the 02:54 agri-food part not only of Central America 02:57 but of many regions 02:59 In that sense mayor is an issue that 03:02 we want to work with You at the level of 03:05 corporation and also at the level of 03:07 other mayors of the department 03:11 in the same way I am happy because already 03:15 many schools go several public squares 03:17 as well as this square of 03:20 Comayagua also Tegucigalpa San Pedro' 03:24 Ceiba 03:25 and you do not believe that because he is the president 03:28 of thank you lempira also the parquet of 03:30 thank you lempira is already connected with 03:33 internet so that the people who come at 03:36 these squares particularly here today at 03:38 comayagua tourists can send their 03:40 photos immediately abroad where 03:43 their families are in national territory 03:44 that young people come here and 03:47 do their homework and have access to a 03:50 large number oflibraries that are 03:53 in the world of the internet that have the 03:56 opportunity entrepreneurs the 04:00 microentrepreneurs who are here nearby 04:02 also to make use of that powerful 04:04 tool 04:06 because someone asked the other day and 04:07 why is the internet important is 04:10 very simple 04:11 the tool the present and the future 04:14 not only to study to do 04:17 business 04:19 to move forward 04:21 and we want to That Honduras is a country with 04:24 high standards and that when they come on 04:26 Comayagua visit tourists have the 04:30 knowledge that here we are advancing 04:32 that we are not delayed 04:34 and I do not want it to happen to the children of 04:37 my country what happened to me and until 04:40 25 years old I had the opportunity to see the 04:42 internet and not here in Honduras but 04:45 when I went To get my postgraduate degree to the US 04:48 It was fascinating for me to be seeing 04:51 that which gives me the opportunity to 04:54 connect with the world today 04:58 That tool is going to be in 15,000 05:00 sites throughout Honduras Most of 05:03 educational centers but also public places 05:06Because that progress is for the people to enjoy and use as 05:12 an instrument for improving their 05:14 condition 05:17 also 05:18 We are here today 05:22 because the issue of recovering peace and tranquility in Honduras is fundamental 05:28 and the National Police 05:31 is a vital instrument in achieving that 05:34 objective 05:36 and if some notes some notes some notes 05:40 that I want to share with you today 05:43 here present but also with the 05:45 Honduran people 05:49 these leaders who are graduating today 05:53 trainers of trainers 05:56 in an extremely important policy that 05:59 we have to implement and that is that the 06:01 police work with the citizens to 06:05 identify what are the evils and the 06:07 potentialities that are in each 06:09 community 06:11 one thing is the strong intervention of 06:15 repression of crime but others Things is 06:17 also the empowerment of the 06:19 citizenship and to become a single team 06:22 with the police there is per quadrant that 06:26 the family knows that they can trust the 06:28 police to help them solve their 06:31 problem and that also the police06:33 trust the citizen to solve the 06:35 problem of his community 06:38 this week I was in one of the places 06:42 that some time ago was one of the most dangerous in Honduras 06:46 in Chamelecón 06:48 an intervention has been made extremely 06:51 effective 06:53 Military Police National Police Fusina 06:57 And guess what in 43 days we have not 07:02 had a single homicide 07:05 People are returning to their homes. houses 07:12 people are returning to their homes 07:15 and many of the neighbors told me 07:18 now we have more barbershops here 07:20 we have more grocery stores we leave after 07:22 at six in the afternoon we talk 07:24 we share 07:26 asia and come on Honduras is changing and 07:29 we have to continue making that effort 07:32 and places that have been healthy like 07:36 there is water have to continue to be 07:39 places of freedom of peace and that 07:43 we are going to achieve together as he said on 07:45 Mr. Mayor my applause to the police 07:48 national my thanks to the 07:50 Colombian brothers Mr. Ambassador 07:53 members of the Colombian Police 07:56 you went through perhaps more than a decade 07:59Fighting 08:02 Losing many lives but today I am 08:05 You are an example to the world of how 08:08 This fight can be won and that you are 08:11 You here in Honduras means a lot 08:13 To us That is why I am going to accompany the 08:18 President Santos this coming week at 08:21 his inauguration of his second 08:22 mandate in gratitude of the people 08:25 Honduran to all the support that you 08:27 are giving us giving and I know that they are going to give us at 08:29 continue to give a round of applause to the people 08:31 Colombian to their police to the ambassador at 08:34 president Santo for all his support 08:39 and mayor we are going to invite the president 08:41 Santos also who is another great friend of 08:43 Honduras and if you allow me 08:45 I will also bring him here as 08:47 we bring Peña Nieto so that you know 08:50 the beauties of Honduras and Comayagua | 0 |
VK speech in the European Parliament February 19, 2009 Speech by Václav Klaus in the European Parliament Václav Klaus, European Parliament, February 19, 2009 Full text of the speech delivered by Czech President Václav Klaus on February 19 in the European Parliament. Mr President, honourable Members, I would like to begin by thanking you for the opportunity to speak in the European Parliament, one of the key institutions of the European Union. I have been here several times, but I have never had the opportunity to speak in plenary. Therefore, I appreciate today's opportunity. The elected representatives of 27 countries with a very diverse range of political opinions and attitudes are a unique audience, just as the European Union itself has been a unique and essentially revolutionary experiment for more than half a century in its attempt to make decision-making in Europe better by moving a significant part of it from individual states to pan-European institutions. I come here from the capital of the Czech Republic, from Prague, from the historical centre of Czech statehood, from one of the important places of development of European thought, European culture, European civilisation. I come to you as a representative of the Czech state, which in its various transformations has always been a part of European history, a state that has many times participated directly and significantly in its formation and which wants to participate in iteven today. The last time a Czech president spoke to you from this place was nine years ago. It was my predecessor in office, Václav Havel, and it was four years before our accession to the European Union. A few weeks ago, the Prime Minister of the Czech Republic, Mirek Topolánek, spoke here, this time as Prime Minister of the country holding the Presidency of the Council of the European Union. In his speech, he focused on specific topics based on the priorities of the Czech Presidency and on the current problems that the EU countries are currently facing. This allows me to speak to you on topics that are one level of generality higher, to talk about things that may not at first glance be as dramatic as the ways to solve today's economic crisis, such as the Russian-Ukrainian gas conflict or the situation in Gaza. However, they are - in my opinion - absolutely essential for the development of the European integration project. In less than three months, the Czech Republic will commemorate the fifth anniversary of its accession to the Union. He will commemorate him with dignity. It will be remembered as a country in which, unlike some other new Member States, there is no disappointment from the unfulfilled expectations associated with our membership. This is no surprise and has a rational interpretation. Our expectations were realistic. Well weThey knew that we were entering a community created and shaped by people, not some ideal structure built without authentic human interests, visions, opinions, ideas. Interests, as well as ideas, can be found at every step in the European Union, and it cannot be otherwise. On the one hand, we interpreted our accession to the Union as an external confirmation that we had become a standard European country again relatively quickly, in less than fifteen years since the fall of communism. On the other hand, we considered (and still consider today) the possibility of our active participation in the European integration process to be an opportunity to take advantage of the advantages of an already highly integrated Europe and at the same time to co-create this process according to our ideas. We feel our share of responsibility for developments in the European Union, and it is with this in mind that we approach our Presidency of the Council of the European Union. I am convinced that the first six weeks of our Presidency will convincingly demonstrate our responsible approach. In this forum, too, I would like to repeat very clearly and loudly - for those of you who either do not know or do not want to know - my conviction that there was and is no alternative for us to join the European Union, and that there is no relevant political force in our country that could or would want to cast doubt on this statement. That's why we are uncomfortableare affected by the recently intensifying and multiplying attacks on our address, which are based on the unfounded assumption that Czechs are looking for a different integration grouping than the one they became members of five years ago. This is not the case. The citizens of the Czech Republic assume that European integration has a necessary and important mission. They understand it - with a certain generalization - in the following way: - it is the removal of unnecessary and counterproductive barriers to the movement of people, goods and services, ideas, political philosophies, worldviews, cultural schemes, patterns of behaviour that have been formed in the course of history for various reasons between individual European states; - and it is a joint care for public goods existing at the continental level, i.e. for such projects that cannot be effectively implemented on the basis of bilateral negotiations between two (or several) neighbouring European countries. The effort to implement these two goals - the removal of barriers and the rational choice of what should be addressed at the level of the whole continent - is not and will never be finished. Various barriers and obstacles still persist and decision-making at the level of Brussels is certainly more than would be optimal. There is certainly more of it than people living in individual European countries demand. You are certainly aware of this, ladies and gentlemenand so do you. Therefore, as a rhetorical question, I ask whether you are sure - in each of your votes - that you are deciding on a matter that must be decided in this very hall and not closer to the citizen, that is, within the individual European states? In the politically correct rhetoric of today, some other possible effects of European integration are also mentioned, but they are rather secondary and substitute. Moreover, these are the ambitions of professional politicians and people associated with them rather than the interests of normal citizens of the Member States. If I said that membership in the European Union had no alternative for us, that is only half of what needs to be said. The other half is the completely logical claim that the methods and forms of European integration have, on the contrary, a number of possible and legitimate variants, just as they have had them throughout the last half-century. History does not end. To consider the status quo, the institutional arrangement of the EU existing today, as a dogma that cannot be criticized forever, is a mistake that is unfortunately becoming more and more widespread, although it is in complete contradiction both with rational thinking and with the entire history of the development of European civilization, which has lasted more than two millennia. The same mistake is the a priori postulated, and therefore equally uncriticizable, assumption about the only possible and correct future for the development of the European Union, which is the "ever-closer Union",in other words, progress towards ever deeper political integration of the member states. Neither the existing state of affairs nor the postulate of the indisputable benefits of continuous deepening of integration for any European democrat are unquestionable, or should be. Their enforcement by those who consider themselves - to use the famous Czech writer Milan Kundera - to be the "owners of the keys" of European integration cannot be accepted. Moreover, it is clear that this or that institutional set-up of the European Union is not an end in itself, but a means to achieve real ends. These are nothing other than human freedom and an economic arrangement that brings prosperity. That is the market economy. This is certainly what the citizens of all member states want, but in the twenty years since the fall of communism, I have repeatedly been convinced that those who experienced a lack of freedom for a large part of the twentieth century and struggled with a dysfunctional centrally planned, state-organized economy are more likely to wish for it and are more worried about it. These people are - quite naturally - more sensitive and perceptive to any phenomena and tendencies that lead elsewhere than to freedom and prosperity. Citizens of the Czech Republic are among them. Today's system of decision-making in the European Union is something different from the classic parliamentary democracy that has been tried and tested by history. In the usual parliamentary system, part of thesupporting the government and part of the opposition, but that is not the case in the European Parliament. Only one alternative is promoted here, and anyone who considers another alternative is considered an opponent of European integration. In our part of Europe, not long ago, we lived in a political system where any alternative was inadmissible and where there was therefore no parliamentary opposition. We have gained the bitter experience that where there is no opposition, freedom is lost. So there must be political alternatives. And not only that. The relationship between a citizen of a certain member state and a representative of the Union is not a standard relationship between a voter and the politician who represents him. Moreover, there is a distance between citizens and representatives of the Union (and not only in the geographical sense of the word), which is significantly greater than within individual member states. It is referred to by various terms - democratic deficit, loss of democratic accountability, decision-making by the unelected but chosen, bureaucratization of decision-making, etc. Proposals to change the current state of affairs - contained in the rejected European Constitution or in the Lisbon Treaty, which is in fact little different from it - would increase this defect even more. In the absence of a European demos - a European people - the solution to this defect is not even the eventual strengthening of the role of the European Parliament. This, on the contrary, would intensify this problem and lead to an even greater feeling of alienation of European citizens from EU institutions. SolutionThere is neither heating under the "melting pot" of the existing type of European integration, nor suppressing the role of the Member States under the slogan of a new multicultural and multinational European civil society. These are attempts that have always failed in the past, because they were not a manifestation of natural historical development. I am afraid that attempts to further accelerate and deepen integration and to move decision-making on the living conditions of the citizens of the Member States to an ever greater extent to the European level may jeopardize all the positive things that have been achieved in Europe over the last half-century. Therefore, let us not underestimate the concerns of the citizens of many Member States that their affairs are once again being decided elsewhere and without them, and that their ability to influence these decisions is very limited. The European Union has so far owed its success to the fact that the opinion and votes of each member state had equal weight in the vote and could not be ignored. Let us not allow a situation to arise in which the citizens of the Member States would live with the resigned feeling that the European Union project is not theirs, that it is developing differently than they wish, and that they are only forced to submit to it. Very easily and very quickly, we would find ourselves back in times that we used to say belong to the past for a long time. This is closely related to the issue of prosperity. It is necessary to openlyIt can be said that today's EU economic system is a system of suppressed markets and continuous strengthening of central economic management. Although history has more than sufficiently shown us that this is not the way to go, we are going in this direction again today. The degree of limitation of the spontaneity of market processes and the degree of political regimentation are constantly increasing. This development in recent months has also been contributed to by the erroneous interpretation of the causes of today's financial and economic crisis as if it were caused by the market, while the real cause is the exact opposite - it was caused by political manipulation of the market. Once again, it is necessary to recall the historical experience of our part of Europe and the lessons we have learned from this experience. Many of you know the name of the French economist Frederick Bastiat and his famous Petition of the Candlemakers, which has become a well-known and now canonical textbook showing the absurdity of political interference in the economy. On November 14, 2008, the European Commission heeded a real, not Bastiat's, fictitious petition by candle manufacturers and imposed a 66 percent tariff on candles imported from China. I wouldn't have believed that a 160-year-old literary essay could become a reality, but it is. A necessary consequence of the large-scale implementation of such measures is the economic lagging of Europe and the slowdown, if not even stopping, of economic growth. The solution lies only in the liberalisation and deregulation of the European economy. All this I say froma sense of responsibility for Europe's democratic and prosperous future. I am trying to remind you of the basic principles on which European civilization has been built for centuries or millennia. Principles whose validity is timeless and universal, and which should therefore also apply in today's European Union. I am convinced that the citizens of the individual Member States want freedom, democracy and economic prosperity. Perhaps the most important thing for the moment is the demand that free discussion of these matters should not be seen as an attack on the very idea of European integration. I have always thought that being allowed to discuss these serious issues, to be heard, to defend everyone's space to present something other than the "only correct opinion" - even if we disagree with it - is precisely the democracy that has been denied to us for four decades. We, who have verified through the involuntary experience of most of our lives that the free exchange of opinions and ideas are a basic condition for a healthy democracy, believe that this condition will be honored and respected in the future. It is an opportunity and an irreplaceable method of making the European Union freer, more democratic and more prosperous. By Václav Klaus, European Parliament, February 19, 2009 | 2 |
SPEECH BY PRIME MINISTER DUŠKO MARKOVIĆ AT THE RECEPTION ON THE OCCASION OF THE 11TH ANNIVERSARY OF MONTENEGRO'S INDEPENDENCE Podgorica, Villa "Gorica", Friday, May 19, 2017 President of the State, Speaker of the National Assembly, Dear guests, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, Dear citizens of Montenegro: Happy Jubilee, Happy Independence Day! At the very beginning, let me remind you of the words of the leader of the movement for the restoration of independence and the then Prime Minister Milo Djukanovic, spoken a year ago, when we marked the tenth anniversary of the new Montenegro: The independence of Montenegro is our greatest obligation! I believe that every May 21 is a date when we must remind ourselves of this greatest, sacred obligation of every Montenegrin and every citizen of Montenegro. There are people and people who don't have to do that. Because of their size, because of their strength and power, because of their eternal durability – this right was given to them, once and for all. Montenegro and Montenegrins are not in this group of countries and peoples. Since they have existed, they have paid the most expensive price for this natural right – to be on their own, to decide for themselves how they will live. And so – for centuries: one straw among the whirlwinds. We must not forget that! History teaches us that Law and Justice have sometimes faltered in the face of the pragmatics of politics and the logic of the interests of the great and powerful. We must notto forget what a terrible price we paid a century ago. At the table of the Paris Peace Conference, even though Law and Justice, both the victim and the suffering, were on our side – they erased both our state and our name. We were not at that table. It took almost a century for May 21 to dawn; That the international community recognize Montenegro's right to dispose of itself sovereignly as an independent state. This was possible in 2006 because "honour and freedom are two goods that the Montenegrin people have managed to preserve for centuries at the cost of the heaviest victims". At the end of the First World War, when King Nicholas was saying this to the Prime Minister of France – it was not possible. Decades have passed since a generation has grown up that has learned a historical lesson – that without wisdom and patience independence cannot be restored! A generation that understood that the independence of a small country and a weak people was not given once and for all. That the long-term guarantee of independence is an equal place of that country in society and at the table where the great and powerful make decisions. May we never have a repeat of Paris 1919! In the next few days, on June 5, we will get that seat, as the 29th member of the most powerful alliance today: the North Atlantic Alliance.In the next few years, four or at most five – Montenegro will get its place at the table among the members of the European Union. Never again will the fate of our country be decided behind our backs. Once in all, we're going to close this unfortunate page of our history. By doing so, we shall fulfill our greatest and sacred obligation. However, there is still a lot of work ahead of us: To completely arrange our safe, common house according to the highest democratic and economic standards of developed Europe, nurturing the traditional values of Montenegrin society. To build a system that will give everyone an equal chance to succeed; that the laws apply equally to all; To provide an opportunity for every citizen and every family to raise the standard of living to a higher level; that young people see a clear perspective for their future in Montenegro; To overcome the inherited and new divisions that are taking away the strength of Montenegrin society... For the first time in history, Montenegro has the opportunity to fully commit to these goals. To unite all potentials. To turn to development with all his strength. To be a leader in the Western Balkans. Let's take advantage of this opportunity. Let us be worthy of the moment and opportunity that has appeared to us. Just like we did on May 21, 2006. That Montenegro is eternal!Page | | 1 |
Speech at the XIV Summit of the Non-Aligned Movement 15.09.2006 http://president.gov.by/images/i.gif Dear Mr. President! Ladies and gentlemen, Our Summit is a meeting of like-minded people, it is a meeting of friends. As friends, we must honestly discuss common problems. As like-minded people, we must, we must work out a common program of action for the coming years. The Non-Aligned Movement, as already mentioned, was created in an era of confrontation between the two superpowers and their ideologies. It arose because developing countries did not agree with the rigid philosophy of the Cold War. A philosophy that assumed only two mutually exclusive paths of development. The Non-Aligned Countries have proved that a third path is possible – the path of diversity of progressive development based on mutual respect, equality and justice. Today, however, the international community is facing the threat of a unipolar world order. One model of development is being imposed on us. Western leaders are convinced that only their countries have the right to write modern history. They use their power to reshape the planet to suit their needs, pursuing only one goal – to subordinate all peoples to their interests, to ensure their own well-being at our expense. Do we want our children and grandchildren to work not for themselves and their own happiness, but for someone else's "uncle"? If not, then let's say it firmly! Let us not allow the diversity of cultures, historical development and progress to be replaced by a standard imposed from outside that is alien to our countries. The Non-Aligned Movement mustto fight for a new world where there is a worthy place for everyone. We need to resolutely defend the right of our peoples to choose an independent path of development. Jointly resist the dictates of external forces, discrimination and military threats. How do we achieve this? Today, we must clearly define the main goal of our Movement. The unipolar world order shows us its inadequacy and lack of viability. Everyone declares this. If we all agree on this, then let's work more actively to form a new, more just world order. This is our main goal. To achieve it, a clear program of action is needed for the gradual but irreversible formation of a multipolar world. What, in the opinion of Belarus, should we do? First. The movement should become an independent world center of political power, which is reckoned with on an equal footing by the members of the world community. And I must note that today is the moment that we have no right to miss in order to make our Movement an independent center of political power. Tomorrow may be too late. Second. This requires political will. What is our strength? The answer is obvious – in unity. We need to join political efforts to achieve this strategic goal. Under no circumstances should we allow the moment or the occasion when we will be pulled apart one by one through the embers of our planet or torn to pieces, like Yugoslavia and othersstates, but they will still be dragged there - into the shadows, so that no one will ever see us. Third. It is necessary to revive the principle of solidarity in the Non-Aligned Movement, which is the most important tool for defending the interests of all, especially small and vulnerable states. The movement must resolutely stand up for the political defense of its members who have been subjected to external pressure or aggression. Our position within the framework of the United Nations and other international organizations must be united. The President of Iran, the President of Iran, was right to speak here about our relationship with the United Nations and very rightly reproached the Organization and the Security Council for inaction in the hottest cases of our lives, about which the Secretary-General of the United Nations was so shamefully silent today when speaking here. But at the same time, a question arises for ourselves. Making claims to other organizations, including the UN, demanding more effective work from them, we must ask ourselves the question – how united and effective are we in solving similar issues? After all, recently there has been an intervention against the states that were and are part of the Non-Aligned Movement. And how did we react? Do we, like ostriches, burying our heads in the sand, not want to see what is happening around us? Then the question arises: what kind of organization are we, are we repeating the mistakes thatinherent in the United Nations? Fourth. The Movement must actively promote the formation of new centres of power that will serve as the basis for a multipolar world. The stronger we are, the more important partner we will become in this process, the more significant our contribution will be to the fight against the global challenges of our time. Fifth. It is necessary to vigorously increase economic cooperation between our countries. Make the most of preferences for each other. There are already examples of this. In the end, we will all win. Political unity alone is not enough today. We need a powerful economic component of our Movement. To this end, Belarus proposes to create a Single Bank of Economic Information in the Movement's own news network. It should become an information platform for cooperation projects and an interactive database of the interests and problems of our states. This will make economic contacts more fruitful and purposeful. Together, we must and can overcome the information monopoly of the West. In this regard, I want to say the following. There was a lot of talk here about the North and the South. Belarus is a member of the Non-Aligned Movement, but geographically it is among the Nordic states that the Movement does not like. We were once part of the Soviet Union, an intellectual, brain part of the USSR. We still have this economy, and we can share these technologies with any of the member states of the Non-Aligned Movement. You have a lot –financial resources, resources from God or from Allah, you have all this. Let's unite and not wait until the rich states of the same North divide us and separate us one by one. Today we have in this hall representatives of states that have both human and natural potential, both financial and intellectual potential, and have the highest technologies. Let us, before rich states come to us from the north and are not subordinated to their will, let us figure it out and start active economic cooperation. Without it, neither politics nor diplomacy is possible. Sixth. It is in our power to make the United Nations more effective. It must serve the interests of all States, not just the United States of America. Together, we can prevent the Organization from being used as a tool for "showdowns" with countries pursuing independent policies. In the future, with our countries. Do we not see this danger? See. So why don't we act? Much has been said here about the Programme of Action of the Non-Aligned Movement. I have also named several elements on behalf of the leadership of my country, but I want to say that these are absolutely not exhaustive measures of this Program. I do not even pretend that these are the main events of our future Programme, no. But the fact that these measures must be carried out within the framework of our future activities -This is an indisputable fact. Without them, without these measures, we will not be able to do what the President of Iran has just said, and he was very right to say. This is what we think we are capable of today, what we can do. Dear Mr. Chairman, It is unity and the proposed practical actions that will allow our Movement to implement important and necessary projects that have long been on the agenda: to get closer to the elimination of illiteracy, to raise health care to a new level, to create economic incentives and opportunities. And ultimately, to improve people's lives. All the prerequisites for this are in place today. I have already said that in this room, some countries have natural resources, others have financial resources, others have the necessary human potential, and still others have experience and technology. By combining our efforts, we will be able to solve these problems. Mr. President, I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to Malaysia for its three-year chairmanship and wish the new Chairman, Cuba, success in further strengthening our Movement. I want to emphasize once again: my country is located in the north of our planet, in the center of Europe, but you can always count on our understanding, on our support and on our actions in your interests. Thank you for your attention. http://president.gov.by/press43750.html#docv | 2 |
Country: India
Leader: Narendra Modi
Type: Campaign
Name of the speech: Varanasi rally speech
Date: Dec 20, 2013
Source:
Bharat Mata ki. Present on the stage National President of Bhartiya Janata Party and the son of this soil Sri Rajnath Singh Ji, our guide and senior party leader, respected Murali Manohar Joshi Ji, Uttar Pradesh BJP Sriman Laxmikant Vajpayee Ji, Sri Kalaraj Mishra Ji, senior leader respected Sri Kalyan Singh Ji, Sri Om Praksh Singh Ji, Sri Amit Bhai Shah Ji, Rameshwar Chaurasia Ji, Sri Trivendra Ji Rawat, respected Lalji Tandon Ji, Sri Keshari Nath Tripathi Ji, Sri Ramapati Ji, Sri Surya Pratap Ji, all the senior party leaders present on the dais, I welcome all of you who all came from far fringes of Kashi area and I bow to sea of humanity arrived in large numbers here.
I come from the land of Somnath and am here to take blessings of Baba Vishwanath. Brothers and sisters, this is happening perhaps the first time in the history of Indian democracy when there is such an atmosphere much ahead of the elections. Brothers and Sisters, it all happens during the election time. Political parties become more active-politics of allegations and counter allegations-parties tries to expand their political bases. But It is first time that the common man in Hindustan becomes aggressive and keen to uproot the government in Delhi. And I can see - the elections in 2014 will not be fought by any political party or the individual leadership, the elections will be fought by the people of the country--by the every electorate of this nation.
Brothers and Sisters, in the past the and future too - India's description, without Ganga can not be complete. For others Ganga can be a river, but for us it is our mother, not just a river-Our Mother. Ganga isn't mere a flow of water, it depicts our culture. Brothers and sisters, many proposals on cleaning and preserving the Ganga have come up. Crores were spent. I ask you, is the money flowing with the Ganga? The government could have at least stopped the deteriorating water quality of Ganges, with this wealth, but it has been unable to. Those who can't handle Ganga, how will they manage the country.
The UPA govt made a scheme to clean the Ganga with lot enthusiasm. A lot of campaigning was done and people thought something will be done - People have had faith in them and brought them in to power. But my dear brother and sisters from Uttar Pradesh - I wanted to tell the nation from this sacred land of Ganga, that in the last five years no step was taken by the government sitting in Delhi, except holding three meetings.
I request the Central government and the Prime Minister to share detailed accounts with people and answer them on how much were spent on the project to clean Ganga, The Congress has used the Ganga for vote-bank politics since the days of Rajiv Gandhi.
Thousands of crore rupees has been taken out of the treasury - the people of the country demands to know what have you done to restore river Ganga to pristine conditions? When, how and - yes for whom?
Brothers and sisters - you tell me that on the issue of Ganga - in the name of this river the citizens have been made fool of - they have been kept in the dark - they have been cheated. Brothers and sisters should you re-elect such sinners who have fouled up such a pious project?
Speak up - should you elect to government the ones who have played with the sanctity of the Ganges - those who have misled you?
Brothers and sisters don't make this mistake - the Ganga is not polluted only because of pollutants in Uttar Pradesh - actually to cleanse the Ganga you have to clean Delhi - you have to clean Lucknow - then the Ganga will be cleaned. As long as these people are in power there is no chance of cleaning the Ganga. These days people ask me - mostly people who want Congress to survive - so that they can survive. These defenders of Congress ask - Modi ji what shall you do? I shall get things done and show you. And people who ask me what I can do - make time for a day and come to Gujarat - come to the soil of Ahmedabad and stand by the Sabarmati riverfront. The same Sabarmati - the one which has the name of Mahatma Gandhi associated - had become almost like a drain - come today and see - Sabarmati is full to the top with the waters of Narmada.
Brothers and sisters - tell me do you believe that Ganga can be cleaned - if Sabarmati could have been cleaned - couldn't the same be done to Ganga? If Sabarmati can influence life in Gujarat cant the Ganga influence lives in India?
Brothers and sisters we do not make false promises - Brothers and sisters of UP, we do not promise we have made up our mind on action - the land is tired of promises - words and advices - the country wants action. We would like to assure you that we will make good our words.
Brothers and sisters some people think that Uttar Pradesh is crucial to politics of India because without help from UP nobody can come to power - brothers and sisters - such thoughts insult UP - is UP useful only there for adding up numbers - is it useful only to clobber together a government? My thoughts are not that limited - it's not the question of governments - if you want stability in India - it cannot happen without a stable UP. If India is to develop - UP must be developed too - if you have to root out unemployment from India you cannot do it without rooting out unemployment in UP. If India is hungry - it is UP that appeased that hunger. We must not associate UP only with the number of MPs it sends - UP can become the destiny changer for India (Bhagya Vidhata) - UP can attain heights of development and be an example for India. As such for the BJP- UP is not a political playground - for us, UP is the ground where the story of India's future can be scripted.
Brothers and sisters I have a firm belief in the strength of the people of this place -It is people for this land that once dreamt of Ram Rajya . If people are not skilled, how would Ram Rajya be possible? The ability, tradition and culture to usher in Ram Rajya was - and is exists in the people of UP. You have a proud history - so what is the trouble? The trouble is that you have not elected the right government and leader. If you choose the right leader then I firmly believe that you have it in you to act as the engine of development in the country.
Brothers and sisters The farmers of UP - alone - can - like they did when Lal Bahadur Shastri coined 'Jai Jawan Jai Kisan'- filled the food bowls of India - farmers from UP - can single handedly feed the whole of Europe. But look at the state of things - leaders and government - the farmers who once fed India doesn't have enough on his plate. The farmer - producing rice - will feed some poor - farmer ploughs his field to feed all - even animals and birds. But brothers and sisters when farmers come to know that his rice and whet are getting spoiled on railway platforms - it hurts their feelings. A farmer's real pleasure is in knowing that his labour had fed hungry mouths. This is something the government in Delhi can't seem to realise. The Supreme Court orders disbursement of grains amongst poor but the government refuses to comply but sell it in subsidized rates to liquor manufacturers. Doesn't it hurt the feelings of our farmers? I am flabbergasted can any government act like this? This is an insult to our agrarians and farmers and a cruel joke on the plight of the poor.
Brothers and sisters elections come and they start preparing - you know there are some students whose faith increases proportionately as exams approach - the Congress acts similarly - as soon as election comes - the poor come into focus. If they had some real love and respect for the poor - some sympathy for them then this would not have been the state of affairs for the poor of the country. Some forty five years power has been centered around a single family - they are responsible for the state of the poor.
Brothers and sisters - I don't have to travel somewhere to see poverty - my childhood was spent in poverty. I am stunned at the amount of contempt they have for the poor in their mind - one UPA leader even said that a tea vendor cannot become the PM of India. Tell me is vending tea - a crime - is standing up on your own two feet - being self sufficient - is it a crime - a sin - a taint? I am flabbergasted - these leaders who speak of poor - how can a tea seller become a PM? If the people want then even a labourer can become a PM - a shoeshine boy can become PM too. Based on my own principles let me tell you all - I am proud of selling tea - I haven't sold the country. This is how they make fun of the poor and their poverty. And one of their leaders - well he says - poverty is nothing but a state of mind. When you are unable to light the stove in the evenings and hungry children cry themselves to sleep - then you know poverty - what do they know? Small children work to feed their parents - but they - people who mock the poor. This arrogance of those people who consider poor is in their pockets and the welfare of poor is not going to happen and I want to tell the poor, it will be our first duty to throw away those people who have exploited you till now.
Just now Rajnath Ji was saying that he is pained to hear that leaders from Congress call BJP leader thieves. Congress can say anything. If we collect all that Congress leaders are saying and print it than we will be shocked. Is this their sansakara? Is this the language they use?
But I want to tell Congress leaders, you call us thieves. We accept your allegation. Yes, we are thieves; we have stolen the sleep of the Congress. We have stolen the peace of the Congress. Now we will not let the people sit in peace who have plundered this country since independence.
Brothers and Sisters, I want to ask you, I want to ask elders here who spend their lives with problems - do they want to give this India to your children? Do you want to force your children to live in poverty? Do you want that your children remain unemployed? Do you want to press your children to leave their homes and live in slums of the cities?
Brothers and Sisters, a few days ago a Muslim from here wrote to me. He said - I have to share a problem with you. You are coming to Varanasi, please mention one of our problems in your speech. He wrote that he lives in a Muslim colony and there are small power loom factories producing Silk Sarees. He said, he is unable to sleep in night, problems are there, please find a solution. He expressed his anguish. Brothers and Sisters, this Banarasi Saree not only protects modesty of our women, it also has a potential to save dignity of Indian economy.
Such a big industry, it has a potential to employ lakhs of people but they have destroyed it. The friend who wrote to me may be here in the crowd or listening to my speech on television. Brothers, there's a solution to this problem. Kashi and Surat share old bond. There is hearsay, death in Kashi and food in Surat. Surat too, like Kashi has big power loom industry. At one point in time, if you walk on the roads in Surat, either in the morning or evening, the noise of power loom even subsides the noise of your scooter. Brothers and Sister, we started a campaign and within ten years we technologically upgraded the industry. We established many big industrial complexes outside Surat city. Brothers and Sister, noiseless machines are available in the market these days. Today, due to up gradation of the technology we have been able to improve the quality as well as quantity of the production. Brothers and Sisters, this can be achieved in Varanasi as well. Those who ask me what the vision of Modi is? This is the truth, go and see it for yourself.
Brothers and Sisters, if intentions are noble and I feel if the Saree industry of Varanasi would have been technologically upgraded than it alone could have provided employment to lakhs of youth in the country. They would have had not been forced to leave. But policies of the government are such that they import yarn from China but do not care about the livelihood of Saree manufacturers of Varanasi. Their policies are such that has led to this situation.
Brothers and Sisters, possibly there is no village in the Poorvanchal from where youth are not living in Gujarat. Tell me friends, why this situation came that youths here have to leave their villages, leave their parents? If Uttar Pradesh would have developed they would not have been forced to leave their villages, their homes, their friends, their old parents.
Brothers and Sisters, due to unemployment today youth are staring at a bleak future. He is distressed, where to go, whose hands to hold, who will save him.
Tell me friends, what is the first thing that comes to your mind after seeing job advertisement? The first thing that comes to your mind is recommendation. Didn't you look for recommendation? There isn't guarantee of getting a job without recommendation. There is no possibility of getting a job without paying a bribe. Isn't this dishonesty? Is there solution to this problem or not? I have a solution. Those protectors of the Congress who question about my vision, I wasn't to say them this. Friends, once we had to recruit 13000 teachers in Gujarat. 1-2 lakh applications are normal for such a big recruitment. What we did, we gave an advertisement and registered all the candidates online, and with the help of computer we short listed 13000 candidates with highest marks. I passed the order to recruit them. Brothers, if decisions are made on the basis of merit and there is no interview than this whole issue of corruption and recommendation can be solved. And the right person will get the job. I started this as a pilot project in Gujarat and we got success. No one has raised finger on the process. And I feel every youth, no matter how much he is educated he can't survive on his certificate. He is in constant search for a recommendation.
Brothers and Sisters youth need dignity. He wants to free himself from a life where he has to spread his hands for every need. The youth of my country can change the destiny of India. The government needs to trust the youth and I am here with this trust. I want to tell the youth of this country that there is no dearth of opportunities. Country needs manpower be it in agriculture, manufacturing or service sector. The youth of this country can make India an economic superpower.
My young friends, I am coming with a guarantee of your future. If we cannot guarantee the future of our youth then nothing can be done. Destiny of India is in the hand of her youth. Youth wants opportunity and BJP has come with a resolve to provide opportunity to the youth. Brothers and Sisters, People are uprooting the Congress and electing BJP governments and this is the proof that we have stood up to the expectations of the people.
Brothers and Sisters, I have been visiting various parts of Uttar Pradesh. The massive gathering I am witnessing everywhere gives me trust that the people of the country wants to uproot the government in Delhi. The people don't want to tolerate the government in Delhi. Brothers and Sisters, let's make a resolve to change the destiny of India. Congress free India would have to be created. Congress free India is the only guarantees of poverty free India. Congress free India is the guarantees of unemployment free India. To get rid of poverty, unemployment, starvation deaths, corruption we will have to free India of the Congress party and we are here with that dream.
Bharat Mata Ki Jai. | 2 |
Speech by the President at the opening of the International Engineering Fair in Brno SPEECHES AND SPEECHES, 10/09/2012 Dear representatives of our political and economic spheres, ladies and gentlemen, first of all I would like to greet you all – on the occasion of the opening of this year's International Engineering Fair. The Brno trade fair is one of the most important events held in our country every year and we are all certainly pleased that it still manages to hold the position of the leading European industrial fair. This is evidenced by the composition of exhibitors, this year almost 50% of whom are from abroad, and the traditionally great interest of the public. Thanks to this fair, Brno has become an important trade fair centre in Europe. I have been to the opening of the fair many times, this year is the last time in the role of President of the Republic. The speeches I have made here quite faithfully illustrate the very variable economic development that our country has gone through during this time. Successful economic development, when we achieved high economic growth rates between 2005 and 2007, was replaced by the deepest decline of the Czech economy in its history. After the end of the crisis, it initially seemed that the Czech economy had come out of it relatively well, but the rapid return to high growth values expected by some of our politicians and economists did not materialise. The recovery was very mild and ended quickly, which was too muchsimilar to economic developments in a number of other European countries. Estimates of the development of our economy in future periods have gradually changed from slightly positive to negative numbers in recent weeks and months. Data published a few days ago only confirms this. Gross domestic product decreased by 1% year-on-year in Q2 this year. The data on industrial production in July this year look a little more promising. The information coming from our main trading partners from the European Union countries is not very pleasing either, and weakening foreign demand is starting to take effect. While last year our exports grew at a double-digit rate, this year we have reached only single-digit values. Nevertheless, these statistical numbers must not be seen in isolation, but in the overall context of the current development of Europe and our region. Despite all of the above, we are still one of the most economically stable countries in the European Union. This applies both in terms of the external macroeconomic balance (and our balance of payments shows this) and in terms of domestic macroeconomic indicators such as inflation, the unemployment rate, and the stability and resilience of the banking sector. Our own currency helps us absorb external shocks. In international comparison, developments in public finances are not bad either. Nevertheless, I cannot omit to mention that every time I opened the fair as President of the Republic, I spoke about the necessity of reforming public finances. The task ishas not changed, but its urgency is growing. We still haven't made the necessary systemic changes, especially on the expenditure side of the budget. Raising tax rates will not strengthen our public finances and our economy. Let's dare to reach into mandatory spending. It is at this point that it should be emphasised that industry, and especially engineering, must continue to be a fixed point of our economy. Let's not believe the myths that a sign of maturity is a shift away from engineering and a focus on services or the so-called "knowledge economy". Recent developments in the world confirm that underestimating the importance of engineering and industry in general is a gross mistake. In the recent crisis, those countries that tried to deindustrialize in the past fared worse. The second thing is that the slowdown in the economies of most of our European trading partners – coupled with the debt crisis in the euro area and the underproductive European economic and social model, which is more social than economic – should be a clear signal that we must increasingly look beyond Europe's borders in our foreign trade. For us – as a highly open economy – this is doubly true. The state is not here to determine what to export and where. However, it can help our businesses to approach new markets. That is why, in my position, I took great care to ensure that my foreign trips were not just a courtesy, political visit, but thathad a visible impact on mutual economic relations. I met many of the entrepreneurs present on my foreign trips as members of business delegations who accompanied me on my travels. If I count correctly, there were almost thirty such trips with your accompaniment. In the last year and a half alone, it has been Argentina, Chile, Montenegro, Azerbaijan, Senegal, this year's trip to Turkey and a recent visit to Indonesia and Malaysia with record interest from entrepreneurs. I will try to make another such trip before the end of my mandate. The geographical structure of these visits suggests a lot. These are countries that are not suffering from agony or stagnation, but that are moving forward quickly, countries that have growth potential. In many of them, we have something to build on. In these countries, our engineering products are still valued, but we need to be more active. Opportunities will not wait for us, we need to meet them. I am therefore very pleased that this year's "partner country" of the fair is one of the largest and fastest developing countries in the world – India, from which almost 130 companies came to visit us, and that its delegation is led by the Minister of Industry and Trade Anand Sharma. This is the first time in the five-year history of this project that the partner country is different from our neighbouring country. I am also pleased thatthe so-called "special guest" of the fair is Russia. Ladies and gentlemen, I would like this year's International Engineering Fair to be successful, to create many new contacts that will be transformed into successful and long-term contracts. Our economy needs it. Thank you for your attention. Václav Klaus, Rotunda A, Brno Exhibitions and Trade Fairs, Brno, 10 September 2012 | 1 |
This Sunday is the Day of Action http://www.miniszterelnok.hu/beszed/most_vasarnap_a_cselekves_napja 8 April 2010. Viktor Orbán's speech at the closing event of the Fidesz campaign in Budapest. Good afternoon, Ladies and Gentlemen, dear friends! Well, this moment has arrived, we have lived this too. Another sixty-two hours, and the moment of truth will come in Hungary. Thank you to everyone who persevered, who did not give up and who believed that it was up to us and that we would stand at the door of this great opportunity. Ladies and Gentlemen, History sometimes behaves quietly, like a slowly flowing stream. Weeks, months, years, everyday struggles, joys, disappointments go by, and you feel that great things don't really happen. They won't. This is the order of life. And it couldn't be any other way. Especially communities that experience far more disappointments, more failures, more hardships, tend to believe that this is their destiny. They struggle in vain, they try to believe in vain, they achieve small partial successes in vain, they feel that there is no prospect of real, penetrating, big change. Then, unexpectedly, there are historical moments when things take a completely different direction. When suddenly, almost overnight, what used to be becomes invalid. Different rules and relationships come into play, meaning that it suddenly condenses into one day, one daycombine eight, ten, twenty or even fifty years of repressed bitterness and hope. And on days like this, great things happen. Things that then change everything. Ladies and Gentlemen, dear friends, These are the great days of history. Many generations, almost every generation, dream of experiencing such a moment once, only once. Moreover, if possible, not only experience it, if possible, become a creative part of it. Such a moment can be born by a great discovery, the outbreak of a revolution, the formation or dissolution of an alliance. Such moments can arise from the things that lead multitudes of people, even entire communities, to face fate here and now. Let them judge right and wrong, right and wrong, and then act on their judgment. There have been many such moments in Hungarian history. In past centuries, such was the revolution of 1848 or 1956, and for us the regime change of 1990 was also like this. And now we Hungarians have come to such a day again. To another of the rare great days of history, Hungarian history. We have been waiting for a long time in the midst of nerve-wracking everyday struggles, but I see that this long and often monotonous wait is now coming to an end. If we Hungarians rise to the moment here and now, if we do what is expected of us, then we can rightly expect that the nextIn years, history will finally reward us, that is, we will get from it what we want to receive. Every person expects to finally get something from history. But, dear friends, history can only give to those who, in great moments, are ready to act, to do what history expects of them. One should ask oneself a question at such times. At such a moment, what does his country expect from him. What his family and friends expect from him, what his colleagues expect from him. I also asked myself this question: what does Hungary expect from me, what does my family and friends expect, what do my colleagues expect? The answer is unanimous and simple: action! Everything and everyone expects action from me and expects action from all of us. History has done its part, it has created the long-awaited opportunity, so now it is our turn. It is up to us to act, to judge good and evil, that is, to choose. Ladies and Gentlemen, Now we have to make a choice knowing that on Sunday more will be decided than usual in a simple election. Now, in fact, everything that is important to us is decided. Everything will be decided for which we have worked, fought and fought with great effort for many years. It remains to be seen whether we will remain a country without consequences, or whether we will be able to establish and hold accountable for what happened. It will be decidedwhether it will be good to be Hungarian again in Hungary, or whether the shameful situation from which people continue to drift will remain. It will be decided whether other nations of the world look up to Hungary and Hungarians. It will be decided whether the Hungarian nation of ten or a few million people is still capable of great things. It will be decided whether there will be common national issues for which we will unite, or whether there will remain a policy of private interests that ignores the people. It will be decided whether we return to the main street of history or continue to stumble under the gardens. It will be decided whether our children will be proud of us and proud of what we have done, of being Hungarian. It's all up to us, because now it's our turn. History now expects us to act and judge firmly. Dear Friends! Ladies and Gentlemen, It is up to us to say on Sunday with overwhelming, yes, overwhelming volume that the country has been on the wrong track for the past eight years, because politics has taken it in the wrong direction. Bad people, bad politicians, bad decisions got the country where it is now. It is up to us to say with overwhelming volume: we never want such a policy again! We never want such governance again, we never want such decisions again! This is what history expects of all of us today, young and old, men and women, families and singles, rural and urban, workers and employers, the wealthy and poor.right-wing, center-standing and left-wing. Hungarians must pronounce this verdict with such a loudness that the whole world can hear it. Just as he heard the sound of the world in 1848, 1956 and 1990. It is up to young people to say that they are sick of the policies of recent years, which have closed all doors to them and sent them out of their own countries. It is up to older people to say that they no longer want the policies of recent years, which have taken away from them the security of old age, the respect and esteem they deserve. It is up to entrepreneurs and workers to say that they condemn the anti-business and anti-labour policies of recent years and therefore want radical change. It is up to families to say that they are fed up with the anti-child and anti-family policies of recent years and therefore want change. It is up to the people of Budapest to say that enough is enough of the scandals, theft and chaos caused by the capital's leadership. It is up to rural people and farmers to say that the deliberate destruction of the Hungarian countryside must end once and for all. And precisely because they want to end it, they want radical change. So it is our turn, dear friends! History can only help us if we do our own thing. If we do not do this, I tell you, believe me, that theDespite the best opinion polls, there will be no radical turnaround. Come on, dear friends, what can those who do not live with the big moments hope for in life? Who does not go on their own first date. Who misses their own wedding. Those who do not appear at the entrance exam or do not enter the competition in which they would otherwise like to be the winner. Come on, what can you hope for in life? Dear Friends! There can be no greater shame on a nation than that, although it has an opportunity to recover, it has an opportunity to regain its pride, but fails to do so. Ladies and Gentlemen, dear friends, Everyone knows cases where one person waited for another and finally the opportunity slipped away. Don't let everyone think on Sunday that the others will be there. I ask you not to leave your own business to someone else. If there are not enough of us, both the big moment and the great opportunity can be lost. And then we Hungarians will also lose what we have left. Therefore, my message to everyone is to use the remaining time to prepare. And it also helps others prepare for the big moment. Everyone needs to know what they have to lose if radical change does not happen. The future of young people would shrink further and their chances would be less and lessContinue your education, get a job, build a career, start a family, create your own home in Hungary. Without change, older people will have no guarantee of a secure livelihood, health care, or the respect and care they deserve. If there is no radical change in politics, there will be no turnaround in the economy. And if there is no turnaround in the economy, unemployment will continue to rise, fewer people will pay taxes, more people will need benefits, and in the end the state will be unable to handle this situation. There will simply be nothing to pay for pensions and social benefits. Entrepreneurs and workers need to know that if there is no change, more businesses will go bankrupt and more people will lose their jobs. They need to know that without change there is no grasping, and without clinging there will be no ascension. And, Ladies and Gentlemen, dear friends, it is also worth remembering in the coming days what the past eight years have taken away from whom. Everyone has acquaintances, relatives and co-workers whose lives have been ruined by bad politics and governance over the past eight years. Families, relationships, friendships broke up. Masses of businesses have gone bankrupt and, yes, we know of people whose lives have been destroyed and this is just the tip of the iceberg. We know thatThere are also a very large number of tragedies that are taking place more slowly. How many people have been victims of crime because of the deterioration of public safety? How many people did not receive timely and adequate help because of the dismantling of healthcare? How many people flee hopelessness and unemployment for drink and drugs? We must think of them on Sunday too! We must also pronounce the verdict on their behalf and that those who brought Hungary here must be held accountable. It is therefore in everyone's interest to do what history expects us to do now. And if we act this Sunday, we can wake up in another country on Monday morning, and change can begin in every aspect of our lives. Dear Friends! I am going to vote. I will take my family with me, I will tell my friends, neighbors and acquaintances to vote. So I suggest everyone do likewise. Go out yourself, take your family, friends, acquaintances, everyone you can take with you. Don't be slothful! Call those who live further away and encourage them to change. Encourage them not to lose any of their votes. They cast both votes for Fidesz, for the Fidesz candidate and for the Fidesz list! Ladies and Gentlemen, dear friends, Remember, this Sunday is a day of action. It's going to be a great Sunday, big things are ahead,Don't miss out! It's time Hungary! It's time, Hungarians! | 2 |
A. Butkevičius' speech to President D. Grybauskaitė in the Seimas when submitting his candidacy for Prime Minister the Honourable Speaker of the Seimas, members of the Seimas, thank you for the opportunity to check trust in the Government in the Representation of the Nation. It is a great privilege and honor for me to present the activities and future works of the Sixteenth Government. Having started working a year and a half ago, the Cabinet of Ministers announced a measure of the effectiveness of its activities. The won Independence must ensure a better life for the people of Lithuania not somewhere else, but here, in our historical Homeland. The face of the economic hardship, which has not yet ended, did not prevent a fundamental change in attitudes towards the state's economy. The sixteenth Government proposed another path for the creation of the welfare of the state. Reducing excessive constraints, supporting job creation and promoting businesses and investment in every way to increase people's incomes, reduce poverty and social exclusion between metropolitan areas and regions. Not to dictate our own order, but to find the best solutions together with the social partners. We will adhere to the guidelines of this path, which lead Lithuania to the leaders of economic growth in the European Union, in the future. Unemployment in the country is steadily falling, and the average wage has increased by as much as 6.2 percent. And that's the biggest wage growth in the last five years. However, Lithuania will become really strong when its regions recover, when those who have left during the recession want to return to them. That is why we will continue to focus on the regions, with billions of investments. The sixteenth Government accepted the challenge of reducing energy prices at record highsand to strengthen Lithuania's energy independence from the monopoly source of the East. Already at the end of last year, the decisions made it possible to stop the growth of electricity and gas prices. The resumption of negotiations with the Russian concern Gazprom has also yielded good results - since July 1, natural gas tariffs for domestic consumers have been falling by an average of 20 percent. After the buy-out of a shareholding in Gazprom and the German company EON, we ensured state control over strategic companies transporting and selling natural gas. We will continue the renovation of buildings according to the new model, the transformation of the heat economy, biofuels and other programs that will help to modernize Lithuanian energy and reduce prices for consumers. In the social field, we not only stand by our commitment to compensate for the pensions expropriated by the former Government, but we plan to start increasing them from next year. We will also use the additional budget to raise the salaries of the lowest earners. For those who do not have or are not able to find a job, the Employment Program provides for various forms of employment, return to the labor market. We are creating a pension system that will reduce the risks of political intervention and provide for an objective mechanism for maintaining value. The labor code governing labor relations will ensure a qualitatively new balance between social security and flexibility in relations. Over the past year, we have significantly reduced youth unemployment by 4.8 percentage points. This is one of the best indicators in the European Union. Through the European Social Democratic Youth Guarantee, which was supported by the Council of the European Union last year and for which funding has already been provided, we will make young people even betterthe conditions for finding a job. The financial perspective for 2014- 2020 is a field of great opportunities for our state. Therefore, we are directing the funds of support to the programs of new technologies and innovations, cooperation between science and business, because they are the best tools for the state to strengthen its powers and not to lose in competitive battles. In many areas, the Sixteenth Government was only halfway through its work. Lithuania's economic growth base needs to be further strengthened. We will continue to create a favourable environment for business and investment, especially in the areas of innovative technologies, expand exports to new markets, apply new measures in the fight against corruption and the black economy, for example, by introducing a smart tax administration system. These are not empty promises. When, just over a year ago, we announced an ambitious ambition for the introduction of the euro, it seems that only our Government believed in this. Now no one doubts that the euro will certainly be from 2015. But this required not only words, but also very responsible and hard work. We are ready for this kind of work. I ask for your trust and invite you to work together. Thank you for your attention. | 1 |
Slovak PM Robert Fico's Speech: Opening a New (bizarre) Heating Building Burning Organic Material Transcript of the speech of the Prime Minister of the Slovak Republic, Robert Fico, on the occasion of the opening of a new operation of the boiler room for wood chips Robert Fico, Prime Minister Dear Mayor, President of the Banská Bystrica Self-Governing Region, I have really prepared, I have also prepared a speech, but I will be very brief. I really want to thank you for inviting me to visit your city, during which, among other things, we will symbolically cut the ribbon and open this woodchip boiler room. I read a lot about it while still in the car, it's really a very interesting project. Based on the information available to me, this investment will contribute to savings in heating costs, improve the availability of heat supplies for households, but will also make the level and quality of your city's heat management more efficient overall. This fact, ladies and gentlemen, dear friends, also comes to the fore because, as you all know, we are now having a rather complicated dialogue with the French and German shareholders of the Slovak Gas Industry regarding gas prices for households. We are doing everything we can to ensure that this price does not go up in any case, because we see no reason to increase the price of gas for households. That is why I declare very clearly and responsibly at this point that evenI personally and the government as a whole will not allow uncontrolled and unjustified increases in prices not only of gas, but also of other types of energy in our country. I believe that, as far as electricity for households is concerned, it will be good news for 2009 that electricity will remain at the same level as in previous years. The excuse of monopolies for deteriorating conditions on global energy markets will not stand up in any way, and we will not accept this argument under any circumstances. Another important moment of the opening of this new boiler room is the fact that in the future it is expected that obsolete wiring will be replaced and modernized, as well as the connection of the industrial zone to heating with wood chips from this boiler room. I was also informed about this at a short meeting that we had in the mayor's room. The cheaper energy obtained in this way will be another impulse for investors who assess their investment plans primarily from the point of view of the overall cost of the investment. In this context, I am very pleased that investors are showing and continuing to show interest in your industrial zone, such as the Korean company Yura, which produces wiring harnesses for the automotive industry, and a further expansion of production is envisaged, which would mean the creation of around 1000 jobs in the region, which is a very important argument. I want to say that I am also very pleasedThe results of the government's external meetings, because we can also combine this with our activities in the regions. Finally, the boiler room itself, or this method of heat production as such, also brings new jobs. It employs people in the collection of wood waste, others in its processing into chips, as well as in operating the technology for processing and transporting biomass. At the same time, these are jobs that do not require high qualifications, so it is a way to employ people who otherwise cannot find a job. Here I also want to say that we are launching so-called social enterprises, so I believe that this will also be a great contribution for people who have problems finding a job due to their qualifications. And last but not least, I must also emphasize the direct financial effect for the residents, because heating with wood waste is, in addition to waste heat from a nuclear power plant, the cheapest way to heat households, so people in this region save thousands of crowns a year compared to other parts of Slovakia, where gas or brown coal is heated. And of course, the positive impact of the entire project on the environment is also not negligible. There is no wood waste left in the forests, which is a breeding ground for pests, and burning wood instead of gas or even coal reduces carbon dioxide emissions by thousands of tons. Dear friends, ladies and gentlemen, allow me toHe also spoke very briefly, very briefly, on the topic of the financial crisis, the huge financial crisis and its consequences and impacts on our economy. We are all looking at it very closely, we are watching it, and you are certainly also following the measures that are being taken at the European or even Slovak level. We all believe that we will be able to restore confidence in the financial and, above all, capital markets. We have taken the decision to guarantee deposits in banks up to one hundred percent without any participation of citizens, and we are very carefully monitoring the behaviour of Slovak banks, which are in the position of subsidiaries in relation to mothers who are in the territory of other Member States of the European Union. Today, I can say that the banking sector in Slovakia is stable, it is credible, and now we will be primarily concerned with how to minimise the impact that the economic crisis may have, especially on the automotive industry. However, I want to state very clearly and responsibly that the Government of the Slovak Republic, of which I am the Prime Minister, will proceed very vigorously and we will not stand idly by and watch the possible devastation of the progress made in our country and the deterioration of the living, working and social conditions of our population. I want to say that we follow a simple motto in our policy - the people of the state, the state to the people. You have done a lot for this republic, because you often work hard for low wages, that's why Slovakia haseconomic growth, now is the time for the republic to gradually return it to the people. That is why the motto - the people of the state, the state to the people will be the motto that we will follow very carefully in our everyday decisions. In conclusion, let me wish you a lot of success in developing your city, the entire region for the benefit of all the people who live and work here. And thank you for coming in such large numbers. May we succeed together. Thank you very much. | 1 |
Gordon Brown unveils a new statue of Nelson Mandela
today let me on behalf of all the people
of our country
welcome to Britain today the man who
will be remembered the man with no
prison cell no intimidation no violence
no show trauma no threat of execution
silence if the man has belief in the
future was so powerful that not even 27
years behind bars and barbed wire who
destroy his dream and his demand that by
fighting apartheid from his prison cell
millions today could be an athlete and
from this day forward and from this day
forward this statue will stand here in
size of this ancient forum of democracy
to commemorate and celebrate for the
ages
triumph in the greatest of causes he is
the most inspiring and greatest leader
of our generation
Nelson Mandela is one of the most
courageous and best loved men of all
time
he is the leader who became the
Liberator who always chose
reconciliation above revenge when he
left his country's prisons to become his
country's president led South Africa
away from a racial dictatorship and a
multi-racial democracy was born and when
people look back on this generation on
this man they will say whenever there
was oppression wherever there was
poverty whenever there was injustice and
wherever there was inequality Mandela
was fighting for the peoples of the
world by the lakes and by Richard
Attenborough is for us today and for
future generations more than just a
monument for only a street away from
where tens of thousands of people
demonstrated years ago for the release
of Nelson Mandela this statue is a
beacon of hope it sends around the world
the most powerful of messages but no
injustice and lasts forever
that's suffering in the cause of freedom
will never be in vain that no matter how
long the nights of oppression the
morning of Liberty will break through
and there is nothing that we the peoples
of the world working together fighting
with all of us the evil of global
poverty and let us welcome visit today
and leadership is courageous and
inspirational life Russia
Michelle game
and both these leaders are telling us
that by our common endeavors we can
abolish poverty and illiteracy in this
generation and we can become the first
generation in history to ensure every
child in the world has the rights to
education and schooling but by our
shared resolution we can be the first
generation in history to eradicate the
deadliest diseases of malaria diphtheria
tuberculosis polio and then together
attack the scourge of hiv/aids and if
what seemed the impassable pinnacle of
ending apartheid can be scaled in the
last century then in this century
inspired by Nelson Mandela we can make
poverty history and make this world than
you so I now invite him Wendy Richard to
unveil this statue today with me across
from Winston Churchill who led us in the
defeat against fascism near to every
Lincoln the great Emancipator will stand
Nelson Mandela the liberator of people
may Nelson Mandela's story and they is
statute son in US and future generations
to stand with him and to seek a world
worthy of what is best in our common
humanity President Mandela you will be
here with us always
you
| 0 |
Description: Description: logopresidencia INAUGURATION OF THE ABEL JIMÉNEZ PARRA COLISEUM AND DELIVERY OF THE PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE OF SAMANES PARK Guayaquil, April 24, 2017 https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2886/34209940656_1225c68079.jpg What a great satisfaction for an honest politician, for one who does not seek power to enrich himself but the power to serve, to change, to improve the lives of others, to be happy by making others happy, to be here to keep a promise. If the Citizens' Revolution has done anything, it is to rescue the value of the word in politics. In these 10 years we have done what we offered to the Ecuadorian people. What those Ecuadorian people ordered at the polls. Today we fulfill a new promise, the brand new Abel Jiménez Parra Coliseum for Guayaquil, for the province of Guayas. MULTI-PARK PROJECT This was one of the many projects of the Revolution. The Revolution is constant change, creativity. We saw that our cities and particularly Guayaquil were in urgent need of green spaces. The WHO recommends 9 square meters of green space per inhabitant. When we came to power, Guayaquil had half a square meter, but it was not only Guayaquil, but also many other cities in Ecuador, but being perhaps the most serious, we devised the "Ecological Guayaquil" project. This project contemplatesSamanes Park (600 hectares), Santay Island (2,000 hectares), linear parks (more than 40 kilometers), the Estero Salado. We also seek to create other spaces of healthy recreation for our families, for our young people. For example, the Atarazana park, which has been a total success, was the old warehouses of the National Development Bank and next to it was the Bank's staff club, all that was demolished and now it is a beautiful playground. We also built Huancavilca Park where that horrific building from the time of the partycracy "the blender" used to be. We are building a millennium campus in Zofragua where dozens of hectares were to be used for a free zone that was never built. A millennium campus is large green spaces with public facilities, in this case the Guasmo Sur hospital, soon three millennium schools will begin to be built, there will be a higher technical institute, a sports center, for that populated area in the south of the city. In Fertisa we also have projects where the ASOGUAYAS fields are located. Many of these projects had to be stopped due to the economic difficulties of the last two years, but when we had some liquidity, we fulfilled a long-awaiteddream. We knew we were right, it should be easier to do the projects. Certain media, certain neighbors of the neighborhood, when we decided to move those sports spaces from their old place and bring them to Samanes Park and instead make a park there, even went so far as to say that a neighbor was opposed to the construction of the park because he would miss the goal shouts. There was a lot of opposition to the project to transform the FEDEGUAYAS sports complex, Pío López Lara Complex, into a park open to the public, move the Abel Jiménez coliseum to Samanes Park and provide a professional soccer field in compensation to FEDEGUAYAS. We almost gave up on the project, not because we were not sure because we were right, but because we were tired because there are so many cities that are waiting for government works and where we want to do one, they put so many obstacles in our way. Fortunately they went well, INMOBILIAR does a great job. That park is a success, today the majesty of the Yeyo Úraga is appreciated. It has even improved the security of the neighborhood. Many schools use it for their physical education classes. By the way, in neighborhoods where the public sector has not arrived as it should, improvement fees will not be charged. DETAILS OFCOLISEUM Here you have the new Abel Jiménez Parra Coliseum, for about 1,300 spectators with all the comforts, lighting, scoreboards, offices, rooms for narrators, and behind it is the gym for combat sports in replacement of the previous César Salazar Navas. This coliseum maintains the name of "Abel Jiménez Parra" in homage to the captain of the powerful provincial basketball teams with which Guayas dominated the national sports scene in the 60s and 70s, golden years for Guayas sports and who died in a tragic accident. The coliseum has a multipurpose court, sanitary batteries, dressing rooms, parking lots, green areas. The construction area is 2,500 m2 on a 2-hectare (20,000 m2) plot of land and the investment has been about 6.3 million dollars (6,249,433.49). Today we signed two additional agreements with FEDEGUAYAS. A few months ago we inaugurated the Emelec and Barcelona soccer fields, another great idea of the national government. But that is only the beginning, we need to do the residencies. That is why today we have signed an agreement to deliver an additional 7 hectares to each one. Never as a government have I given a single scoreboard or stand to a soccer team because they are companiesprivate schools, but soccer schools are different because they are helping to fulfill the function of the State. They work with children and young people in extreme poverty, rescue them from misery, teach them sports, help educate them. In fact, we are also going to build a millennium school here so that these children can live in the residence in Samanes Park, train in sports schools and be educated in millennium schools. That is, they have a comprehensive education. THE BRIDGE OVER AV. FCO. DE ORELLANA Today we also delivered another work to Guayaquil, a pedestrian bridge that will facilitate the crossing over Francisco de Orellana Avenue (10 lanes) from Samanes Park to the sector of the trails where you can enjoy a bike path, canopy and climbing wall. This beautiful pedestrian and bicycle bridge is 215 meters long and 4.5 meters wide. When things are done with love, great results are obtained. This park has changed the lives of Guayaquil residents. We never said that we were going to finish Samanes but we did say that we were going to leave it very advanced, but there is still work to be done. This park reaches the banks of the Daule river and the idea is to make mirrors ofwater or a professional track for canoeing. The camping area, the nursery, the pedagogical area, more soccer fields, tennis courts are missing. To culminate that, there are still areas that are not yet part of the park and belong to the ISSFA. We have been negotiating for more than two years to sell us these lands – the president of the Republic should not negotiate with his subordinates – which add up to 164 hectares. What was the ISSFA doing with so much land? These lands belong to the ISSFA but we must all be in function of the common good and these lands are required to complete the Samanes Park project. So Guayaquil, I already left the government on May 24, I am going to wait only this week to reach an agreement with the ISSFA. These lands cost about 14 million dollars, but if an agreement is not reached this week, next week, in use of my constitutional powers, I will expropriate these lands for the benefit of Guayaquil. So Guayaquil to be very attentive, not to let ourselves be snatched away from this shared dream, which is the Samanes Park, the largest in the world that is being built at the present time. CLOSING Guayaquil dear, here is anew sports arena, the Abel Jiménez Parra Coliseum, and you have your new pedestrian crossing, beautiful aesthetic, functional joining the two sectors of the park. Congratulations to INMOBILIAR for its efficiency in this new work. Congratulations to FEDEGUAYAS for their cooperation, for their support. Congratulations to all of you. Enjoy this new sports venue, enjoy your Samanes park. Thank you so much. Until victory always! RAFAEL CORREA DELGADO Constitutional President of the Republic of Ecuador | 1 |
Topolanek: Estonia and Czech Republic are Natural Partners in 21. Century in Europe 06.05.2008 Topolánek: Estonia and the Czech Republic are natural partners in 21st century Europe Office of the Government, Czech Prime Minister delivered a speech at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Estonia on 5 June 2008. • The title of my lecture may seem a bit like a cliché. In fact, however, it accurately describes the situation. The Czech Republic and Estonia have so many common interests and points of contact that it would be enough for a lecture series. I will limit myself to a brief list and even so, I am afraid that my speech will not be the shortest. First, a little history. In Estonia, Jindřich Matthias Thurn, commander of the army of the Estates during the anti-Habsburg uprising in 1618-1620, lived out his life. He died in 1999. 1641 and is buried in Tallinn. Since the 19th century, Estonian patriots have been inspired by the Czech National Revival, later the successful First Republic. During the communist era, Czech culture was extremely popular in Estonia, and the good soldier Švejk is probably even more popular here than at home. Today, on the contrary, we are inspired by Estonian liberal reforms and the computerization of public administration. And there are many other reasons why we should care about each other. We are compatible in so many ways that it would be a grave mistake not to take advantage of this obvious advantage. European Union: I will start with cooperation in the EU. Anyway, I'm comingto Estonia as part of the tour de capitals as Prime Minister of the future country holding the Presidency. On the one hand, the Union has its own inertia, its own trajectory, and we cannot even have the ambition to fundamentally shift its direction within six months. But this must not lead us to resign. On the contrary, we must try to find allies with the same views and interests who will help us to initiate positive changes and push through a basic liberalization program. Estonia is undoubtedly such an ally. Like the Czech Republic, it has a vital interest in an open, flexible EU. Like the Czech Republic, it rejects the rigid unification and bureaucratization of the Union. Like the Czech Republic, it wants a globally competitive and free Europe. We see Estonia as our natural ally in Europe. We were invited to the EU at the same time and joined it together. We have the same unfortunate historical experience with communism and the dictates of a powerful center, and we certainly do not want to exchange Moscow for Brussels. We have the same interest in eliminating discrimination against the new member states, pushing for the completion of the liberalisation of the internal market and the full exercise of the four fundamental EU freedoms: the free movement of persons, goods, capital and services. And both our countries are sceptical about the functioning of a number of common EU policies. Our position in the European Union is so identical that we are experiencing exactly the same basic dilemma, we have the same basic reasonto optimism and scepticism. On the one hand, EU membership brings us an economic boom thanks to our involvement in a large common market. On the other hand, we are harmed by unnecessary bureaucracy, a number of restrictive regulations and orders from the center. The decision of the Czech Republic and Estonia to join the EU was not motivated by idealism, but by the pragmatic consideration that profits outweigh losses, which is still true. Both our countries are economically dependent on trade, financial and economic interconnections with EU countries. In our case, it is especially our large neighbor Germany. Overall, 85 percent of our foreign trade is made up of exchanges within the Union. Estonia, on the other hand, is connected to the Swedish and Finnish economies. That is why we value the advantages of the common market so much, that is why we criticise so much everything that distorts it, that worsens our position vis-à-vis the old Member States. In particular, the expensive common agricultural policy, which favors Western farmers. This injustice is not changed by the fact that farmers make up a negligible percentage in our countries. That is why Estonia and the Czech Republic protested against the persisting discrimination at the March EU Council. It is only logical that the European debate in both countries is very similar. It voices concerns about a loss of economic momentum due to bureaucratic obstacles and restrictions on business. As well as criticism of violent unification efforts and the possiblethe division of the Union into "centre" and "periphery". We and you are dealing with the issue of the application of a small country among the stronger members, especially after the extension of qualified majority voting. And Estonia and the Czech Republic prefer further EU enlargement to deeper integration, advocating a greater role for nation states and rejecting federalization. Both our countries support the admission of Croatia and accession talks with Turkey. The enlargement of the EU to include the Western Balkans and, in the long term, Turkey also represents an expansion of the area of stability, security, peace and prosperity. The same applies to the neighbourhood policy, where we also agree to promote relations with Ukraine, Georgia and Moldova. Another point of agreement is the position on the European Commission's energy and climate package. The Czech and Estonian governments are of the opinion that it is necessary to proceed sensitively, to take into account local conditions and not to disadvantage entrepreneurs against non-European competition. In particular, this applies to auctions of emission allowances and the share of renewable sources in electricity production. Czech Presidency of the EU After what I have said, I really believe that the motto of our forthcoming Presidency - 'Europe without barriers' - will find many supporters here in Estonia. Although it is true that we will not transform the EU in six months, we want to at least turn our attention to the values on which it is based. To the values that brought it prosperity and security for half a century. And which are also the key to solving the problems that lie ahead of herstand and will stand at any time in the future. The basic European value is freedom, followed by solidarity. We want to try to shift the current European thinking towards greater liberalisation. I am optimistic about this, because this change in the current balance of power is already underway. The basic motto "Europe without barriers" is based on five slogans that cover the most important areas of further development: - A competitive and open Europe - Sustainable and secure energy - A budget for the future of Europe - Europe as a global partner - A secure and free Europe As is customary, we will announce our specific priorities just before the start of the Presidency. This is also based on the results of this tour, where we are looking for allies and finding out which topics we have the best chance of success. In any case, I find it inspiring that 2009 will mark the twentieth anniversary of the fall of the Iron Curtain and that it will also be five years since the largest enlargement of the Union in history. These anniversaries are another argument for striving to remove the remaining European barriers, especially when it comes to the free market. I consider the removal of barriers, whether inside or outside the EU, to be a fundamental mission not only of the Czech Republic, but of all other new countries. We are more sensitive in this respect than those who have never known communism. We have lived in a planned economy for too long, which is why we value the free market so much. AppreciateWe know how it has benefited us and the original members, and therefore we reject the effort to slow down further enlargement. An effort motivated by completely irrational fears of losing social achievements. During our Presidency, we definitely want to draw attention to the persisting restrictions on the free movement of labour and services. I appreciate that Estonian MPs, together with Czech MPs, supported a resolution criticising the inadequacy of the relevant liberalisation directive. Persistent discrimination is not only unfair to the citizens of the new countries, but ultimately limits the prosperity of all. Other issues include the problematic functioning of the internal energy market, the over-financing of traditional policies (especially the common agricultural policy, as I have already said) and unnecessary regulation. It is necessary to end the practice where an obviously wrong decision to regulate this or that is immediately followed by even tighter regulation, arguing that bureaucrats need "better" tools. We do not want better regulation, we want less regulation. We also want national feedback, because the consequences of the Brussels directives fall on our entrepreneurs and sole traders, whose interests we have to defend. It is during our Presidency that the measurement of the administrative burden on entrepreneurs resulting from EU regulations will be evaluated. Its aim is to start reducing this burden. In cooperation with the United Kingdom, we will hold a meeting of ministers responsible for regulatory reform from those EU countries that have made progress in the area of regulatory reform in the area of regulatory reform and regulatory reform.Simplification of the regulatory environment for some progress (i.e. in addition to the United Kingdom and the Czech Republic, also Germany, Denmark, the Netherlands, Poland, Sweden, Slovenia and Estonia. The result of this meeting should be the signing of a joint "Prague Declaration", the aim of which is to reduce regulation and eliminate administrative obligations for entrepreneurs. I hope that Estonia, which has not yet confirmed its participation, will participate. Even within the EU's external dimension, we see barriers that need to be broken down: restrictions on trade with third countries. An insufficiently functioning energy policy of the Union. Slowed dynamics of EU enlargement. And also the existing obstacles to transatlantic economic cooperation. Furthermore, it is necessary to make progress in the creation of a common EU migration and asylum policy in connection with the removal of barriers to the mobility of persons between the Member States of the Union. Overall, we need to achieve greater external openness of the Union. Security The same historical experience leads us to the same attitudes on the issue of security cooperation. It is based on the transatlantic bond. We, and certainly you, never want to be part of that "strange space between Germany and Russia", as General Wellington put it. The Czech Republic has always supported the accession of the Baltic countries, including Estonia, to NATO, and we have also provided regular security consultations. It is good that this has been achieved and that the fears of Moscow's reaction have not been confirmed. After all, the expansion of the alliance is not a threat to Russia, but, on the contrary, brings a zone of security closer to its bordersand stability. The Alliance is a defensive, not an offensive community, and it calms the situation in Russia's neighbourhood as it has never been in the past. And we will certainly agree that NATO membership provides both the Czech Republic and Estonia with security guarantees at the highest level, including at least equal status with Russia. The Czech government is of the opinion that NATO's most valuable asset is a common will to defend. That is why we welcomed the fact that the alliance has adopted the concept of anti-missile defence and that elements of the American system that are to be located in the Czech Republic and Poland will become part of NATO structures. We must take responsibility for the defence of our allies. We do not consider the radar to be either American or Czech, but simply "our", alliance, because it strengthens the common defence of all. For us, anti-missile defence is our next contribution to common security, such as the Centre for Protection against Weapons of Mass Destruction in Vyškov. Similarly, Estonia wants to increase the effectiveness of collective defense by building a cyber defense center. Building these alliance "centers of excellence" shows that we have successfully managed the transformation and professionalization of our armed forces and that we are no longer just passive recipients of security guarantees, but are ready to actively contribute to the defense of the community. A practical example of joint and indivisible defence within NATO is the Air Policing of the Baltic countries and Slovenia.The Czech Republic is intensively preparing for the fulfilment of this task, which will take place within the NATO mission in 2009 in the period from May to August 2009. Our cooperation in the field of military education has also proven successful. For example, members of the Army of the Czech Republic regularly study at the Baltic Defence College. We are also allies in foreign missions. I appreciate that Estonia is, among other things, an active member of the ISAF mission in Afghanistan. And that the Estonian Parliament has decided to extend this mission despite the sacrifices you have here. We also had casualties, and yet last week we decided to send another unit to Afghanistan to increase the military participation to the number approaching five hundred. The issue of energy security is also one of the security and geopolitical issues. We fully share your concerns about Russia's growing efforts to use energy policy as an instrument of great power policy. We support Estonia's integration into the European transmission system. And just like you, we feel threatened by the planned construction of a gas pipeline from Russia to Germany along the bottom of the Baltic Sea, the so-called Baltic Sea Pipeline. Northstream, which bypasses both Estonian and Czech territory. Along with the construction of South Stream and North Stream, there is a risk of by-passing Central and Eastern Europe, which will unilaterally increase our already high dependence on Russian raw material policy. In our opinion, the only solution is a joint approach by all EU countries andExclusion of solo actions. These principles should be incorporated into the Energy Charter, which will be part of a broader agreement between the European Union and Russia. E-Government An area in which Estonia is clearly a model for us is progress in e-Government. We are also introducing the possibility for citizens to comment on draft laws electronically and to communicate with authorities from one place without the use of paper. However, I recognise that Estonia is well ahead of us. In our country, the practical development of e-Government also began with the arrival of my government. We also consider progress in promoting e-Justice to be one of the priorities of our Presidency, which I am sure will be well received in Estonia. In addition to the computerization of justice on a national scale, we would like to move forward, for example, in linking insolvency and criminal records. We are also interested in moving forward with the e-Health project, a pan-European online health book. Economy In the end, I kept the economy. I must say that I very much admire the courage with which the Estonians have carried out economic reforms, a high degree of liberalisation, consistently balanced and rather surplus budgets, and the sensible use of public funds. And I'm a bit allergic to derisive voices that radical reforms are only good for poor countries. Rome was a weak republic compared to the Egyptian Empire, but in the end it won a handy victory over it thanks to the economic power gained by a more liberal approach to trade. Europe was compared toChina a poor and insignificant power before it began to assert its virtues of freedom and individual initiative thousands of years ago. The United States has gone from being a country of immigrants and trappers to becoming a leading power because of the power of economic freedom. Estonians are following in these footsteps. And I will consider it an honor to walk that path with you. As I said, we are natural allies in Europe. Today, it is a rich and developed continent. Only sometimes does he forget where all this prosperity came from. In the 21st century, we need to go back to our roots. The basic European value and the greatest virtue that has always brought us success and prosperity is not solidarity, but freedom. Behind the huge post-war boom of European societies is the growth of competition, not regulation. The guarantee of our economic and social security is the free market, not protectionism. Small open economies such as the Czech Republic and Estonia are more dependent on the free market and liberal trade than the large ones. But that doesn't mean that the big EU countries can ignore our interests. When small creatures start to die in the stream, soon there will be big fish, because poisoned water is bad for everyone. We therefore have a great task in common: to promote our interests in the Union with the greatest possible force, consistency and alliance. Our greater sensitivity allows us to see future riskssooner and sharper than others. We know that we are right. As the Czech religious reformer Jan Hus said: "Truth is only that which is the good of all." And our truth is freedom. | 1 |
Dear colleagues, supporters and friends, Dear guests, We present the "Program for European Development of Bulgaria" of PP GERB at this moment, almost at the end of the election campaign for the European Parliament, not by chance. Not because we are striving to enter the pre-election chronicles with this event. But because we want to clearly express our understanding that the national and European policies of our party are not indifferent. We are convinced that we can only pursue a good policy in the country if we cooperate with our Euro-Atlantic partners. Bulgaria should actively participate in the formation of European decisions and be part of them in order to guarantee national interests. We are also convinced that we can restore Europe's trust and be a respected nation only if we pursue a correct, consistent with European norms, requirements and priorities national policy here in Bulgaria. For this, there can be only one program for governing Bulgaria: "Program for European Development of Bulgaria". For us, it is the result of a comprehensive creative and political process. It started from the idea and with the mission of PP GEPB, went through our first program "New Right-Wing Contract for Bulgaria" from 2007, developed into the political and managerial ideas that we present today and continuein the development of the specific policies and management decisions we are planning. These decisions will be tailored to the realities we will face. At the moment, we cannot even fully and comprehensively predict them. We do not know how and in what parameters the global crisis and the recession in the country will develop. We cannot predict in what state we will find the state. That is why the most important thing we say to all Bulgarians today is: We from GERB want to be honest with you and not to lie to you. Not only before you cast your vote for us, but also afterwards, when we will be in Parliament and the government of the country. That is why in the "Program for European Development of Bulgaria" of PP GERB you will not find loud promises. She is realistic and honest. Bulgarian citizens should know that what we want to achieve is much more than what we will probably be able to do. Especially at a time of crisis and with the heavy legacy of the BSP, MRF and NMSII government. But I assure you that we will do our best to achieve the best for Bulgaria! Today, at this forum, we will refute the criticism of our opponents who exploitpublic fears. For this I state clearly: GERB has personnel and expert potential to govern. For almost two years, 19 working committees have been working in the party, in which almost 200 experts discussed, argued, looked for ideas for the governance we want to implement. In parallel with them, the opinions and assessments of a wide range of professionals from all fields were sought and heard. The help of our friends from the EPP in the process of developing our management ideas was also useful for us. Here is the place to emphasize the invaluable merit of the Hanns Seidel Foundation, with whose assistance we managed to organize discussions on the main sectoral policies throughout the country and thus enrich and promote our ideas. I express our sincere and great gratitude for this. I thank the civil, professional, trade union, employers' organizations with which we checked our ideas. Without the invaluable help and efforts of all of you, we would not have a "Program for European Development of Bulgaria" today. I say for sure that GERB has alternative ideas for governance. In our program there are no empty promises, there are not even those that sound good and easily win voters. It "crossed out" all statements that can deceive you by presenting what the Bulgarians want as guaranteed by our policy. To the representatives of theI can say to the media: you will not get ready-made headlines from this text. But every open-minded person will find in it our responsibility to govern, the desire to follow what has been achieved and good practices where they exist, our desire to govern in the interests of Bulgarian citizens. This is actually an alternative to the current political practice and a clear sign of the new type of policy that GERB will pursue. Tomorrow, when we win the elections honestly and with dignity, we will strive to prove: • That the country can be governed in a way different from that of previous governments and especially of the Triple Coalition • That there can be honesty, openness and political will in politics to overcome objective difficulties • That by changing the style of politics and governance, We will give a European image of the state in order to achieve the most important thing – a dignified life and European self-esteem of Bulgarian citizens. This is what we will strive for, this is what we will work for, and to this end we will measure both what we have achieved and the mistakes we will make. This time will not be easy for us. But we in PP GERB are aware that there have been no easy days for all Bulgarians so far. That is why we are ready to take on the challenge ofefforts to make their lives more bearable and more dignified. I am personally aware of how high this goal is and I clearly state: I do not promise you that we will achieve it quickly, completely and for everyone. But I guarantee you that I and PP GERB will follow this path and will follow our will to achieve the goal we all want. We believe that the basis of the overall progress of the country is the personal success of each citizen. The policy of PP GERB will encourage this natural human aspiration and will create conditions for its realization. Bulgaria needs to feel the thrill of success, of overcoming difficulties, of achieving what it wants. And we will work so that we can give it to her. The measure of the success of our policy will be the restored national self-confidence of Bulgarians and the trust gained in our country. If we achieve this, we will have achieved a lot. Bulgarians deserve it! The main condition for achieving this is to start working and living in accordance with European norms and standards of political and public life. So do not forget - Bulgaria's success begins with the success of PP GERB in the upcoming elections - on June 7 for the European Parliament and on July 5 for41st National Assembly! You know that empty words do not impress anyone, and we want you to believe us. I will tell you how we will work to get to our main goal – to rid the state and citizens of corruption. In its policy and governance, PP GERB will be guided by five main principles. 1. RULE OF LAW AND INDEPENDENCE OF THE JUDICIARY This means: • A functioning and independent judiciary for fair punishments • Equality before the law for all, regardless of their position and status • Guaranteed security for citizens 2. The laws we adopt must: • Be consistent with long-term and not conjunctural needs • Guarantee the sustainable development of the country and the interests of citizens • Be based on serious and up-to-date economic and expert analyses and be adopted after public and expert discussions 3. INCREASING THE ADMINISTRATIVE CAPACITY OF THE STATE ADMINISTRATION This means: • To optimize structurally and functionally the state administration according to European standards • To ensure a process of continuous increase of administrative capacity • To develop and introduce e-government What will most significantly and visibly distinguish us from the current government is our readiness to comply with the principle of 4.• OPENNESS, TRANSPARENCY AND ACCOUNTABILITY OF THE GOVERNMENTIt commits us to: • Providing accurate and up-to-date information about the work of the legislative and executive authorities. About the decisions that are taken and the motives for them. • Preliminary and ex-post assessment of the funds spent by the state. • Regular report on the degree of realization of the goals set in management decisions and government spending • Guaranteed access to socially significant information We are aware that we cannot work and achieve our goals if we do not provide even 5. We declare our will to take our management decisions into account with the opinion of various social, demographic, professional and business organizations. The constant dialogue with civil society organizations will help us to activate civil society and make it our full partner. We need this in government, because we are clearly aware that in order to implement a successful government, we need the efforts and potential of the entire nation. More importantly, Bulgarian society needs this cooperation between politics and civil society to happen. THE MAIN PRIORITIES THAT WE WILL WORK ON WHEN WE WIN THE TRUST OF BULGARIAN CITIZENS ARE: FIRST OF ALL: RESTORING AND GUARANTEEING JUSTICE IN BULGARIAN SOCIETY We define this priority as the main one in the "Program for European Development of Bulgaria", because we are aware thatthat Bulgarians more than ever need to: • Availability and observance of basic norms and laws in the country, • Fair punishments and effective administration of justice to everyone, regardless of their position and biography • Fight against corruption and organized crime. • Fair governance of the country to ensure the chance of success for everyone who aspires to it • Trust in state institutions, the political system and democracy. Everyone is aware that if we manage to achieve this, we will have solved the main problems, we will have guaranteed the way to the success of PP GERB. And we are also clearly aware that this is a task that can only be realized in the long term. The fruits of our efforts on this priority will be "harvested" by our children. But we are going down this path because the beginning must be set. And this is our historical mission. SECOND: PROSPERITY FOR BULGARIAN CITIZENS AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE BULGARIAN ECONOMY The implementation of this priority is the first in time. We will start with it from the first day, because we are aware that we need to achieve higher pay and a better daily life for citizens. However, we should all be aware that this can only be done afterBy succeeding: • In the short term - to stop the recession, restore economic growth and break the schemes for plundering the state • In the long term - to revive and reform the Bulgarian economy in order to achieve sustainable income growth We can achieve this only if our management decisions are consistent with the universal European and world efforts. We from PP GERB are convinced that the Bulgarian way out of the crisis goes through the common European economic policy. Taking it as a guide for our political decisions, we will strive to revive the Bulgarian economy in the following directions: • Priority recovery and expansion of traditional Bulgarian sectors such as agriculture and tourism. • Development of the Bulgarian energy sector and ensuring the energy independence of our country. • Introduction of new information technologies in all sectors All this means that by rebuilding the country and the economy after the crisis, we will try to put it on new rails and modernize it. THIRD: IMPROVING SOCIAL SECURITY. CREATING A FAVORABLE AND HEALTHY LIVING ENVIRONMENT TO ENSURE PEOPLE'S PERSONAL AND PUBLIC HEALTH We at PP GERB are convinced that Bulgaria should be governed according to the model of the social market economy. The guiding principles in it are freedom, justiceand solidarity. It is carried out by the EPP member parties and is defined by leading European politicians such as Angela Merkel as "the best that politics can offer to citizens". This model is the best modern opportunity because it combines the principles of free economy and solidarity. PP GERB will pursue an active social policy aimed at changing the conditions and quality of life, and not only at solving individual problems provoked by these conditions. In order to limit unemployment, our policy will combine solidarity with incentives for social activity of citizens. We will work for a better environment and living conditions for people with disabilities, for the integration of socially disadvantaged and minority groups. Bulgarian pensioners are our main concern and moral responsibility. They bear the greatest difficulties and consequences of communist rule. Low pensions are predetermined by him. Unfortunately, in a crisis situation like the current one, we cannot do much to raise them. That is why we do not promise it today. But we declare that in our government we will not underestimate and forget our care for Bulgarian pensioners and we will work to reform the pension system. We want to give a chance to everyone who has crossed the pension limit to be able to work if they want to. Our mainand the most important goal is to improve the public health of the nation. Great and consistent efforts are required here. Political will is also needed to put an end to the vicious practices that harm citizens and prevent them from receiving quality health care. There is still a lot to be given to citizens in this area. We want to start on a solid foundation and hope that we will be able to take the right direction. Guaranteeing, maintaining and protecting the environment is an expression of our responsibility to the future and future generations. Our care for Bulgarian nature will be implemented in parallel with the wider use of renewable energy sources, solving the problems with household waste throughout the country, with a new policy in the water sector. Healthcare, social policy, ecology are the directions in which the most efforts should be made and in which it is most difficult to achieve a quick and tangible result. But they are the most important for the citizens, which means that they will be the most important for our government. FOURTH: DEVELOPMENT OF THE NATION'S HUMAN CAPITAL FOR HIGHER NATIONAL SELF-ESTEEM AND SUCCESS OF EVERY CITIZEN THROUGH EUROPEAN EDUCATION, SCIENCE AND CULTURE Bulgarian education, science and culture have their valuable traditions and achievements. Today, they mustdeveloped and modernized. In order to continue our way forward, to get out of the crisis quickly, to develop rapidly, we need education that produces competitive personnel on the European labor market, active individuals with modern knowledge and high professional skills. In order to achieve better results, we will apply an integrated approach to education policy. We will focus our efforts on making Bulgarian science and research a major factor for the modernization and progress of our country and part of the global process of scientific development. In order to preserve the Bulgarian spirit and Bulgarian identity in a European environment, we will develop contemporary Bulgarian culture in parallel with the preservation of our rich cultural and historical heritage. Incentives are needed and we will provide them for the creative expression of Bulgarian artists and for the presentation of Bulgarian culture beyond our borders. We will try to "bring" the representatives and works of world culture to the Bulgarians. The progress of the Bulgarian nation and modern governance cannot be achieved without turning information and communication technologies into a major driver of innovation, economic development and competitiveness of all sectors of the economy. Information and communication technologies should become part of the everyday life of Bulgarians and a tool in the management of social processes. Thisis also a long and expensive process, but it is mandatory for the time we live. FIFTH: TURNING BULGARIA INTO A MAJOR FACTOR OF STABILITY IN THE REGION AND THE WORLD AND A RESPECTED MEMBER OF THE EUROPEAN UNION We at PP GERB are convinced that the success of European integration is a unique historical chance for our country. But our membership in the European Union must be a real balance of rights and obligations. Bulgarian citizens must benefit from full-fledged integration and European solidarity, and in order for this to happen, we must pursue a consistent and active European policy. The realization of Bulgarian national interests requires our country not to be in the periphery, but in the center of European integration. Bulgaria has an interest in a strong European Union, based on common values and sharing a common vision for peace in the world, and will support all decisions that guarantee it. Our goal is to intensify our policy in the region in order to accelerate the admission of other Balkan countries in strict compliance with EU criteria. We are convinced that the partnership between NATO and the EU is the most reliable guarantor of peace and global security. The membership of the Republic of Bulgaria in NATO and the European Union is a condition for the sustainable development of the Bulgarian nationwithout being contrary to the interests of third parties. It is a guarantor of the protection of the freedom and interests of Bulgarian citizens, of peace and security in the Balkans and the Black Sea region. This is the most general framework of our political ambition for the implementation of the "Program for European Development of Bulgaria" of PP GERB. It is a reflection of our understanding of responsibility to Bulgarian history, the nation and the coming generations. With this program, we categorically and clearly say: Bulgaria can have its dignified European development! LET'S PROVE THAT BULGARIA CAN! | 0 |
PRESIDENCY OF THE REPUBLIC Press Secretariat SPEECH BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC, ALEJANDRO TOLEDO, ON THE OCCASION OF THE START OF WORK ON THE CASMA - HUARAZ HIGHWAY (SECTION II CRUZ PUNTA - PARIACOTO) Kilometer 27 of the Casma - Huaraz highway, Ancash, October 4, 2005 Mr. President of the Ancash Region, Mr. Minister of Transport and Communications, Madam Congressman of the Republic, Maruja Alfaro, Mr. Congressman of the Republic, Mr. Máximo Mena, Mr. Congressman of the Republic, Alberto Cruz, Mr. Congressman of the Republic, Alcides Llique, Mr. Mayor of Chimbote, Mr. Mayors, Members of the press, From Yaután, today we begin a dream postponed for more than 50 years. We are going to lay the first stone of this road, which starts from the Casma - Pariacoto highway: the Cruz Punta - Pariacoto sector, located in the province of Casma. From here we go to Huaraz, and from Huaraz we go to the jungle. There are three road axes of enormous importance for a country that builds. My father, who is bedridden today, taught me in Cabana, in Chimbote, how to build, because he is a builder, he is a bricklayer. Although he is prostrate, he knows that I am still working and he isI will do until the last minute of my government. He should be proud because I dedicate myself to my people. There are three very important road axes: the Southern Interoceanic Highway, which benefits 10 departments, 5.6 million Peruvians from Madre de Dios, Moquegua, Tacna, Arequipa, Cusco, Puno, Ayacucho, Apurimac, Huancavelica and Ica; to the north, we are building the Bimodal Interoceanic Highway, which goes from Puerto Paita to Yurimaguas to connect, through Iquitos, with Manaus; and in the Center, from Lima, leaving by the Rámiro Priále highway, passing through San Mateo, La Oroya, Cerro de Pasco, Huánuco, Tingo María, to Pucallpa. We are going to connect this road with that axis of the Center. These are works, the works are the ones that tell, the rest are stories. Friends, I have traveled this road when it was laminated and I was only 15 years old. Now we will be able to enter the Callejón de Huaylas circuit through Casma - Sechin to connect with Chavin and I hope to reach Pashas, where I was born. Sechin, Chavin, Pashas are part of our history. Now it is up to us to respond with development, through infrastructure works - I am accompanied by a construction minister - that connect Cruz Punta, San Cristobal,Vinto, Yaután, Pampay, Tanta Huallanca, Cajur, Pariacoto, Cachipampa. Friends, this section Punta Cruz - Pariacoto is 28 kilometers long. We are going to invest about 24 million and it will benefit about 300 thousand people in these small towns that are the heart of Peru. But I'm not going to stop there, I want to get to the Callejón de Huaylas and I'm going to make the Yungay-Llanganuco highway with the Armed Forces. We are going to invest another 83 million soles, because uniting our peoples is part of decentralization and when it comes to the poor there is no political color. Mr. President of the Region, thank you for your generous words; Mr. Mayor, Mr. Mayors of Ancash, the poor have no political color, my works do not respond to any partisan interest. This road is going to continue. I want to thank the congressmen of the Republic for supporting me to build, history will be in charge of judging us. But the works are the ones that count. For example, we have invested about 50 million soles in rural electrification from Casma to Huaraz. Today, children can read with electric light, they can have a computer, they will no longer have to read like I didI, with a lighter in a can of milk that others drank, will now be able to have a program through the internet: Huascarán. Moreover, what are we doing for Ancash? This road that goes from Casma to Huaraz But what else? The road from Chimbote to Huandoval, Chimbote - Cabana - Huandoval But what else? Mr. Mayor of Chimbote, you know that we are investing close to 40 million dollars to provide water and sewage to Chimbote. I have decided to rebuild the entire school that educated me: the Gran Unidad Escolar San Pedro de Chimbote. Mr. President, Mayors, I will return to deliver a completely rebuilt school for young people. I announce that the National University of Santa and the National University of Ancash already have their economic resources, they have to start investing it well. Gentlemen university authorities, get down to work. We have resources, use them well. Gentlemen, you have the money and there is the necessary political will, rebuild that university of Huaraz, that National University of Santa. They have the resources that come from IFAD. It is not possible for us to have money and not be able to invest it well. It is not the fault of the central government. Gentlemen, from here I invoke you with all respect, but get down to business.the work because if you don't do it, I'm going to do it. Finish the file, finish the studies, there is the money. Young people are waiting. We need quality education. I am respectful of the independence of the powers and university autonomy, but please, do not let young people migrate to seek education elsewhere. Friends, I have come not only to start the construction of this section, Cruz Punta - Pariacoto from Yaután. I have also come to pay tribute to the department where I was born, to a people that I love, to a people that has given me everything, that has given me the opportunity to lead the destiny of the nation. I pay tribute to you, sister and brother, to you I have come to say thank you. I am going to do everything necessary to promote agribusiness. Yaután, this beautiful valley produces mangoes, paprika, asparagus, avocados and grapes to export and generate more work. Those hands that I have touched are dignified hands that have calluses, because people are only waiting for a job. Agribusiness allows us to generate jobs. That's why I'm working for a Free Trade Agreementwith the United States to have a market so that you can place your mangoes, your avocados, your paprika. Gentlemen, this highway is going to generate around 6000 direct and indirect jobs, but, Mr. Businessman who has won the good bid, first allow me to congratulate you, and second, I publicly ask you to hire the people from here to build the road, not to bring people from outside. These people are waiting, they have hope. I am going to return to thank him and to inaugurate this section to continue from Pariacoto to Huaraz. Gentlemen, I want to get to Huaraz and when we get to Huaraz we are going to go to Llanganuco culminating those 20 kilometers. I have asked the Armed Forces to help me make the Yungay - Llanganuco section so that the world knows about the beauty of our department. Friends, I will continue to give until the last minute of my government and my life to my department, to deep Peru, to this Peru, to which I owe a lot. Gentlemen, Mr. President of the Region, Mr. Mayors, I want to make an invocation with mutual respect: do not politicize the works. Gentlemen, I give myself up, I do not make any distinction of political color, but do not politicize the works.Mr. Mayor of Chimbote, you are going to count on me to build the Chimbote stadium. Thank you very much for this generous reception, thank you so much for allowing me to touch your hands and your heart. I am going to return to travel by land and travel this section. We are going to push hard to reach Huaraz, the Callejón de Huaylas. May God bless you Thank you very much | 0 |
Speech of Calin Popescu Tariceanu, Prime Minister-designate of the PNL-PD Alliance 24/11/2004 / 23/11/2004 http://www.newsbucovina.ro/actualitate/10753/discursul-lui-calin-popescu-tariceanu-premier-desemnat-al-aliantei-pnl-pd I am honored, but also marked by this moment. Yes! It is an honor for me to be appointed by the D.A. Alliance for such an important mission. At the same time, both the mandate and the moment are very special! I met thousands of people these days in Moldova together with Traian Basescu. Moldova bears, more than other regions of the country, the stigma of the PSD's bankruptcy policy. Poverty. Despair. Hopelessness. Arrogant barons like their party boss. The wealth in the pockets of the barons, at the expense of the poverty in the houses of the Romanians! In the Government that I will lead, I will not be Prime Minister of Bucharest! I will not isolate myself in a luxurious office, among paintings and icons, among subordinates and aides! The Romanian Government is returning home! The country, the people with their problems, this is the reality and not what is written on paper, in folders sent to Brussels! In this way, the government that I will lead will take Romania out of the dead end in which the PSD has brought it! I know that many Romanians have often seen and believe that, as soon as he comes to power, the politician only minds his own business and that of the politicians.to his acolytes. Over the years, the PSD has offered them the most eloquent examples, because it has brought forward upstarts eager for power. The PSD gave a prime minister who was an art collector, a great lover of expensive things and houses. Does Nastase live from the sale of eggs from Cornu?! Rather, let's not forget that they approve rescheduling and tax exemptions of trillions of lei for some pseudo-businessmen, who move their debts from one company to another. He gives money from the public budget for money and without an auction. He is a comrade with individuals with nicknames full of meaning, such as "Spaga", "Tipsis", "Portafel", "Baron". Now, Adrian Nastase wants to be president! Is it simple ambition, is it just a fad, is it organized greed?! The PSD has given a foreign minister who claims to have raised 200,000 dollars from savings. He also claims to have dealt with Romania's foreign policy. Under Geoana's ministry, Romania is on the verge of losing access to its oil and gas resources in the Black Sea. Under Geoana's ministry, the Danube Delta has begun to die, and Ukraine is messing around at our border. Geoana has a great "merit": she talks a lot! And then he wants to be promoted– as Prime Minister. So that they can talk more and more often. In whose name?! In Romania, the reign of words must stop! Under the PSD government, the reign of words hid, through propaganda, the reign of lawlessness! Our objective, that of the D.A. Alliance and of the government that I will lead is to rebuild the well-being in this country! The PSD lies shamelessly – as always – when it says that our governing program favors only 200,000 people! The oligarchic system that the PSD has built favors a few thousand individuals, the political clientele that the party subsidizes from public money, the money of the Romanians! Romania is not a poor country. Romania is a robbed country! The oligarchy concentrates in its hands the political and economic power of a country. It uses political decision-making in favor of illegal economic benefits. True businessmen build businesses through investment, management, communication, respect for consumers. The oligarchy takes advantage and strangles the competition. On the contrary, businessmen build and encourage competition. Romania has too often become a tolerated, forgiven partner. We, those who have succeeded, want Romania to succeed as well. We are proud of ourselves. We want to be proud of our country. I succeeded in business! My businesses have always given me independence fromof any political clientelism. The competence, the power of work and the education I received, are my personal investment in the mandate of Prime Minister! What do I want to gain from this "investment"? I don't need money! I don't need honors! I don't need strength! My gain will be the satisfaction that I have fulfilled my mission: to get the country out of the dead end in which the PSD has brought it, to stimulate Romanians to know success! The governing program of the D.A. Alliance opens the way to the reconstruction of welfare! A program that has a liberal and a social-democratic component favors the entire society. Of course, he is not good for the PSD oligarchy and clients, as well as for those who quarrel with the law. The liberal component brings Romania chances for all, the repositioning of the state in relation to the real economy, investments, private initiative, more jobs, real incomes. Taxes should become a contribution, not an obstacle! The social-democratic component brings a responsible social policy. The state should ensure quality services in the fields of health, education, pensions, social aids. Social policy is not made with handouts, but with medium and long-term programs. The PSD, with all its populism, was unable to conceive and support an anti-poverty strategy! Both the liberal and the social-democratic components aim to fight corruption. Notit will be an easy task, because under the PSD government, corruption has spread throughout Romania. But without getting rid of this scourge, it is impossible for any party to bring well-being to Romania. Corruption hinders the market economy and parasitizes social policies. That is why the PSD's claims to bring well-being to Romanians' homes are without any foundation! The party of Iliescu, Nastase, Geoana and company is a party built through clientelistic networks and corruption! PSD needs corruption to survive. That's why he needs to stay in power – his clientele would suffocate and lose money in opposition! Ladies and gentlemen, As I have said before and I will repeat it, in its greed for power and money, the PSD has raised obstacles not only to the well-being of Romanians, but also to Romania's European integration. That is why our warning is that the national interests of our country are at stake! The Nastase administration and the PSD want to make the issue of European integration an electoral slogan. In fact, PSD is the main obstacle to Romania's democratic integration into the European Union. The first obstacle raised by the PSD on Romania's way to the EU is generalized corruption. "A country left prey to corruption does nothas what to look for in the EU" – this is the polite but firm message presented on various occasions by European officials. PSD constantly ignored them! European leaders are giving veiled warnings for now, because their national interests are not yet at stake and they are still waiting for a change. This change cannot happen with PSD, because it only defends the interests of its clientelistic oligarchy. Adrian Nastase deceives Romanians when he says that he can bring Romania into the EU. As head of the PSD, the patron of corruption will go down in history as the author of the failure of EU integration, if he is left in power for another four years! The second obstacle to Romania's path to the EU raised by the PSD is the oligarchy that controls the main political, economic, financial, press and secret service levers. The European Union is a community of democracies, not oligarchs. There is a public control of power there! The Romania of the PSD oligarchy will always be at the door, receiving diplomatic ravages! The PSD cannot give up the oligarchy. Adrian Nastase bases his power and arrogance on the increasing control that oligarchic structures exercise over society. The third obstacle raised by the PSD on Romania's way to the EU is to keep Romanians in abject poverty anda sick dependence on state aid! The PSD did nothing to increase the standard of living of ordinary people, it had no strategy to fight poverty, being concerned only with its barons. He won't do anything anymore! At most, he will try to give a few more alms, putting new taxes on the incomes of people who work and lying in image campaigns paid for with public money. Romanians who still believe that the EU will accept the responsibility of receiving such a poor country are wrong! The fourth obstacle raised on Romania's way to the EU is the boycott of free enterprise and the competitive economy. The 2004 country report underlines that Romania, although it has received the status of market economy, cannot resist the competitive pressures in the EU. This would mean either the bankruptcy of Romanian companies, which will not adapt to the EU requirements, or the non-entry into the Union! This is, in fact, the most serious defiance for 2005-2007! The PSD is guilty of the underdevelopment of the Romanian economy and cannot do anything in the coming years to correct the situation, because it would come against the interests of its oligarchy. He gave state aid to party or contra clienteleVotes. It has divided the private sector into political clientele and private initiative exposed to an insecure and inconsistent business environment. He harassed independent businessmen in court. It has preferentially distributed funds from the EU budgets. The PSD will continue the same policy if it remains in power, so it will strengthen the obstacles to Romania's European integration. The fifth obstacle raised by the PSD on Romania's way to the EU is the undermining of Romanian democracy. Since the PSD has been in power, Romania has started to no longer meet the political criteria for joining the EU. It would be an illusion or pure PSD propaganda to say that Romania would enter the EU without a real democracy. Here are the great "achievements" of the PSD in this field: • The PSD has brought justice to its knees in front of the interests of the party and the oligarchy! He transformed it from an instrument of the rule of law into an instrument that strengthened its power, to cover up its abuses! • PSD destroyed freedom of expression, by pressuring control over the press. The PSD manipulates the public debate and cancels Romanians' constitutional rights to free expression and information. The PSD has destroyed the associative structures, constantly undermining the civil society and turning the leaders of various trade union or employers' organizations into servants. PSD undermined the systemthrough pesedization, blackmail and political pressure on the opposition. The PSD had a programmed policy of destroying the credibility of the opposition, through defamation and the creation of ghost leaders. The sixth obstacle raised by the PSD on Romania's way to the EU is the defective and infantile reporting to the EU. Although they boast about their foreign relations, the PSD leaders have failed to build a good intergovernmental cooperation between Romania and the EU member states, or the European forums, for two reasons. 1. The PSD leaders lied shamelessly abroad, to hide the lack of will to make real reforms. 2. They relied on dubious behind-the-scenes dealings that can temporarily bind some people in power at a given time, and not on serious commitments at the government level. The PSD has managed the "performance" of making a collection of criticisms in diplomatic phrases, but this does not mean that the leaders of the EU countries will override their national interests and will accept that Romania enters the Union marked by the diseases of transition. Here is just one concrete example. The PSD has made fun of the money of EU citizens, as well as that of Romanians, giving it to the local barons. How will youCould a European leader still come in front of his voters and plead Romania's cause in such conditions? Do you think that any of Nastase's supposed friends in the EU would lose their votes for the sake of Nastase's friends in Romania?! This is in fact the true balance of the so-called European policy of the PSD and not the propagandistic lies it launches! Romania comes out of the PSD government desolate! With the D.A. Alliance, with a government led by me, with Basescu as president-player, Romania has the chance to relaunch modernization and integration in Europe! Ladies and gentlemen, the trust given is a great opportunity for me. The voters' vote entrusted to the DA Alliance means a turning point for our parties. My belief is that it will be a turning point for the country. I realize that it is a unique moment for me, as a person. How to respond to this challenge? It is my nature as a liberal to take the reins in my hands and move on! It is my nature as a liberal to have the initiative and to succeed! It is in my nature as a liberal to respect my commitments to my partners! It is my nature as a liberal to face my opponents openly, through myselfInputs! I will not hide behind anyone. There are some who say that Traian Basescu is "the bad guy", and Tariceanu "also gets into the picture to improve the image". Let no one have any illusions that my politeness is the expression of any weakness! I am fair and determined! Next to Basescu there is room for fair and determined people! You don't even know how well we understand each other! But I know how to step on my feet with elegance. Careful and pressed! As an authentic liberal, I will not be a façade prime minister, an eternal spokesperson for others! This is the difference between a liberal prime minister, who will lead the Romanian Government after the November elections, and a civil servant who has twisted his career as the wind blew and it was his interest, which the PSD is putting up to cover the hidden game of the barons, wants to impress the electorate. Romania needs a free and self-confident man as prime minister! I will live up to this mission! | 2 |
Title: Their efforts have finally earned their rightful place in the history books
Leader: Erna Solberg
Location: Norwegian Maritime Museum
Occasion: Gathering for the war sailors
Date: 27 October 2016
Category: Ribbon-cutting
Dear war sailors, families, dear all,
It is an honor to be here with you today. And get to greet you in person.
It's an honour to have veteran sailors from the UK and the USA with us here today. Your presence is an important reminder of the friendship between our countries; A friendship that is just as strong today as it was during the war. Thank you for coming.
71 years have passed since the end of the war. It's a whole life. But the fact that you are sitting here today is an important reminder that the war is still our recent history.
It is our duty to never forget the effort you made and the enormous risk you took. On behalf of all of us.
Nor should we ever forget all those, all of you, who were left here at home. All the worn, everything missed. The fear of losing one's spouse, child, or parent. And the pain of doing so.
I would like to thank the Archive Foundation for the formidable job you do to uncover, document and disseminate the history of the war sailors in collaboration with the seamen's associations and contributors throughout the country.
And here today, it is natural to highlight the important work on the war sailor register. Not only will it help us remember the history of the war sailors. It will help us to remember you. The war sailors.
You are the most decorated group of all. And you were counted as a third branch of defense. But you are also the ones who had the highest casualty figures, both for men and women, of all those who participated in the war on the Norwegian side.
It was a life-threatening service. Death could come suddenly: sneaking under the water, rushing straight towards, or plunging down from the sky.
It was a strain few of us are able to comprehend. The constant fear and longing for loved ones. But also camaraderie and unity in a dangerous time. Many experienced hard skirmishes and dramatic shipwrecks. Comrades who drowned or burned to death. Impressions that never let go, and perhaps were never talked about since.
Life after the war was also hard for many. For many, peace became a new and even longer struggle. A fight for understanding and rights. A struggle that also claimed their lives.
You met a Norway that did not see you. A bureaucracy that did not hear you. Few people knew about the effort you had put in. Or what sacrifices you had made. And even fewer understood the significance. Both of what you accomplished and what war can do to a person.
Norwegian seamen transported much of the fuel to the Allied forces. You sailed with supplies and materiel to all corners of the globe and participated in a number of operations in support. So important were the Norwegian seafarers that British Admiral Dickens stated in the BBC as early as 1941 that "if it hadn't been for the Norwegian merchant fleet, we might as well have asked Hitler for his terms."
The seamen's efforts - their efforts - were crucial to the Allies winning the war. And thus because millions of people have been able to grow up in freedom. The contrast is great to the treatment many experienced when they returned home.
And it would take 68 years after the end of the war before the government issued an official apology on behalf of the Norwegian state. An apology to all the war sailors that we let down. The lack of recognition and support for so many years will forever stand as a painful chapter in our history.
Dear friends, today "war sailor" is one of the greatest honorary titles we have. Their efforts have finally earned their rightful place in the history books. The knowledge of their lives, work and sacrifice is increasing every year. Not least thanks to yourselves and your families, the Archive Foundation, the seamen's associations, historians and writers who are deeply committed to managing and telling your story to new generations.
John Michelet recently published his fifth book in the series "A Hero of the Sea". When I read the review in Aftenposten a couple of weeks ago, I sat and thought about a Wergeland quote from the book, with which Aftenposten also ended its review.
I would like to end with the same words:
"Then you probably don't say too much,
when it is claimed that no Norwegian citizen class
have made themselves more deserving of ordinary act
and honorable recognition
than the sailor's"
(Original text: "That is hardly saying too much when one asserts that no Norwegian civic class has more deserved general esteem and honourable recognition than that of the sailor.")
Thank you very much for your attention. | 0 |
Name of Executive: Lucio Gutiérrez Borbúa Name of Speech: Eng. Lucio Gutiérrez to the Ecuadorian people Date: 16 January, 2012 Location: Unknown Source: Bulletins of the Patriotic Society Party Ecuadorian and Ecuadorians: This government is the puppet of a totalitarian international project, tearing to shreds the concept of national sovereignty, where everything is disposed to Correa. He insults Lucio Gutierrez so that he does not take away the prominence of the Constituent Assembly and he obeys the mentors of this totalitarian and violent international project, with which we Ecuadorians who love and will fight for freedom, peace, political, economic, social stability and democracy do not agree. I was a victim of the political mafias as the Ecuadorian people have been, they overthrew me with a coup d'état, I was unjustly imprisoned in the Garc a Moreno prison, they took away my political rights through the TSE and the TC to prevent my participation in the last elections facilitating Correa's victory, I was persecuted by the CCCC, the Prosecutor General and the Comptroller, in fact I was the first to propose the Constituent Assembly and consistent with this speech on January 21, 2005, I personally deliveredin Congress a popular consultation project to depoliticize and de-partisanize the CSJ, the TSE and the TC and the coup political mafias blocked it. Correa's is not a political reform to put an end to the mafias but to replace them with others. The people voted for the end of the political mafias, we want changes, not a totalitarian dictator, who perennials in power, through insults, humiliation and terror. No, Correa, you are wrong, that is why the people did not elect you. We will not leave the Constituent Assembly, we are its managers, giving the country a peaceful solution and avoiding a civil war. Correa, with his statements in Zumbahua, not only irresponsibly torpedoes the Constituent Assembly, but also wants to return to confrontation, joining the political mafias that do not want it. The fundamental reason for his treacherous attitude is that Correa has run out of the Constituent Assembly's speech, now he will have to answer to the poor people of the country, he has finished the electoral campaign and must dedicate himself to governing, lowering the VAT, the electricity tariff, the cost of basic services, the interest on the credits of the public bank andprivate. Raise bonuses for the poor and the delivery of housing. The Constituent Assembly with the 24 votes of the deputies of the Patriotic Society is a reality, consequently, we do not want to hear Correa talk more about the Constituent Assembly, to tell us how he is going to reactivate the productive apparatus, reduce poverty, misery, how he is going to improve education, housing, security. We support the Constituent Assembly knowing that the Assembly by itself will not generate sources of work, economic stability, will not lower the costs of basic services, will not improve the salaries of Ecuadorians, will not reduce poverty, unemployment, insecurity, that must be done by Correa. Because of his arrogance and arrogance, Correa is a new version of the insolent messenger of the oligarchy, only this time, of an international oligarchy, who believes that with petrodlers they can buy Latin America. Correa does not propose anything, only confrontation, violence, insults, chaos. He is an apprentice insulter, who responds like a fool with rude ass in the face of a patriotic and even gentlemanly gesture on our part. On two occasions I tried to be Minister of Economy of my government and I did not succeed, ah his hatred is born. In theIn the early morning of this Thursday, January 11, Correa called me on the phone, yes Ecuadorians, the arrogant and apprentice of a nervous, trembling, submissive, polite insulter, called to thank me for my patriotic gesture and in a cowardly attitude, acting as a clown in front of his international bosses who are the owners of the circus and of this totalitarian international project, Taking advantage of having the media at his disposal, in the middle of the show, he attacked me. Compatriots, the only major to which we belong is that of the people, who want profound changes for the benefit of the country, we are not in any greater favor of this apprentice insulter. Ours is a nationalist project, that is why we support the Constituent Assembly, by and for Ecuadorians. Correa will not rest until there are deaths in the streets, he wants violence, confrontations, spilled blood of the poorest of the country. We seek profound reforms in peace, with political, economic and social stability. With the greatest respect to my people. Eng. Lucio E. Guti rrez B. | 2 |
CLOSING OF THE CAMPAIGN MASHI RAFAEL CORREA. Rafael Correa: We already have a revolution, we already have a homeland, let's not allow them to steal it from us again. ¡!! Long live Quito, Long live Ecuador, Long live the citizens' revolution, Long live the new homeland!! What a wonderful mashi is bursting and we still have thousands of people behind the stage, who will not be able to see us, or follow us on the screens because they went backwards. Well, I think that no one else enters here, so a hug also to those who are in the back and on the sides of the stage and thank you very much to you Ecuadorian people, here is the best response to so much manipulation that has been the apathetic campaign, which has been the campaign without interest, that no proposals have been presented, apathetic for their candidates, without interest for their partycracy, without proposals and without a government plan, but their campaign of citizen participation, listen to me well here that the nine electoral campaigns, all with the same achigoguaico shoes, the same belt and I have never seen so much enthusiasm, so much support, so much hope from the citizens Venceremos. Not to lose everything we have gained, compañeros, we have advanced so much and theThe same old people want to take us back to the past. It is forbidden to forget that past, that past of bank holidays, of seizure of our deposits, of forced migration that destroyed tens, hundreds of thousands of families. That past of labor exploitation. That past of packages, to pay off the debt that they themselves produced. That past of surrender, of servility, that past never again. Of nine elections I have never seen so much joy, I have never seen so much excitement, I have never seen so much hope, but not only that. Listen to me Ecuadorian people, listen to me all of Ecuador through the honest media that allow this because the others are not going to allow anything. It is not only joy, it is hope, it is positivism, it is unity, but it is also that maturity you will see the defeat that those who believed us to be a people who with gifts were going to buy the conscience of our people will have at the polls. Those grotesque, corrupt populisms that have done so much damage to the homeland, that party-ocracy that fled at the first attempt will see the defeat they are going to have at the polls, because the political and democratic maturity of the Ecuadorian people is impressive. This comrades part, from the assemblyman of the Andean Parliament, we andIn their respective provinces, preparing the electoral control, very attentive the partycracy could be entrenched knows by heart the tricks it has always practiced so this Sunday, take care of the vote, that is why there are comrades who are already working in their respective provinces. But compañeros, Quito dear, Ecuador of the soul for living parliamentarians, like a soccer match that I don't want to remember 5-0. Five to the citizens' revolution and zero to the partycracy. Ecuador dear, the time has come, an intense but emotional, hopeful 42-day campaign has ended. We have not rested, we have not been able to do everything we wanted, but we have done everything we could, we visited many provinces and many cantons and corners of the country. This Sunday you decide, whether to go back to the past, that past of bank holidays, that past of forced migration, that past of outsourcing, temporary exploitation, that past of a package so that they themselves pay the debts they had. That past of foreign companies based on national soil, that past of seven Presidents in ten years. That past of three governments overthrown by traitors, cowards, fleeing in small planes, in helicopters, at the first attempt. That past that filled us with shame,It stole hope, demoralized us or continue with this dream come true, with this legend that is already our citizen revolution, not only infrastructure, services, rights, but also the revolution of dignity, independence, justice, sovereignty. This Sunday, February 17, you all, all of you, 35. My dream, from my brown homeland, is to see a country without misery, without children on the street, a homeland without opulence, but dignified and happy. A friendly homeland, distributed among all. Now with my heart I repeat that I will never disappoint my compatriots and I will devote all my effort, with God's help and under the libertarian shadows of Bolívar and Alfaro, to fight for my country, for that just, haughty and sovereign homeland that we all dream of and that we all deserve. Song: That will be the homeland, my companion, homeland of our children, light of loyalty, homeland sacred land on every path, where we never fail to the truth. That will be the homeland, the cinnamon country, and in the south of justice and equality we will never lack Manuela's faith, as well as hope and dignity. That will be the homeland that we conquer, the homeland of my tenderness andof my pains, never again misery, never oblivion, never again agony in your tricolors. Homeland of dignity and combative light Homeland of youth with wings in the wind Homeland always free and independent Homeland, revolution and rebirth Homeland, revolution and rebirth. END OF AUDIO CLOSING OF CAMPAIGN MASHI RAFAEL CORREA | 2 |
Transcript of the speech at the solemn meeting dedicated to the 65th anniversary of the Great Victory 07.05.2010 http://www.president.gov.by/images/i.gif Dear veterans! Dear compatriots! Dear foreign guests! There are many memorable dates and events in world history. Many of them, which seemed important to their participants and contemporaries, have worn out and tarnished like old coins. But there are those who were destined to become a watershed in the development of human civilization and transform the world. In ancient history, such an event was the emergence of Christianity. In the newest - the Great Victory in the Great Patriotic War. "The Great Victory" is how it was called six and a half decades ago by millions of Europeans, who met the liberators with tears in their eyes. The Great Victory brought a long and lasting peace. Literally before our eyes, what can be considered a miracle of history happened. Europe, on the territory of which hundreds of large and small wars were continuously waged for thousands of years, blood flowed like a river, suddenly reconciled and calmed down. Historical enemies have become, if not friends, then at least partners. Nations, which had been fighting each other for hundreds of years, began to build a common European home. And today, those who are proud of the unity of Europe should understand: the origins of unity are in that Great Victory of 1945. Millions of Soviet soldiers, millions of our fellow Belarusians who fought and died in the Great Patriotic War, not only saved all of us, did not just liberate the world from the Nazi abomination - it was they whoallowed Europe to become what it is today – calm and prosperous. For 65 years, on the lands of Germany, France, Britain, Poland and other European countries, there has been no cannonade, no bombs have exploded and no blood has been shed. And this is the merit of our Soviet soldier, partisan and underground fighter! We didn't just liberate Europe – we brought it peace for decades! We, the descendants of the Victory, the successors of the courage of past generations, should be proud of this and, most importantly, preserve the precious heritage. Recently, the topic of World War II has been in the spotlight of political leaders and the press. And everyone is trying to get the maximum benefit from history for themselves. They interpret events as if they have won the war there, in the West and in the United States, and have been guarantors of global security for decades. Even worse, attempts to allegedly rethink history are made in the "independent" Belarusian newspapers and "free culture". Let's not underestimate the merits of any of the states of the anti-Hitler coalition. But we must not allow the Victory to be taken away from ourselves and our people! We must not forget at whom the main blow of fascist aggression was directed and who repelled it. Hitlerite Germany unleashed a gigantic power on our country, the Soviet Union. The length of the Soviet-German front was four times greater than all the western fronts combined. German soldiers knew: the Eastern Front is hell,from which there is no return and from which there is no salvation. It accounted for 72 percent of the human losses of the Wehrmacht and the SS. Only in the Brest Fortress did the Nazis lose as much manpower as during the entire French campaign. The battle of Brest was the beginning of the battle for Berlin. 1 million 300 thousand natives of Belarus fought in the ranks of the Red Army. Almost half a thousand became Heroes of the Soviet Union. A unique phenomenon that has no analogues in history was the resistance movement in Belarus. The so-called second front was opened not in 1944 in Normandy, but much earlier, in Belarusian cities, villages, forests and swamps, where whole families went to fight for the Motherland. There were about 1 million partisans throughout the vast Soviet Union. At the same time, in our republic alone there are over 800 thousand people's avengers. On April 27, 1943, Hitler declared war on the partisans and ordered that the fight against them be considered equivalent to fighting on the fronts. During the years of occupation, the Belarusian partisans destroyed more than five hundred thousand enemy soldiers and officers - about the same number were the losses of the Nazis in the battles after the opening of the second front in Europe. The "rail war" that unfolded on our land almost halved the supply of German troops and became the key to the success of the major offensive operations of the Soviet Army in 1943-1944, which opened the wayto the complete liberation of enslaved, humiliated and brought to its knees by this time. Isn't this a response to those papermakers who are trying to denigrate the partisan pages of the history of the Great Patriotic War! The common victory over the enemy was also brought closer by the home front workers. Just think about it: in the war 42nd, the Gomselmash plant produced 6 times more products than on the eve of the war. And in 1943 he surpassed this level by 14 times. History has never known such unity, holy brotherhood and faith. Not only individuals, but also entire settlements became heroes. The nationwide feat decided the outcome of the entire Second World War. But the mournful list of victims of our countrymen stands out on the continent, because no European state has suffered such monstrous damage. We remember everyone: those who fought in the trenches, partisans, fought underground, in the forests, who selflessly worked on the labor front, who experienced the horrors of concentration camps. The memory of that war is stronger than time. Perhaps because the long-suffering Belarus has lost every third of its inhabitants, as well as due to the heightened sense of justice and honesty that are inherent in our nation, a decade and a half ago, in the years of political turmoil and the overthrow of ideals, you remember, Belarus was the first in the entire post-Soviet space to raise the topic of the inviolability and sanctity of the memory of the people's feat. The Great Victoryis an enduring source of national pride, a pillar of ideology and statehood, a landmark historical event that unites generations. And the fact that the current holy holiday is taking place against the backdrop of incessant attempts to revise the results of the Second World War and the Great Patriotic War can only be called criminal. Recently, it has even come to wild arguments that Belarus allegedly fought not against fascism, but for its independence from other fraternal Soviet republics. And that during the years of occupation, we almost had a civil war with each other, and half of Belarus went to the police or served with the Germans. Such blasphemy and vile meanness do not fit in the head of any normal person. Especially Belarusians - a nation that, together with other peoples of the Soviet Union, laid down millions of lives on the altar of Victory. It is scary that this disgusting lie comes from where we, Belarusians, could least expect it. I would advise these scribblers and false broadcasters to first see what is being done to history in their own country. How they pervert the truth, humiliate true patriots and who they mold heroes from. Our principled position remains unchanged: the Great Victory is the most sacred thing for every Belarusian. And ifthere are a handful of such moral freaks (there is no other way to call them), who are close to the idea of "independent Belarus and a new Europe of Adolf Gittler", they are known to us. We know who their idols served during the Great Patriotic War, and it is quite clear whose lackeys they are today. It was from them that the furious cries were heard when we restored historical justice with our state symbols. They are haunted by the fact that Belarus was the first in the post-Soviet space to introduce the teaching of the history of the Great Patriotic War and purged history textbooks from brazen lies. It was their like-minded people who made it so that in some former Soviet republics the Victory Day was banned, and the wearing of military awards became almost punishable, monuments to fallen soldiers were demolished, and national heroes were made out of punishers. This will not happen in Belarus! And as President, I promise you this! (Applause) We must pass on the memory, admiration for the feat and readiness to defend the sanctity of those days to our children and grandchildren. Because a special role in the struggle for historical truth belongs to young people. Next year will mark the 70th anniversary of the beginning of the most terrible and bloody war. This is a very long period, during which more than one new generation was born. And today, addressing the young citizens of Belarus, I want to say: thank God, you do not knowwhat war is. So feel it and be imbued with even greater respect and love for those who, at the cost of their youth, health and life itself, saved all of us, you, young people, from their horrors, who after the war worked for free, from hand to mouth and restored our country. Appreciate and continue their patriotic fighting traditions. Be able to rebuff any attempts to denigrate and defame the people's feat and our Victory. Comrades, The historical lessons of the Great Victory still determine the strategic principles of our domestic and foreign policy. Its precious asset – freedom and independence – must not only be honored, but also protected from any threats. We have realized that we are not hostages of fate, pawns in the field of big politics, but we can change the course of history, defending the ideals of truth and justice. The bitter experience of the last war instilled in us immunity to the virus of revolutions, instability and any aggression in general, but at the same time made us sensitive to attempts to infringe on national interests. To be honest, as a historian, I always analyze this or that situation in relation to historical experience. Characteristic parallels are often observed. In 1942, Hitler began to define a new strategy of conquest. According to his plan, it was necessary to occupy the territory up to the Urals. And in the Asian part, to create such conditions that revolutions are constantly taking place there, leading to the self-destruction of peoples. InAs a result, the state as a whole would fall at the feet of the invaders. It didn't work out then, and it won't happen now! Belarus has enough political will to resolutely suppress any attempts to interfere in its internal affairs and openly oppose such plans for the redivision of the world in the international arena. We are ready to be friends with both the East and the West, but on an equal footing. We are open to contacts and cooperation, but not to mergers and acquisitions. We understand that any confrontation, any conflict is a threat to life, because it can always get out of control. Therefore, for sovereign European Belarus, the most important principles are peacefulness and good neighborliness. Our multi-vector and independent foreign policy is not a challenge to the course of history, but, on the contrary, a deep assimilation of its lessons. It was this grandiose moral and political task that the leaders and peoples of the victorious countries set before their descendants 65 years ago – to draw the right conclusions from history, to forever exclude the repetition of tragedies on a global scale! Our response to the threats of our time should be the rapprochement of peoples on the basis of humanity and universal spiritual values, comprehensive cooperation and opposition to common problems and challenges, of which there are many. It is time to archive the stereotypes of the Cold War, which divide countries into "bad" and "good". Stop the creation of artificial dividing lines between the states that sacrificed the most precious thing on the altar of Victory – millions of lives of their citizens! I am convinced that this will be the mostworthy respect for the memory of the generation of the victors of Nazism. Our country consistently fulfills its international obligations, serves as Europe's shield against drug trafficking, human trafficking and illegal migration, and makes a significant contribution to the fight against international terrorism and extremism. For all the years of the existence of sovereign Belarus, not a single one of our soldiers has taken part in military operations on the territory of other states. The military doctrine of the Republic of Belarus is purely defensive in nature. But this is a sign of our strength, not weakness. The Armed Forces of the Republic of Belarus are ready to carry out any combat mission for the sake of preserving peace and independence of the state. Fathers and grandfathers fought for a strong, free, rich and happy Belarus. It is our duty to make it so that the heroic liberators would be proud of our successes as a worthy continuation of their labors. We look to the future with confidence. We are consistently, despite any crises, implementing what we have planned – in the economy, the social sphere, medicine, education and culture. Modern Belarus seems to have absorbed the spirit of those heroic times. Over the past fifteen to two decades, we have had to fight all the time: either with internal problems, or with external pressure. The lessons of history help us to endure. After all, it is not the crisis situation itself that is terrible, but the spiritual stagnation that accompanies it, when millions of people lose the will to win, and confusion and vacillation begin in society. Andit is no coincidence that this anniversary year has become the Year of Quality in our country. By increasing the economic power of the state, we are moving towards the main goal - to improve the overall quality of life, so that the prosperity and well-being of each family are constantly growing. The spiritual and moral climate in society improved. The rights and freedoms of citizens, law and order in the country were ensured. Dear friends! Not everything that we have achieved here is liked even by our close friends and neighbors. Envy is a terrible force, it eats away the most. This is a morally terrible category, which, God forbid, is experienced by any person and any nation. This is one of the reasons for the pressure on Belarus that is being exerted today. When the global crisis began, I was the first, and probably still the only head of state, who openly said that the crisis is the result of global corruption. Who would argue with that today? I will also say something else: I do not have facts to say that the cause of this crisis is to redivide the world, but what is happening today, in these crisis years, months, and perhaps already post-crisis, testifies to this. It was necessary to get their hands on the developing countries, which had begun to gain strength. You know who doesn't like it – who has itchy hands, who has vital interests all over the planet. They have vital interests in Belarus as well.They have vital interests in Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan, the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America. I have always asked and continue to ask the question: where are our vital interests and the peoples who live there? This is the main reason for what is happening today. And this redistribution did not necessarily have to happen by force. The methods are different. The world has advanced so much today that it can be redivided without war. Where it does not work without war, there we will start fighting... How many "hot spots" are there in the world today? And you also know how many are ready to appear, and in what places these "hot spots" are. But, probably, those who have rolled up their sleeves today have taken up the redivision of the world, understand that people like Belarus, and there are many of them, can respond. It is unacceptable to answer. And we will respond. If necessary. We must protect our piece of land for our small numbers. And not only for our children and grandchildren, but for us too. The Great Patriotic War is not just a chronicle of events and a chronicle of battles. It is made up of the fates of specific people. From your lives, dear veterans. Each of you has walked your own military path. Everyone made victory. And today, more than forty thousand army of veterans of the Great Patriotic War is the backbone of society, one of the foundations of the political system of the Belarusian state. Social support for war veterans inof our country is comprehensive and includes not only social benefits. Our veterans, surrounded by the care of the state and the grateful attention of all generations of Belarusians, can openly be proud of their past and enjoy a calm, peaceful life. And this attitude towards you will always be! (Applause) Dear veterans! You should know: we are in the same ranks. We are proud of the greatness of your destinies. We are glad that you are with us today, that we are celebrating this great date of the Great Victory – the 65th anniversary – together. May fate give you many more happy and sunny years like this peaceful spring. A low bow to you for the Great Victory! We address our words of gratitude to the liberators of Belarus, who today live in different parts of the world. You are our dear people. The Belarusian land remembers you and honors your feat. Eternal gratitude to all of you, heroes-liberators! Dear friends! I cordially congratulate you on the upcoming great Victory Day. I wish our esteemed veterans longevity, inexhaustible energy, cheerfulness and optimism. And to all of us - good health, prosperity and a happy life under the peaceful sky of free Belarus. Happy Victory Day, dear fellow countrymen! http://www.president.gov.by/press88741.html#doc | 1 |
Speech by Silvio Berlusconi on the occasion of the First National Freedom Day, celebrated in Rome on 9/11/2005 to remember the victims of all dictatorships http://www.ilgiornale.it/news/mio-impegno-contro-dittature-silvio-berlusconi.html Dear friends, we celebrate the first National Freedom Day. A celebration and a party that we strongly wanted and that the Italian Parliament voted for. It's been 16 years since the fall of the Berlin Wall. An event that, in the history of humanity, has an importance equal to that of the end of the Second World War with the defeat of the fascist and Nazi regimes. With the fall of the wall, freedom and dignity were restored to hundreds of millions of people. With the fall of the wall, the nations of the communist bloc returned to the community of the Europe of Christianity and humanism. With the fall of the wall, the prospects opened up for an expansion of the prosperity of the West to countries that lived in absolute material and moral misery. Our majority and our government have made a decision of which we are particularly proud. The date of the fall of the Berlin Wall has become an official celebration of our nation. Future generations must not forget the communist tyranny, because communism was truly"The Evil Empire". This is what one of the two great architects of the fall of the wall, US President Ronald Reagan, called it. The other great architect was John Paul II, to whose memory I bow. We dedicate a long, convinced, affectionate applause to these two extraordinary protagonists of history. Dear friends, in celebrating the fall of the Berlin Wall we must remember that if our country did not end up on the wrong side of the wall, if it enjoyed freedom in the fifty years that followed the end of the Second World War, it was due to the commitment and battle that our Catholic forces, liberals and social democrats fought against the attempt of the Italian Communist Party to transform Italy into a so-called "people's democracy", a definition that is the very antithesis of democracy. But at the beginning of the nineties, just when everywhere in the world communist ideology and practice collapsed under the weight of its own failure and ignominy, under the weight of tens of millions of deaths, under the weight of the immense suffering inflicted on billions of people, in Italy, in Italy, in Italy, the direct heirs of communism were trying to realize their long-standing plan: To gain power not through thefree consent, the free vote of citizens, but through the judicial elimination of political opponents. Against this plan, against this attempt by the communist left and its allies, there has been the reaction of the free women and men of Italy, our reaction, our descent into the field. We could not accept that those who did not represent the majority of the country, those who believed in values opposed to those of our moral, political and economic civilization, should become a political majority in Parliament and in the Government. The error, but I could also say the horror, of communism was, and continues to be, its profoundly distorted vision of the human person. Because communism, even before becoming a political regime, was and still is a mental form, it is a materialistic vision of life and the world that denies man any spiritual dimension. (...) In short, communism is the very negation of the foundations of our civilization. It is necessary to firmly reject the idea, which still circulates in Italy and in Europe, that communism was a model in itself good, but which has found a bad application. No, communism was and is intrinsically wrong because it denies human nature and was, with Nazism, the mostinhuman and criminal in the history of humanity. There cannot and can never be a good communism. Communism was at the same time the most grandiose and most reactionary thought and practice in history: the project to change the nature of man and to stop history. Soviet communism, I repeat, is still considered by many politicians of the left to be a good thing that has failed, not a bad thing. The epithet of "absolute evil" is attributed to Nazism but not to communism, despite their common, tragic effects. The fall of the Berlin Wall that we are celebrating here marked the end of the Communist regimes in Central and Eastern Europe. Unfortunately, it did not mean the end of all communist regimes in the world. Hundreds of millions of people still live under these regimes, which deny fundamental freedoms. We must never forget this. But communism does not survive only in China, North Korea or Cuba. No, communism continues to survive even in Western countries, even in those where it, rejected by the forces of freedom, has never managed to become a regime. As I said celebrating the tenth anniversary of the foundation of Forza Italia, there are two different ways of being communists. Thereit is a clear one, which is in Italy that of Rifondazione Comunista and the Italian Communists. There is no need to dwell on it, so absurd and anti-historical is the position of those who believe that communism is an ideology that can represent the future of humanity. But there is one that is less obvious, and precisely for this reason more dangerous. It is the way to be a communist without communism. It is the method of denying one's own communist ideas and past, of culpably ignoring the evidence of the tens of millions of victims of communism, as if they were mere details of history; and at the same time to maintain the methods of political struggle of the Communist Party, the method of considering political opponents as enemies to be eliminated, if not physically, at least morally and politically, by mockery, by discredit, by lies, by slander, by the political use of justice, is the goal of imposing the hegemony of one's own party over civil society, on culture, on the economy, on schools, on universities, on information, on the judiciary. It is the idea of citizens at the service of the State, of the State at the service of the party, of the State as a land of conquest for the party apparatuses, not of the State that must be at the service of thecitizens, above parties and partisan interests. As Italians we must sadly note that our country is the only one in the Western world in which the left is still dominated by this mentality, and is still so profoundly illiberal. The old Italian Communist Party has changed its name, while the weight of the two parties that still proudly call themselves communist is so important that without them the left-wing coalition would never, ever have the chance to win the majority and the government of the country. If you want to understand how strong and widespread the communist mentality is still in the Italian left, it is enough to consider that Italy is the only country in the Western world in which the left irrepressibly detests its political opponents. But there is more. The left in Italy does not only hate the political leader of the center-right. No, the left hates all the voters of the center-right, it hates all the citizens who do not think like them. For the left, all centre-right voters are obtuse, vulgar, selfish, profiteers, they are the worst part of Italy. The German or French left does not hate the leaders of the center-right. But above all, he does not hate thevoters of the center-right. On the contrary, it wants to acquire their consensus, it wants to convince them that it has the policies and programs that are best for them too. In Italy, on the other hand, the left does not want the consensus of center-right voters. He would only like center-right voters to stay at home and not go to vote. Winning with their votes considers it an almost repellent thing (...) Before September 11, 2001, Western countries lived in the certainty of their own security. They lived in the certainty that nothing - especially after the fall of the Berlin Wall - could interfere with their civil and democratic life. The attacks of September 11 and the others that struck democratic countries around the world have shown that Western democracies are now faced with a further task: that of guaranteeing their citizens "freedom from fear". This is today another, new frontier of freedom. To defend it, we need to have a clear awareness of what the fundamental values of our civilization are, a precise awareness of what the true values of the human person are, an absolute awareness of what a democracy really is. Because it is precisely in these dramatic situationsthat the difference between genuinely liberal political forces and those that are liberal only in words emerges. How is it possible to entrust the future of our country to a left that welcomes into its bosom those who persist in not wanting to understand the difference that exists between a great democracy like the United States of America, and dictatorial regimes like those of Saddam Hussein or Fidel Castro? They have shown and demonstrate once again that they do not know what democracy means, what freedom means, what respect for individual rights means, what the rule of law means. The communist regimes of Europe have collapsed, but "they" have learned nothing from that extraordinary event. Dear friends, our government has worked and is working tenaciously and successfully on a great alliance of all the democracies of the world, in which a united Europe will play an increasingly important role. We must strongly affirm the values that unite liberal democracies all over the planet, beyond historical or geographical differences. An alliance of all democracies is the best instrument to free the world from the fear of international terrorism, from the fear of aggression by the dominated statesby illiberal regimes. The battle for freedom from fear is not only a battle for the benefit of citizens of countries that are already democratic. It is also a battle for the benefit of all peoples, even those who today live under despotic and authoritarian regimes. We must strongly reject the idea that too many people have on the left today, according to which there are peoples hopelessly resigned to such regimes, that is, that liberal democracy could not and should not be spread everywhere, but should remain confined to the Western world. Those who think this way show an intolerable contempt for the ability of billions of people around the world to appreciate freedom and democracy. History, fortunately, has given another answer. (...) We will also defeat the other enemies of freedom, who share with communism the hatred for us, for the West, for our civilization. Dear friends, we must have no illusions. The struggle for freedom and human dignity is a struggle that will never end. Illiberal, autocratic, totalitarian visions tend to re-emerge continuously, with new guises. This struggle for freedom cannot be waged solely with the weapons of political and military defense.No, the struggle for freedom is first and foremost a struggle of values and for values. It is only the affirmation of the values of democracy, freedom, dignity and solidarity that can prevent communism from returning to being a winning ideology. Because communism cannot prevail where the moral temper of a people is strong, where its spiritual and religious sentiment is strong. It is no coincidence that the first objective of every communist regime has always been to destroy morality and religion, through the repression of freedom of worship, freedom of teaching, freedom of expression. Today we see the consequences of all this. In the ex-communist countries there are serious social problems precisely because half a century or more of communism has weakened the moral sense of so many citizens. These countries, in addition to building an efficient market economy, are committed to rebuilding their moral fabric. But even in Italy the battle for values is the fundamental battle today. Our values, the values of Christian and humanistic civilization, the values of the West, are continually challenged. They are particularly so on the part of the heirs of communism, who continue as always to reject the basesmoral aspects of our civilization. (...) You see, they will certainly say that I am trying to raise the tone in view of the election campaign, that I am trying to artificially recreate a communist danger that no longer exists. But I maintain, I want to say, that it is serious that in the coalition of the left there are still parties that proudly flaunt the name "communist". It is a sign that the seed of illiberalism and totalitarianism is still present. There are still parties in the coalition of the left which proudly flaunt the hammer and sickle, the symbol of the Soviet state, as their symbol. We are true democrats, it certainly does not surprise us that these parties exist and that there are Italians who vote for them. But we cannot fail to underline the contradiction of a left that says it has changed and instead continues to flaunt the tragic banners of communism. After all, even the main party of the left has maintained as its ruling class, as protagonists, the same characters that made up the ruling class of the PCI, the party that has taken a long time, too long, to distance itself from Moscow and orthodox communism. Now they are trying to recycle themselves as "social democrats", as European socialists. But who does it belong toCan Italians trust more? Of those who have done everything wrong, have shared the illiberal ideology of communism, of those who, for many years, have become accomplices, at least moral, of the brutality committed by communist dictatorships and now, defeated by history, try to reinvent themselves in the shoes of the liberal? Italians can, indeed must, trust more those who have always been right, those who have always been liberal. Of those who have always fought for economic and civil freedom. Of those who never thought that the state or the party came before the people. Dear friends, ours is not, as they say, "visceral anti-communism". Our anti-communism is first and foremost a duty of memory. But also the awareness that the danger of falling into an illiberal, bureaucratic, intolerant, suffocating, falsely popular system of power is an ever-looming danger because the forces of conservation, by their nature illiberal, are ready to take advantage of any weakness of our democracy. Can we then consider ourselves definitively satisfied with having been and are on the right side of history, on the side of freedom? No, absolutely, because, once one wall is torn down, another can arise: freedom is always underattack, his victories must always be consolidated, his strategies always updated. Eleven years ago, we launched a challenge against the past, against immobility, against conservation to free the immense energies of our country that have been mortified for too long. We have relaunched the supreme value of freedom as an end and as a method, and we intend to remain faithful to it in order to fight and tear down the new walls of violence, intolerance and hegemonic ambitions. Among a thousand attacks, among a thousand calumnies, among a thousand snares, we continue to work with constancy, with courage, with passion, strong in our faith, the faith of freedom. We must continue our work, we must commit ourselves to broadening the consensus around it, to make everyone aware of the values, the convictions that are the basis of our work, we must make everyone aware of what we have achieved, what we have not done negatively and what others would have done in our place, what we intend to do to increase well-being and above all to guarantee and increase the freedom of all and of each. We must also keep alive the memory of what communism was, of what its horrors were. And we must continue to celebrate thiscelebration, the anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall. | 2 |
Prime Minister addresses attendees - PC PEI Party Dinner
28 April 2006
Introduction
Honoured guests of the head table, Members of the legislative assembly of Prince Edward Island, Ladies and gentlemen.
Thank you for the opportunity to be here with you this evening.
And thank you, Premier Binns, for your kind opening remarks.
I’m very pleased to be back in Charlottetown with Pat and Carol, Mayor (Clifford) Lee, and my fellow Conservatives from across the Island.
As you know, my family’s roots are planted in the Maritimes.
And though I have called Toronto, Edmonton and Calgary home during my life,
- It always feels a lot like home here too,
- Especially after Laureen, Ben, Rachel and I spent a few days on the Island last summer.
But I should say, wherever we go, it feels like home when I spend time among the members of this great family from coast to coast, that is called the Conservative Party of Canada!
I understand this is the largest fundraiser in the province’s history.
Congratulations to everyone who had a hand in putting it together, especially Nelson Hagerman and Norman Clarey.
I’m told they were single-handedly responsible for the sale of more than half the tickets!
I did want to come here tonight to especially thank all of you for your help and support during the recent federal election campaign.
Although we improved our results on January 23rd, we weren’t able to win seats here on the Island.
But we made progress. And I want to congratulate our fine candidates for their hard-fought campaigns.
Don Gillis; Tom Deblois; Ed Guergis; George Noble.
Next time, it will be different.
We’ll be a strong and known commodity. It’ll be a lot harder for the liberals to run their campaign of fear.
In fact, they’ll have trouble explaining why it was that the Island didn’t actually sink into the Gulf of St. Lawrence after all.
You know, the liberals are getting desperate already. I see that Lawrence MacAuley is now actually trying to take credit for conservative government announcements.
So next time, we’re going to do what Premier Binns has done. We’ll take our case to Islanders and paint P.E.I a bright Tory blue!
Friends, we’ve come a long way since we reunited the Conservative family in 2003.
We did what the sceptics said couldn’t be done.
What the pundits said wouldn’t happen.
What our opponents thought could never come to pass.
We created a new national government – a Conservative government.
January 23rd was a great day for Conservatives, a great day for Canada and, yes, a great day for Islanders.
We’re going to show Islanders they can get the same good government nationally as they have provincially by voting for Premier Pat Binns.
Responsible government.
Effective government.
Government that delivers real results to ordinary people and their families.
The good work has already started.
Peter Mackay recently announced that we will help P.E.I. renovate your magnificent confederation centre of the arts
– A place where Islanders welcome the world.
Last month, our government approved up to $11.4 million to support P.E.I.’s growing expertise in bioscience, nutriscience and health research.
And earlier today I joined with Pat and representatives of the other Atlantic Provinces to announce a $10 million injection of new funding for the federal
– Provincial agreement on international business development.
The agreement is designed to boost exports from your region to the rest of the world.
And all these investments are focussed on the future.
And they mesh perfectly with the agenda set by your government in its recent budget.
Particularly the heavy emphasis your provincial treasurer, Mitch Murphy, put on education and innovation.
As a fellow Conservative, I was also happy to see your government is cutting taxes and being responsible with taxpayers’ money.
Well done, Premier.
You have been a steady hand at the helm of this province and it is moving forward under your leadership.
Whatever the leader of the Opposition says, Islanders know good government when they get it!
And, let me just say as well, friends, that your Premier works hard not just here, but on your interests in Ottawa.
I keep hearing about how many times I’ve met Premier Charest, but I can tell you I’ve had more conversations, via the telephone, with Premier Binns, than with any other Premier.
As you know, the Premier has never ceased to remind me, during the election and since, about how the previous government tried to shaft P.E.I. on this year’s equalization.
We have the federal budget coming down Tuesday, so I can only tell you, if you don’t like the result, you can’t blame Pat for not trying, you can only blame me.
Of course, if you like the budget, you can certainly give me some of the credit as well!
Friends, when Islanders see we are on the same track as their provincial government,
– I’m confident they will join with other Canadians to elect a Conservative government in Ottawa.
Why am I so sure?
Because Canadians want change. And on January 23rd, they voted for it.
They said good riddance to 13 years of Liberal waste, mismanagement and corruption.
They said; “give us government that’s honest, effective and accountable.”
Government that will cut taxes and help ordinary working families.
That will make our communities safer.
That will improve access to medical care.
That will keep the Canada we love strong, united, independent and free.
My friends, that’s what Canadians asked for.
And that’s what they’re going to get.
We’re going to do it by turning over a new leaf.
And a great deal of success has already been achieved.
One of our biggest steps forward to date was our announcement yesterday of a historic agreement with the United States that puts an end to the longstanding, crippling softwood lumber dispute.
Under this deal:
Canada will get stable access to the U.S. market.
• Canadian producers will get unrestricted access under current market conditions – which at current prices means neither quota nor tariff.
• We will receive a minimum $4 billion U.S. through return of duties.
• And we get flexible arrangements for all of our provinces and regions.
So this is clearly a good deal for Canada.
While the Premiers of B.C., Ontario, and Quebec – all of them Liberals - signed on to the deal, the federal Liberal leader huffed and puffed in the house yesterday.
He was stung by the brutal fact that our government was able to do in 3 months what the Liberals couldn’t do during the last 5 years.
Frankly, I’d be upset too if I were the Liberal leader.
Since for all their efforts the only thing they had to show was a lot of rhetoric - and agreements that never got signed.
Ones that didn’t come even close to the one we concluded.
And arrangements condemned by the maritime lumber bureau because the Liberals had lost the historic exemption of Atlantic Canada from American duties
– An exemption that our government has succeeded in re-establishing for Atlantic Canada.
That’s why he so mad.
Because he knows his party has nothing to offer.
But enough of this.
Let the Liberals carp.
Let the Liberals complain.
We’ll just carry on the way we have from our first day in office.
Delivering good government and real results for Canadians.
Of course, the centre piece of our efforts to turn over a new leaf in Ottawa is our throne speech action plan focussed on our five priorities
First we’re going to clean up the mess in Ottawa.
That’s why the first piece of legislation we tabled in Parliament this month was the Federal Accountability Act.
It will toughen the rules governing lobbyists.
It will reform the financing of federal political parties.
It will give more power to independent officers of Parliament such as the Auditor General.
It will clean up federal advertising, contracting, polling, appointments and procurement.
And, when things do go wrong, it will give whistleblowers the iron-clad protection they need.
That’s how we’re going to give Canadians the good, clean government they want and deserve.
And that’s how we’re going to make sure an outrage like the sponsorship scandal never happens again.
But political corruption isn’t Canada’s only crime problem.
So far, Islanders have been spared much of the violent drug, gang and gun crime that increasingly plagues mainland cities.
But theft is a growing problem on the Island.
And, as we all know, if you don’t deal with the small stuff, serious crime soon follows.
Justice Minister Vic Toews will soon introduce legislation that will get tough on crime.
It will increase mandatory minimum prison sentences for gun crimes and end the use of conditional sentences,
– I.e. we will end so-called house arrests for serious and violent crimes.
Criminals will be sent the following message:
Under our new national government, you do a serious crime, you will do serious time.
But tougher sentences are only part of the solution.
This government is committed to putting more police officers on our streets and providing new resources for border guards.
And we will also work with our partners – including other levels of government, police and social agencies – to nurture stable families and healthy communities.
That’s the best way to help young people from getting involved in crime in the first place.
Next Tuesday, our new government will table its first budget.
And we will be reducing taxes.
We think Canadians pay too much tax.
And, as we promised in the election, we will be immediately reducing the GST from 7% to 6% - and to 5% over the course of our mandate.
This move will leave hundreds of dollars a year – thousands over time – in the pockets of hard-working Canadians – where it belongs.
The opposition may not like it, but just imagine the GST savings for young families buying a new home or car.
Our plan will assist seniors on fixed incomes, many of whom would have received no benefit at all under the liberals` so-called tax- reduction plan.
Make no mistake, my friends, in our government, every single household will experience tax relief, and every household will be better off!
My friends, we will help families in terms of childcare
– With a yearly allowance of $1,200 for every child under the age of six and with a true program to create childcare places.
We’re going to strengthen families by increasing the childcare options available to parents.
Because we know that every family is different and a single approach can’t respond to the needs of each.
That’s why we are going to give parents $1,200 per year for each child under the age of six.
That’s why we’re going to work with business, community organizations and provincial governments to create 125,000 new daycare spaces over the next five years.
You know, the Liberals want Canadians to believe that the choice facing them is between our program and theirs.
But that’s a false choice. For their plan is no plan at all.
After 13 years, there never actually were any free, universally-accessible, readily-available Liberal childcare spaces as they like to claim.
Which means that for parents, the choice is clear:
Our government is offering $1,200 per year. The Liberals are offering zero.
Our government has a real plan to create 125,000 at-work daycare spaces.
The Liberals plan consists of nothing more than shifting day care money to advocates, bureaucrats and politicians.
Our plan delivers direct financial assistance. Their plan does not.
Our plan will create daycare spaces. Their plan did not.
Canadians want real childcare choice and that is what this government will deliver.
Let me just finish by saying that I appreciate that P.E.I. has committed not to claw back the new childcare benefit from other social assistance.
I know, Pat and Mitch, your budget is tight, but this is the right move for Island families.
Rounding out our five priorities is our commitment to work with the provinces to develop a Patient Wait Times Guarantee.
Canadians will thus have access to critical medical care they need, when they need it.
And in fact your provincial government is already moving on this.
Treasurer Murphy’s budget contains funding to shorten wait times for hip and knee replacements.
That’s a good start.
But more remains to be done by all of us. And the courts are increasingly demanding that our healthcare monopoly deliver the service it has promised.
After all, you’ve paid your taxes. You deserve to get treatment.
That’s why we will work with the provinces on a Patient Wait Times Guarantee - to ensure all Canadians get the critical care they need, when they need it.
My friends, in conclusion we have made commitments and we will move on them.
My friends, Canadians have seen the past.
And they’re tired of it.
So it’s up to us to get on with the job, to fix the messes and to deliver a bright new future.
We know what we have to do.
We know what we want to achieve.
But in a minority Parliament, more than ever, we’re going to need your help.
We need your help to make sure next time P.E.I. has a strong voice in our government – not just the strong voice of Pat Binns – but a strong voice inside our government.
We need your help so that we can continue to provide leadership on Canada’s values and interests in the world
– On softwood lumber and our economic interests, on national defence and national sovereignty, on Afghanistan and our role in the world.
And we need your help, whether it is on taxes or crime, on health care or childcare,
– Or on cleaning up government and establishing accountability,
– To ensure the real voice of ordinary working Canadians and their families is heard.
And we need your help on the island and right across this country - writing, e-mailing, faxing and telephoning your MPs to tell them to get with the plan.
Thank you all, once again, for coming here tonight, For the work you’ve done to get us this far and for this show of enthusiastic support for all we are trying to achieve.
Thank you. God bless Canada! | 0 |
In Georgia, the tyrant, Satanic regime was overthrown not only by Mikheil Saakashvili, Zurab Zhvania and Nino Burjanadze, not only by a dozen MPs and political leaders, but also by Shevardnadze, when several thousand people were shot in Zugdidi and these robbers were removed from masks. Shevardnadze ended when people in Zugdidi were not afraid of bullets; Shevardnadze ended when Nina Osipova was shot from Akhmeta to Tbilisi, the Zugdidi Rezo Lagvilava and Luisa Pipia were shot by Shevardnadze when journalists from the Tsalenjikha bus to Tbilisi were broadcasting live broadcasts... The tyrannical regime was defeated in Georgia, and this is your merit, folks! When we entered the Parliament session and demanded that Nino Burjanadze take the session, we were going to go back civilized, but about 30 automatic armed bandits came in there and I immediately said, do they not want to decide civilly? Guys who have the strength to follow me... There was one Nino and these bandits left in the hall, followed by 5-6 boys, unarmed. When we saw the roses in their hands, the tails fled. This is our victory. Thank the Lord, everything ended peacefully... ... So our victory is not just the result of luck. Of course, all this peropd God was covering us. We started the decisive battle on the day of the Archangel Michael. We swore to each other that we would win the magnificent celebration of St. George, and therefore the whole world perceived Georgia as a symbol of the defeat of the dragon and the victory of St. George. You need to build a new state with your own hands, aloneMy hands don't stick to this work. My hands can only catch one flag. A strong country must be made up of our joint efforts. When Guram Absandze came with us from Zugdidi, he had much more to lose than I did, but he did not raise an eyebrow for a moment, he did not turn aside for a moment. In those days, it appeared who is a man and courageous. Together with Gogi Ochiauri and Mukhran Machavariani, intelligence supported us and this means that no one can kill the national charge in Georgia, these are the people who came to this day with clean and honest hands. We have not come to replace one clan with another clan. We did not have this revolution because the relatives and relatives of Saakashvili, Zhvania, Burjanadze came to power. We have come to build a completely different kind of country where honest, decent people will be able to participate in the rebuilding of the country. We will not allow anyone to use your earnings for narrow interests. Misha Machavariani is a good friend of mine and I think she is a very honest person... Someone believed that his father-in-law should be appointed to one of the highest positions. Zurab Zhvania and I have come and announced, giving you six hours to release Machavariani's father-in-law, not because he is bad, but find anyone else who will not be a relative or friend of our party activist. People need to see that he,What happened on November 23 did not happen in order for someone to withdraw their loved ones to high positions. I heard the news on TV yesterday: Zurab Tskitishvili, the former chairman of the Parliament's Committee, was exhausted and appointed his son as the first deputy chairman of the aviation committee. Now four have to wait five minutes, I give Mr. Chankotadze two hours - either to remove Tskitishvili or Chankotadze to sit in prison. We are not allowed to employ Zurab Tskitishvili's son or to arrange for Machavariani and Zhvania's in-laws at work. We have fought to open the way for every Georgian with honesty, hard work and decency. Yes, I will give instructions that all those who are caught and imprisoned will be arrested! Human rights were remembered when something touched their belly. We will not save anyone, Levan Mamaladze hires lawyers for what money to protect himself? With what money does he study at the Moscow Academy and with what money does he live in a five-star hotel? That's your people's money. Whoever created this system will have no confidence from us. If our friend Russia does not hand us over to Mamaladze, I promise him that all his houses, cars, horses, bank accounts signed to a relative will be deprived and returned to the Georgian people. Please do not break the unity, no one can shake the unity of me, Zurab and Nino. Up to ten old government members come to me a day and tell me, Zhvania is your enemy, do not trust, we are your friends, Zhvania and Burdzanadze have given me,To gather compromising on you. Folks, understand, I am not Shevardnadze, and such methods do not cut with me. No intrigue and balancing from me, I want to give a hand of friendship to anyone who gets this hand will wander. No one blackmails us with the topic of Adjara to stop, otherwise they will not do anything good. Shevardnadze also thought that Georgia was his, Adjara is not belonging to Aslan Abashidze. Whoever decides to put anything instead of Adjarians in "prison", to fence the barriers and declare them his property, I have already prepared four walls for such people! As they say, it is impossible to throw Shevardnadze, it has been 30 years, now we are told to lose Adjara... I am ready to make very big personal concessions with Abashidze, but - only for the personal and not at the expense of Georgia's interests, we will not tolerate the game.... There will never be concessions at the expense of Georgia again. If someone wants to leave Georgia, if Aslan Abashidze wants to leave Georgia, sit in the car and go, there is a five-minute drive from his home, but no one can take Adjara with him. We will definitely make Georgia whole. We have very warm relations with our neighboring countries - Azerbaijan, Armenia, Turkey. Russia needs to understand, we want to be friends with Russia, but we have other choices - Ukraine will become a regional superpower with strong military forces, has a strong economy and is preparing to enter NATO. We are ready to forget what Russia has done in Samachablo, Abkhazia. We are ready, eyeLet's shut down many things, but Russia from now on realizes that Georgia is not its vassal, that Georgia is a state that the whole world should report..." We are ready for dialogue, but not for the way Shevardnadze was produced, but for a transparent, clear dialogue in search of compromises. I promise that Saakashvili's rule will be yours, the rule of the people. There will be Georgia's integrity from Azerbaijan to Sarpi, from the Roki Tunnel to Psou. We will definitely go to Psou and restore the integrity of Georgia together with our brothers Abkhazians. I want to tell everyone, you have the last chance. Our train, which is called New Georgia, has not yet sailed from Bakni. Until January 4, anyone can buy a ticket on this train, hurry up to get into the springboard anyway. But on January 4, when the driver starts this train, we will run at such a speed that you may not be able to give you a voice or a letter... It is heard from Russia that elections will not be held in Georgia, that people will not come to the polls. This is often repeated by Georgian politicians who go to Khan Moscow, sometimes in Batumi. It is interesting what they know in Moscow that we do not know. According to our survey, the population of Georgia is ready to come to the polls and support Georgia's future. Again, I would like to say to the attention of those who plan to scare the Georgian people before January 4 and blow up Georgia's mines: we will not forgive anyone for putting mines on the Georgian people. You who put these mines in will finally explode and get rid of this country forever.I want to know everyone who is going to mess with the situation in Georgia, I have saved that dagger and I will definitely use it. They won't get me out of the windshield, otherwise if we are naked with a dagger, it will simply not fall into the wind. | 2 |
Introductory speech of President Voronin at today's press conference INTRODUCTORY SPEECH for the press conference of Mr. Vladimir VORONIN, President of the Republic of Moldova (Chisinau, July 25, 2007) Good morning to all those present in this hall. We haven't met in this composition for half a year already. I think that many questions have accumulated that you would like to ask me. I will try to answer you all. I also have some important themes. These are exclusively political issues and I think they deserve to be submitted to your attention. Today I will refer to the results of the local elections. I will speak about them not only as President of the country, but also as President of the ruling party. I think that all those present will agree that the recent local elections have not only essentially changed the political "map" of Moldova, but have also generated a fundamentally new situation which, until the next parliamentary elections, will not change. Today it is already clear to everyone what kind of opposition, in a year and a half, will face the PCRM. But it is probably not clear to you what the ruling party will do in the period that remains until the new elections.election. Is that right? First of all, the party I lead, of course, cannot be satisfied with the results of the local elections. There are several reasons for dissatisfaction. On the one hand, according to all political canons, our result shows that the PCRM won the elections. Our political competitors, located after us, have accumulated 2-3 times fewer votes than the PCRM. You, however, know that the general coalition of the opposition did not allow us to position ourselves on the leading position in most districts, that is, to really win. We know why we failed to register a result that would have allowed us to feel more secure about the situation. Only the unsuccessful offers of cadres made by our party in the territory have reduced, in many cases, the PCRM indicators and, partially, compromised in the eyes of voters our achievements of the last four years. And this conclusion is also a reason for dissatisfaction for us and, at the same time, it is a reason to increase the demand on ourselves. The state of stability of the last two years, the political calm have somewhat demobilized our party, the middle link in its leadership. Something like this happens with many parties, especially the big parties, in government.We, however, will not repeat these mistakes. And the results in Balti, Ocnita, Donduşeni, Floresti and Basarabeasca, from several other districts, demonstrate our real potential as it could not be better. And we will restore it. Secondly, for us it is absolutely unclear how the cooperation between the central and local authorities will be achieved from now on. We have a multitude of projects, which have just been launched or are already underway – in the field of social development, construction, road management, infrastructure, education and culture. And now we find that in most districts the local power has been in an intransigent opposition to the central power, which means that it is no more and no less in opposition to all these plans, an opposition directed not only against the whole policy adopted by us, but even against the central budget. We, of course, are amazed by this position of many newly elected district leaders from Moldova. In the situation when two thirds of the district budgets are formed at the expense of the central budget, such a harsh opposition is equivalent to financial self-isolation. The local power tends to collaborate, always and everywhere, with the central power, it tends to findAnd it is a normal, natural, reasonable thing. In our case, however, things are the opposite. This position of the new leadership in most districts is not only arrogant and irresponsible, it has, especially in the conditions of the current catastrophic drought, even an anti-popular character. People are waiting for help. Regardless of who they voted for in the districts, I don't think they voted against gasification, against road construction, against drinking water supply, against renovation of schools and hospitals. And now, after the emergence of the consolidated opposition, it has turned out that things, unfortunately, are exactly like this. Moreover, now it seems that the new opposition bloc of political parties – starting with the PPCD, "Our Moldova", the Social Democratic Party – and the National Liberals and ending with all kinds of Social Democrats – has decided not to bother with various creative, constructive tasks, but simply to return to the political practice of the mid-90s. That is, not to create, not to create, not to advance, but to do nothing but waste everything that has been created in previous years. In this case, they have something to worry about again. The communists have left, in the last few years,four years, in most districts a fairly good legacy. But, by the way, love by force is not possible. Opposition is opposition. However, the central power cannot and will not be indifferent to everything that happens in the territory. We cannot afford that the citizens of our country are taken hostage to momentary political intrigues of the opposition. Once the local authorities in most districts have declared a boycott of the ruling party, we will go another way. In the situation that has been created, the power will go down the path of concentrating budgetary means (which the opposition, in fact, has withdrawn) in order to carry out strategic projects of regional development, among which are the construction of road networks of republican importance, the modernization of the water supply system, the creation of a modern irrigation system. We have a lot to do in the capital as well. Of course, now we will not be able to deal with the construction of roads in Chisinau, with lighting, with the arrangement of yards and stairs, we will not be able to solve the problems related to the quality of public transport, water and heating tariffs. On the other hand, we can increase the budget funding for free education in higher education institutions in the capital, modernize hospitalsof republican subordination, to carry out many other works. This Friday we will put into operation the high-capacity gas pipeline Tocuz-Cainari-Mereni, which will definitively solve the problem of gas supply to Chisinau. In other words, until the last day of the pre-elections, during the entire period of one and a half years that remained until the next elections, the Party of Communists will methodically and consistently honor its commitments and promises made in 2005, no matter how much the local and center oppositions try to prevent us from doing so. Thirdly, you are all witnesses how the CDPP and the Democratic Party, in just a few days, destroyed the consensus of the political parties that existed for two years in the Parliament. Parliament's fair, balanced, principled European-style position is a thing of the past. Now, with regret, we can again talk about a Moldovan policy of the most primitive type, that is, about the relations that exist only between two forces – between the PCRM and the entire opposition. The opposition did not understand that Moldova is a country and not an LLC or a joint stock company, that it is a state in which all the elements are interdependent. The opposition gave up withease to the consensus achieved by the political parties in the Parliament in the name of European integration for a new consensus – in the name of "obtaining plots of land". In addition, you can all see how the new consolidated opposition is once again beginning to blackmail the power, threatening it with street protests and other manifestations. We have already faced such things and I think we will have enough wisdom this time too. The problem, however, does not lie in the street actions, the problem lies in something else: What is the pretext for expressing such a radical protest? As can be seen, this time the pretext is the very possibility of the Transnistrian settlement. Nothing more than this eventuality! Therefore, the opposition this time is again determined to speak out openly against the territorial integrity, against the reunification of Moldova, against the demilitarization of the country. Everyone understands very well what are the reasons for such actions of the opposition. Urechean, Braghis, Diacov, and Rosca probably believe that their political rating could decrease in the conditions of a reunified country. And only this potential threat to their personal, political and patrimonial well-being makes them stand in opposition to the cardinal interests of the Moldovan state and of the entire people. Therefore, it is necessary toLet us note that the opposition has not lived up to its responsibility for democracy, stability and European values. Of course, it is very bad that this happened. We are sorry that we have such an opposition. But the PCRM and its parliamentary faction will no longer continue the practice of political altruism in these conditions – that is, it will no longer offer the opposition different posts and seats in different institutions of power, it will no longer agree with it in time on common positions on the most diverse issues of state power and state policy. Ready. This period is over. In the future, we will act only on the basis that we have the full political responsibility for defending the interests of the state and the people. | 2 |
THE ACCUSATIONS AGAINST ME ARE UNFOUNDED AND LAUGHABLE 16 January 2011 Dear friends, some well-known prosecutors of the Milan Public Prosecutor's Office have carried out a very serious intrusion into my private life, carrying out an unacceptable filing of my guests in the house of Arcore, with the identification of all their telephone numbers, they have put their phones under control for several months, They have adopted a discriminatory and humiliating attitude towards people who have no responsibility other than that of having been my guests and bringing me friendship and affection. Once again, justice has been bent to political ends, with a clearly persecutory will towards me. These prosecutors evidently did not like the vote of confidence on December 14, so much so that, immediately after, they entered me in the register of suspects. Those same prosecutors did not even like the decision of the Constitutional Court to the point that, the day after the ruling of the Consulta, with perfect timing, they made their investigations public. And it is very serious and unacceptable that, after 15 days, they have not sent the documents of these investigations to the Court of Ministers as required by law. It is also very serious that they haveI tried to access the premises of my political secretariat, to then search for who knows what, since they claim to have evidence so evident that they can even request immediate judgment. In reality, the accusations they have made against me are totally unfounded and even laughable. The police officer who would have been "bribed" denies ever having been, and the minor person denies ever having had advances or even sexual relations and claims to have presented himself to everyone as twenty-four years old, a fact corroborated by numerous testimonies. My life as an entrepreneur has taught me how difficult it is for a young person to assert oneself, especially at the beginning, so, when I can, I try to help those in need. In particular, I know the world of entertainment and I know what it means and what happens to those who try to work in that environment. In the course of my life, I have employed tens of thousands of people and helped hundreds. "Never" in exchange for anything but gratitude, friendship and affection. And I will continue to do so. It's absurd just to think that I paid to have sex with a woman. It's something that has never happened to me even oncein life. It is something that I would consider degrading to my dignity. I like to be with young people, I like to listen to young people, I like to surround myself with young people. Some of these people I have known for several years, others for less time, but I know the situation of hardship and economic difficulty of many. I have helped them on certain occasions and I am proud to have done so. I have often given my collaborators the task of helping them with their home, for medical care, for the education of their children. There has never been, I repeat, "never" any correlation between money and sexual performance. Again: the accusations against Emilio Fede, Lele Mora, and Nicole Minetti are devoid of any foundation. Emilio Fede has always been a very dear friend. I have known Lele Mora for many years for his excellent work at Mediaset. I helped him in a moment of great economic and health difficulty and I am proud to have done so. I know that, when he can, he will give me back what I lent him. Nicole Minetti is a good and prepared young woman who is unfairly paying for her desire to get involved in politics. In a free and democratic country, it is unacceptable that the Public Prosecutor's OfficeLet fragments of private phone calls of all these people who dared to come to my house be disclosed. Among other things, it often happens, as everyone knows, that when talking on the phone different tones and ways are used than in direct dialogue between people. Certain phrases, perhaps spoken in a joking tone, are completely different when read in the press in the transcripts. And then very often in private conversations, between friends, we brag perhaps for fun about things that never happened or we make superficial judgments for the sake of the joke. And in addition, it is unacceptable that searches are carried out with intimidating methods in the homes of these guests, seizing everything and more, then taking them for a whole day to the police station as criminals and moreover employing more than a hundred men in these operations, a commitment of forces worthy of a raid against a mafia organization. It is very serious, it is unacceptable, it is against the law, this interference in people's private lives. Because what the citizens of a free democracy do at home concerns only them. This is a principle that applies to everyone and must also apply to me. After all, no oneHe may have been disturbed by those evenings because everything has always taken place in the name of absolute elegance, absolute decorum and tranquility and without any, no sexual implications. All the participants in those evenings have made unequivocal statements in this regard. After all, since I separated, but I never wanted to say it so as not to expose it in the media, I have had a stable relationship of affection with a person who was obviously very often with me even in those evenings and who certainly would not have allowed those absurd facts that certain newspapers have hypothesized to happen at dinner, or after dinner. In conclusion, we cannot go on like this. It is not a free country where when you pick up the phone you are not sure of the inviolability of your conversations. It is not a free country where some magistrates wage political battles by illegitimately using their powers against those who have been democratically called to hold public office. It is not a free country in which a privileged caste can commit any abuse to the detriment of other citizens without ever having to account for it. Reforms must be carried out immediately, including that of justice, whichmake our country similar to other great democracies in terms of the protection of the fundamental rights of every citizen. We will work hard to make all these reforms. Silvio Berlusconi | 2 |
Speech of Her Excellency Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo President of the Philippines During the Pampanga Senior Citizens Congress/Multisectoral Program and formal declaration to run in the May 2004 elections [Delivered at the Expo Filipino Amphitheater, Clarkfield, Angeles City, Pampanga, October 4, 2003] Thank you very much. Thank you, Governor Lito Lapid. I also congratulate Speaker Joe de Venecia and the other Lakas party officials who came here even though they came here voluntarily, we did not organize and ask them to come here, thank you very much. I would like to thank and congratulate the board member Robert David and all the senior citizens of Pampanga who are here today. I want the entire Filipino people to know that this is a convention of senior citizens of Pampanga but many of our colleagues have already gate crashed because they know that I will give our senior citizens an important report. Thanks to the CREBA, they also invited me to their convention at the Holiday Inn. I told them, just go to the Centennial Expo, with the convention of senior citizens, there I will do my keynote speech. Caring ali-aliwang beneficiary naning mount pinatubo housing programs, dacal a thank you, queingAlways support me. Dear senior citizens, thank you for your support, I pray for you, my father, in the Philippines. In ...... President Diosdado Macapagal. There are many people here, but I also congratulate the whole country. Senior citizens are here, they are working hard to create a bright future for our youth who are represented today by Bambam Aquino, thank you for supporting me. Thank you to President Dulalia for your kind words on behalf of the housing industry and Marissa Sanchez, thank you for knowing that this government is a victim of Mount Pinatubo. Caring ali-aliwang official keti queng Pampanga — governor, entertainment provincial official, caring congressmen, caring city mayors, municipal mayors, to the many officials who came here in various parts of Central Luzon as well as throughout the Philippines. There's Senator Bobby Barbers and the various congressmen. Thank you all for coming here. And of course, my Cabinet members are always helping to make the future of our country better. My beloved countrymen and countrywomen: Today, I address our nation together with our Cabalens. Our historic problem has been the need for economic development to fight poverty. Historically,our economic development has been slow compared to our neighbors. While we did better than our neighbors during the last two and a half years in the aftermath of the Asian crisis, with the region now starting to recover, our neighbors are starting to accelerate their growth again. This time we cannot afford to be left behind. Our historic problems cannot be blamed on any single president, because the problems are fundamental caused by our economic and political system. To really develop our economy and create a stronger republic, we need to change our system, to institute true reforms in our politics and our economy. We also need to unify as a people. In view of this need for unification, last December 30, I announced that I did not wish to seek for election for the presidency in 2004. I wanted to pass the torch. I wanted to earn my personal peace from the riveting pressures of presidential work. But most of all, I wanted to give our people relief from unabated politicking. Nang inihayag ko noong Disyembre na hindi ko hahangarin ang pangunguluhan sa 2004. Naisip kong ito lamang ang paraan para makaiwas ang bansa sa pabigat ng nakakalasongpulitika na nagbabantang, nagbabantang sirain ang ating katatagang pulitikal at pagsulong sa ekonomiya. For a while our enemies laid down their disruptive swords of politicking, and we finally moved as a country. In the first six months, we achieved 4.8 percent GNP growth, the highest growth in our country since the Asian crisis. In so short a time, we accomplished one of the most massive housing programs undertaken in our history. Kaya nga sabi ng CREBA, ang patakaran ng ating administrasyon ang pinakamabisa para sa pabahay sa buong kasaysayan ng ating bansa. And at the same time, we kept the supply and the price of food stable. We won victories in pinning down corrupt high-ranking officials, some of them on the basis of lifestyle checks never been done before in such a systematic manner. Long-awaited judgments were handed down in order to make us overcome the catharsis and trauma of the last several decades including the cases of the Marcos wealth and the coco levy. In the all-out war against illegal drugs, we confiscated in this last eight months or so volumes of illegal drugs and arrested drug dealers in numbers that far outstripped those achieved in years before. Wehave sought a peaceful resolution to the Muslim insurgency, and we are well on the way to signing a permanent peace pact. Sabi ng CREBA, marami tayong nabuwag na red tape para sa pabahay. Hindi lamang para sa pabahay, we cut down red tape to make sure crucial infrastructure are built — yung Roll-On/Roll-Off ferry program. Caring taga-Western Pampanga, mga taga-Zambales, mga taga-Bataan, nandito yung mga ating officials, puwede nang bumiyahe sa Manila nang isang oras mula sa Bataan, hindi sa kalsada, doon sa ating Roll-On/Roll-Off ferry. We built new bridges and we are building highways, like the long-awaited, often-aborted expansion of the north expressway. We began meaningful debates on changes in the constitution, particularly on the parliamentary and federal form of government. I longed together with our people to savor the gains of unity by taking myself out of the political landscape. For a while our enemies halted and we moved forward. We proved to ourselves how much we can achieve when we defeat divisiveness. Ngunit hindi tumagal, ang aking naunang kapasyahan ay hindi nagpatigil ng tuluyan sa mapanirang daloy ng mga pangyayari. Our enemies prefer to sow disunity so that they can wrest power from the people, whobecome strong when our economy becomes strong. Our immediate successes have been met again by extreme politics. Even the political system has changed, and there has been a secret conspiracy to overthrow the legitimate government. Fearing that our success would frustrate their plans, our enemies once again resorted to their machiavellian schemes in Oakwood and in the hit-and-run exposes. Black propaganda, murmurs, disgruntled soldiers, weapons, profits from corruption and crime, and even some parts of the media have been able to gather forces that are disloyal to our democratic system. They do not really want our people to be strong. They want to hold the monopoly of strength through guns and gold, drugs and dregs. The conspiracy ripened in oakwood, unraveling the hidden ambitions of those who sought to restore our country to the dark days of dictatorship, who wanted to overthrow democracy, and conquer freedom. Oakwood has targeted the heart and soul of our republic, so I should only dismiss the consequences. We have suppressed the coup in less than a day, but we have only scratched the surface of its evil meaning: the relationship between crime and politics, thepaggamit sa walang muwang na sundalo, ang pag-iwas sa katarungan ng mga kriminal na nasa pasilyo ng kapangyarihang pulitikal. And most of all, Oakwood broke wide the deep social and political divisions that we now have, that we have had for the past three years because for a long time, we have not been able to strengthen our Republic. We need to heal the deep divisions within our society. We must have justice, but we must also have reconciliation. We must put a closure to our national divisions. We must give ourselves a fresh start. Ang landas pasulong ay hindi madali. And in the more than two and a half years of my presidency, I have gained the experience necessary to understand what we need to do in order to change society in a way that leads to economic development and the elimination of poverty. Thus, I have deferred my retirement. I will sacrifice my yearnings for personal quiet and release from presidential strain and anxiety. And I will offer myself to the electorate in 2004 I will offer myself as the leader with the experience and vision necessary to change society, to achieve economic development, and eliminate poverty. Tatakboako sa pagka-pangulo sa eleksyon ng Mayo 2004. In the same way that I made a decision last December 30 by myself. Today, I make known that I reached this decision also on my own discernment. In making this decision, I could have invoked the prodding of my party, the clamor of the people, the support of many. These, you know, are true and already made known by the media. But I am not motivated to run because I was thrust, shoved, urged or pressed. Nakikita ko ang pangangailangan nang mas higit pang sakripisyo at gagampanan ko ito. Kailangan nating siguruhin ang ating katatagang pulitikal habang nagsisikap tayong makapagbigay ng pagkain sa bawat mesa, tahanan, trabaho. As I said, I have gained the experience. I have gained the experience necessary to understand what we need to do to change society in a way that leads to a future that we Filipinos dream of and rightly deserve. A future marked by a prosperous economy, a future where we would have defeated poverty, a future where our people enjoy true social equity and equal opportunity, a future where we can once again stand proud among the community of nations confident of whatwe have accomplished for ourselves and for our nations. I long for a strong republic steep in justice, unity and peace. This means that we will balance the requirements of the social good: defense and security, and economic advancement. The economy has been attacked by local and global events when demanding clean, professional and efficient management of our fiscal and macroeconomic direction. We must continue to maintain good governance. Corruption must be suppressed. And therefore if any member of my family is found guilty, he must suffer. None of my family, personal or official, is safe from the law. We are in the countryside today, celebrating senior citizens Sunday, but there in Mindanao are crying out for peace and prosperity. We must listen to the calls and challenges of the victims of conflict. Our fight is towards democratic nationalism because it is a relentless fight against poverty. We both need to overcome this if we want a bright future for the youth, for the grandchildren of our Senior Citizens. The administration alliance will make a campaign based on the platform of reform and reconciliation. I run because I'mconfident that the experience I have gained will enable me to make a difference. That the experience I have gained will enable the people to pin their hopes and aspirations with me. Tiwala ako na ang sambayanang Pilipino ay nasa aking likuran at ang ating makatarungang dahilan ay magtatagumpay. Mahigpit nating ipapatupa ng mga pagbabago. I am confident that together we will win our future. Kakamtin natin para sa bansang ito ang mga pangmatagalang biyaya ng demokrasya, katarungan, kalayaan at kasaganaan. Some ask why I changed my mind. What matters more is that I changed my mind because there is a higher cause — to change society. To change society in a way that flourishes our future. It would have been easier to take the road to retirement. Taking up the call laid before me exacts more courage, more sacrifice, more obedience to god and our people. Paglilingkuran ko ang sambayanan kahit pa ako ay hamakin dahil dito. And humbly, I accept this sacred vocation. I shall stay married to my country. Though I’m sad to say it, I can no longer stave the dam of politics. The political season is here. Hindi ako nag-aakala na titigil ang pamumulitika pagkataposnito, mas lalo pang sigurong lulubha. But even as I announce my decision today, I also wish to give greater certainty to business and our investors. Our programs are devoted to strengthening the economy, creating more jobs, and encouraging business activity that is unhampered by corruption and red tape. I instruct the bureaucracy to stay on track in the task of governance, and I shall keep a steady hand over the concerns of the state. I ask our people to keep your eyes focused on the challenges we face daily. Let us not allow ruthless politics to distract us from the all important charge of nation-building. Politicians come and go but our challenges are here to stay and to be met. Ang tanging hangad ko ay ang labanan ngayon ay magiging isang labanan para sa balota at hindi labanan upang ibagsak ang gobyerno sa pamamagitan ng dahas. We must go to the sacred table of electoral decision in 2004, keeping in mind that reform and reconciliation, in the final analysis, will be what will heal the wounds of our divisiveness. And as we do, let us move on to flourish our future. Mahal kong kababayan, magsama-sama tayo sanang umasa sadiyos, umasa sa isa’t-isa at umasa sa ating pamahalaan na may magandang bukas tayong haharapin at ang Pilipino ay muling tataas noo sa mundo. Finally, I pray to God to grant me the grace to heal our divided land; the fortitude to unite our people; and the courage to be truly a president of reconciliation. A president of reform and reconciliation bringing peace and unity and the Lord’s bounty to all our people under God’s Divine Providence. Patnubayan nawa ng Diyos ang Pilipinas. Maraming salamat. | 1 |
Pepe Lobo - Campaign Launch at Tegucigalpa Headquarters Sep 2, 2009 Thank you very much for your trust, for your faith and above all for the civic stature shown by all the leadership of the National Party of Honduras, to all my compatriots. Everywhere we go we find friends from different parties, of different tendencies and opinions and that is the world of today. A world in which there is room for all ideas and let's understand it that way, and just as my Rosa told me, everyone, everyone. Long live Honduras! For all, long live Honduras. Without a doubt, today is not the beginning of a political campaign as it has always been. Today is the beginning of a new era. An era that we marked when we said: Honduras needs a change now! Yesterday we were with my Rosa, with Marie Antoinette (my friend Roberto's), just as I was with the great Diana Valladares (our friend Laún's). And we were there in Huajiquiro at an event organized by the women led by that extraordinary fighter for women, Loti de García. And I did it because the women there in La Paz, with that great leaderGladys Aurora López Calderón, along with the deputies who were present, Trino Suazo and Rubén Suazo. And there we were sharing with the next mayor of Hajiquiro, with Benancio, as well as with the president of the Local Committee, Hipólito, and the others. And with all of them it was a great joy for us to be able to begin there in Huajiquiro the road to the presidency, the path to bring peace to the nation and unity to the Honduran family. Today we Hondurans must have a goal and I know that it has been difficult for many to understand and understand. And they have always claimed that there are no firm positions and I told them: well, what nails do you want me to stand on. I tell you today, I feel very happy, very proud that we have maintained the position in the party that neither with one nor with the other. With Honduras, with Honduras, because Honduras belongs to everyone. And I want us to understand well. And I want that today that we are here in Tegucigalpa we begin this campaign; where María Antonieta, campaign coordinator doing other campaign tasks; wherever Mayor Ricardo Álvarez is, where he is starting his campaign covering potholes in the capital; I meanall of them; and to say to all my compatriots: for the National Party of Honduras there is a fundamental objective, to unite the Honduran family and bring peace to the nation, peace to Honduras. And I am talking about the dialogue that we have proposed since the beginning of this crisis, if on November 29 God and the Honduran people elect us as their president, we are going to initiate a process of dialogue that is broad, that includes all sectors, everyone. No one can be excluded from this dialogue because Honduras belongs to everyone and the responsibility is to bring the benefit to the Honduran family to Honduras. And that the postulates that we have proposed to bring a decent income to families, through the generation of jobs and decisive support for production in the countryside; what education is, with that ten thousand bonus that is direct and immediate aid that we are going to take to families so that children and young people are better off; than health insurance; that broad scholarships for children, for young people; that bilingual education thatWe will do, and that we will allow Honduras to cease to be the privilege of a few, and that all my compatriots, children and young people, can also have the right to learn English. I can tell you that security, which we have pointed out as the third axis, is fundamental for us. There can be no prosperity, there can be no economic growth with equity as we yearn for, if there is no security. Peace in the nation needs to have security. Because I want young people to be free, to enjoy the fullness of their youth and healthy activities. I want to, I greet my friend Grín there, a live representative of the ethnic groups. Yesterday with the Lenca here and today here with the Garifuna, my friend Grín is there. A round of applause for the Garifuna of Honduras. And I want to tell you that at the beginning of the government there in the National State, the mandate that I am going to give to the next Minister of Security, Óscar Álvarez, is to go and pursue criminals and put them in order. Because Honduras has to be at peace. I want them to understand me and understand me. My words and my proposals and what we concretized together with an extraordinary team ofgovernment, are born from the depths of my heart. It is not a speech that I have been told: say this because it is what the people want. It is because you remember that in this long struggle of much understanding and much sacrifice. And I tell you the following, yesterday as you said, it was stolen from us. Today in 2009, let them forget, the people are not going to have their rights taken away. And I know that there are many plans that he has out there and I want to make it clear this morning, we are not going to be deceived, we are not going to allow the will of the Honduran people to be twisted. We are going to go to the elections with civility. Remember 2005. Even with the doubts, we said, "we accept that the president is Mel Zelaya, we accept that the vice president is Alvín Santos, because the presidency of the republic is not worth a drop of blood spilled by a compatriot." We said so in 2005. And we said, and we also said, and we also said, the presidency is not worth the abnormal democratic development of Honduras. And there are several threats. I want to say on this day to nationalism and the Honduran people, nothing is going to stop us from going to theballot boxes, cast our vote and make a change now in Honduras. [End of video] | 1 |
Speech by Prime Minister Andrus Ansip, Chairman of the Reform Party, at the General Assembly of the Party in Tallinn, 15.01 15.01.2011 Dear friends, 2010 was an extraordinary year for Estonia. We fulfilled our great, long-awaited goal. This objective is so great and so important that even the euro pales in comparison to it. I dare say that 2010 was the best year for the Estonian state after the restoration of independence: after two decades, so many children were born in Estonia that our birth rate turned positive. We are once again a growing country in terms of the most important thing - the number of our children. We can provide our children with the best living environment, education and opportunities to make their dreams come true only if the country's economy stands on firm feet. And this year, it is known all over Europe that the Estonian economy is standing on firm feet. Estonia's public finances are in the spotlight in the world. How is this possible, they ask. How did the former eastern bloc country achieve that their economies fit within the tight confines of conservative fiscal policy even after the worst economic crisis the world has seen in the last 80 years. The Estonian people have reason to be proud. We have fulfilled our great goals for viewers from the sidelines, as if by the way - the European Union, NATO, the Schengen area, the OECD. And now the euro. Today is the first day when the currency used in Estonia is only the euro. I congratulate us on the arrival of this new era. I'm sure this sign marks the famousthe realisation of the young Estonian dream - we are Estonians, but we have also become Europeans. I believe that not a single idealist from a century ago could really have guessed how great the task taken with this slogan has been. Back then, europeanism was needed here as a breath of refreshing air. Europe's par excellence was an almost unattainable craving. Today, however, it can be said, Europe begins already in Estonia. Starts right here. Estonia, you stand on the threshold of a hopeful future. - These words of the independence manifesto are still true today. We thank the Estonian kroon, which faithfully served us for 19 years, for staying firm and keeping our exchange rate at the bottom of the German mark and later against the European euro. Now Estonia itself has already become so strong - also in the eyes of all the other euro countries, according to all the speechless and callous criteria - that there is no longer any need for a mediated financial currency and a multiplication of 15.6466. And let us bear in mind that the euro is also our currency. The euro is Estonia's currency. This is a very simple and very important finding. How did the euro come about? Some people think that Jürgen and I were sweating, running out of nights, dragging our budgets together, calculating, euro calculators in hand. No, the Estonian people made the euro. This is a common achievement for all of us, which will allow us in Europe to rubber-stamp and say - our finances are in order. We would like to thank Siimu, who built the monetary system that benefited Estonia. But the nostalgia of the crown era should notto quell the sense of pride in the euro. We are using what the euro brings us: new investments, new jobs, new wage increases. The euro is an incredibly great achievement and does credit to every Estonian. A smooth changeover to the euro needs to be recognised on its own. I thank our coalition partners and the Riigikogu, state and local government institutions, Estonian companies and people. Although only two weeks have passed since the solstice, I dare say: this is probably the best organised exchange in the entire euro area. What is Estonia's position in the world today? A harrowing debt-free, free-breathing economy has one feature - to grow. Thus, Estonia has been predicted to have the fastest economic growth in the European Union for the current year. Our economy is in good shape, industrial production volumes are growing, export numbers are increasing. The news has just come that in the Heritage Foundation's Economic Freedom Index, we were ranked among the five freest European countries. Does this mean that there will be calm sailing ahead? Unfortunately, no. The global crisis is not yet complete, and there are many risks around us that should not be underestimated. The major powers will have to put an end to their national stimulus packages at some point. The debt crises of several countries are in the air. The prices of raw materials on the world market are setting new records and, of course, this also affects inflation in Estonia. These and a number of other threats will not go away. By letting yourself loose, today's tidy economy is tomorrow's history. In all countries of the European Union today there is a need for a sound monetary policy based on common senseafter. As a fresh member of the euro area and one of the decision-makers, Estonia must set an example here. I assure you - as long as the Reform Party is in government, Estonia's finances will remain in order. One can be sure of this. There is spring in our economy, but as in nature, spring does not reveal itself everywhere at the same moment. Some snowdrifts require more time to melt. The crisis in the labour market is not over. I admit that during the year unemployment has fallen faster than forecast. However, we cannot talk about the end of the crisis in Estonia as long as unemployment remains high. Structural unemployment is most certainly cured by retraining and further training. The EUR 260 million that we will receive from the sale of Kyoto emission credits will also help to alleviate unemployment. These euros, earned from green management, four billion kroons in the former currency, will create a large number of jobs during the insulation of apartment buildings and the renovation of state buildings. Foreign investment in Estonia is growing, our companies are expanding into new markets and creating more and more new jobs because the environment here is favourable for entrepreneurship. Estonia's debt burden is the smallest in the European Union and at the same time our reserves reach 10% of gross domestic product. The deficit in the state budget is small. We are moving on a firm step towards balance. We have shown that we stick to the principles of fiscal prudence, not only when it is easy, but also when it is difficult. I believe that those in this Chamber know: when it comes to public finances in 2011, it is a hell of a lot of fun to be proud of.Reform Party member! You can find well-spenders from every political party, but the best finance ministers in the world... If others have an empty bench present here, we have several of them. Aivar Sõerd, who struggled with countless requests to spend during the boom and who must be part of the gratitude that Estonia has had reserves that have helped us well in the crisis. And, of course, Jürgen Ligi, whose fingerprints are on the euro and whose cloning is probably being seriously discussed in many southern European countries. Dear friends. In the run-up to the elections, there are those among the parties who would be delighted if uncertainty spread. They would enjoy if the economy fluctuated. After all, we remember how many sceptics there were who said that we could not be sure whether we would be able to introduce the euro. They said don't believe an alien with pink glasses. They scared people by saying that we could not escape the devaluation of the crown. They said the government would not escape cutting pensions. So far, they say that Estonia will never become a Nordic tiger. They say we can't. But we say: you can be sure. The Reform Party faces four main challenges in the next period of government: The foundation of everything is a strong economy. We must make sure that Estonia has the best business environment in the Nordic countries. The stronger our economy, higher productivity and a more prosperous business environment, the more prosperous we will live. It's easy to promise, but where does the money come from? I have browsed through the programmatic positions of other political parties, so muchif they are known. And you know what's the biggest difference between those others and us, the Reform Party, program? Whether it's a reduction in unemployment insurance tax or the introduction of ring money, it's only in our program that every promise is meant for the other side of the coin — where the money comes from. Once upon a time, in coalition negotiations, one of our partners sincerely offered that they would deal with the expenditure side and let the Reform Party be left to find the revenue. There are still those who believe that the revenue side of the state budget will be printed in the basements of the Stenbock house. I would not be surprised if the political parties have already taken into account in their election promises that the Reform Party is in government anyway, but they take care of the balance of the budget and the flourishing economic environment that generates revenue for the state budget. Yes, we've really always done that. In the last four years, undoubtedly the biggest development has been the replacement of the Soviet-era labour law with one of the most liberal employment contracts laws in Europe. This is also an important reason why unemployment in Estonia is falling faster than forecasts and the economy has turned to strong growth. Tax exemption for investments in private securities, exemption from options and countless e-government developments, such as the E-business portal and the establishment of a company in 15 minutes - these are all part of this solid environment created under the leadership of the Reform Party, in which the economy can flourish. My friends, our work is not over. Labor costs are often A and O in business. Reducing the tax burden on labor is one of the first steps to take when budgetary opportunities ariseWe. This includes a reduction in the unemployment insurance tax rate, a ceiling on social tax, a reduction in the income tax rate with an increase in the tax-free minimum, and the abolition of fringe benefit tax on work-related formal education. We will continue with a simple, entrepreneurial, uniform personal income tax and rule out the imposition of a complex and exponentially impoverished income tax. A graduated income tax slows down people's entrepreneurial spirit and encourages them to hide their tax revenues or divert them out of Estonia. However, this has a negative impact on the future prospects of all Estonian people - families, pensioners and students - who are waiting for support from the state. With the Reform Party, you can be sure that there will be no graduated income tax. Low taxes, corporate income tax exemption and a uniform tax system are the foundation of Estonia's economic growth. We are defending what has proven itself. We maintain those values that provide security for the Estonian economy and continue to move towards a more competitive economy and jobs with high productivity. This is how we attract investment, international business, new jobs and wealth. A prerequisite for a competitive business environment are educated people. Once again, the power of Estonian education was demonstrated by our schoolchildren, who belong to the absolute top of the world according to PISA surveys. According to the UN Human Development Report, we are among 173 countries in terms of education - in eighth place. Estonia spends 6.7 per cent of its GDP on education, which is one of the highest figures in the European Union. Participation in lifelong learning has grown rapidly. But the education temple is one of those that will never be finished. That is why the Reform Party has made quality a cross-cutting goal of its education policy. BestA level of education is our only chance to stay successful in international competition for jobs and investment money. Nordic quality must be guaranteed, from guaranteed childcare for every child to successful higher education in international competition. We owe it to our children. If we keep the environment conducive to the development of our companies and carry out quality reform in education, thereby increasing competitiveness, wages, pensions and family benefits will increase. One can be sure of this. A strong economy is a powerful tool for achieving the most important goal - to have a large number of us. Scientific analysis confirms: parental benefit has directly increased the birth rate, providing young families with the confidence that having a child does not automatically mean a loss of standard of living. Many of you know how much I love numbers. And I can confirm that the Estonian fertility figures for 2010 are the most beautiful statistics I have ever seen. I repeat, since 2010, the Estonian population has been positive. Estonians are living more and more healthily and responsibly. Parental benefit, the state infertility treatment program, common sense in traffic, attention to fire and occupational safety. These are some of the reasons why we are today more than a year ago. I am convinced that the birth rate will continue to increase if we can - and we can - build even more security in young families. Estonia needs its baby boom again. Family is the most important thing. Because you can always count on your family. And it is precisely the creation of an environment that cultivates the fortress that continues toThe Reform Party also for the next four years. Our seniors also need certainty. I am pleased that we have been able to provide this. Only during the previous Riigikogu elections, in 2007, the average old-age pension was 200 euros. At the moment, despite the bustle, the amount of the pension is more than 300 euros. Yes, pensions have increased by 50% in four years! The share of the average pension in the average gross salary has, for the first time, exceeded the limit of 40 percent, which is considered an important indicator in Europe. Between 2005 and 2009, as a ratio to gross domestic product, the total amount of state pensions increased from 6% to 9.1%. The last figure, by the way, is even higher than the corresponding comparable figure in Sweden, where it is one and a half percentage points lower according to the latest data from the yearbook of statistics there. If the Reform Party ensures stable economic growth for Estonia, it will mean a definite increase in pensions in the future. We have proved through our actions that the Reform Party-led government will not cut pensions. Vice versa. History speaks for itself. The Reform Party is the party with the most governmental responsibility in post-independence Estonia. The Reform Party has been part of the government on seven occasions. And under every government that has included the Reform Party, pensions have also risen. If the Reform Party is in government, pensions will rise, one can be sure of this too. The fourth inexorable goal for the Reform Party is to maintain a free and dignified statehood. Its country needs firm care so that it does not fall out of its fingers like sand. I do not want to dwell on the eastern money scandal. I don't want to discusson the question of whether it is right to ask a former KGB officer for three million euros for an election campaign, or what kind of counter-performance this would have expected. Values are not traded. The country is not betrayed. I repeat once again, for the sake of certainty: I will not cooperate with Edgar Savisaar! Dear party mates. Estonia's public finances are in order, the economy is growing, but the dangers have not disappeared. More and more children are being born, but there are still few of us. The standard of living of Estonians has developed strongly, but it has not yet reached the level of the Nordic countries. Taking care of our economy, our families, our seniors and our country are the four most important challenges facing the Reform Party for the next four years. No one else is carrying out the Reform Party's programme for us. We must have the strength to do this in order to achieve the best result in the elections. I know that today there are many people who have joined the party here in the Estonia Concert Hall during this year. Welcome to the Reform Party. And strength to work. Dear Reform Party members, our work is not over. We need to make the Estonian economic environment the best in the Nordic countries in order to give confidence to our families so that wages and pensions increase. To grow the Estonian people. Long live Estonia! | 0 |
https://www.delfi.lt/video/aktualijos/d-grybauskaite-noriu-ir-privalau.d?id=63914972 2014-02-03 Dear people of Lithuania, five years ago the broken windows of the Seimas sounded to me as an obligation. Then I decided that I wanted and could help Lithuania overcome the difficult times and stabilize the situation in the country. I fulfilled my duty and pursued my goals, without succumbing to any influences. I am sincerely grateful to everyone who has supported and joined the path of transparency and justice that we have been following throughout this difficult period for Lithuania. During these years, lithuania's economy recovered, the financial system strengthened. We have become respected in the international community and have won the necessary guarantees of military security. We began to trust ourselves more and ourselves. After many trials, success begins to accompany us again. We have every opportunity for a faster and broader step towards economic prosperity. We have secured a great deal of European support, we are developing modern and competitive businesses, we are leading from the cobweb of corruption, and we are rapidly on the path of energy self-sufficiency. However, as Lithuania recovers, the forces that are destroying and plundering our state are also activated, both externally and internally. They sow destruction and distrust of Lithuania, stop the most important projects for the development of the state, and undermine democratic and constitutional values. The oligarchic formations that have taken on new forms divide and divide Lithuania, delaying the hopes of a better life for all of us. Economic recovery must reach every home, every human being, and not settle in the pockets of oligarchic groups. Therefore, I want and must help Lithuania to become a country of opportunities for honest people. So that Lithuania does not walk away, so that our freedom and prosperity are notstolen or exchanged. Duty to Lithuania and its people is more important to me than personal peace. Therefore, I do not hesitate to choose a job for you and, as an independent candidate, I will again participate in the elections for the President of Lithuania. I invite you to unite and work together all honest people of Lithuania, civic communities, non-governmental organizations, the strongest minds of the state, responsible businessmen and transparent political forces. We must come together today and build our own state, so that Lithuania becomes a home where it is both good to grow up and grow old is not afraid. We will continue to be successful if we confidently follow the path of an independent, transparent, world-respected, democratic and just state for every lithuanian person. Together, we, Lithuania, can do more. Thank you for your attention. Dalia Grybauskaite, President of the Republic of Lithuania | 1 |
9/24/2018 Newsletters – Page 5 – AMLO Message from AMLO at the closing of the campaign at the Azteca Stadium June 27, 2018 Campaign Bulletin-107 Download: Campaign Bulletin 107 Mexico City, June 27, 2018.- Message from Andrés Manuel López Obrador, candidate for the Presidency of the Republic for the coalition "Together we will make history" at the closing of the campaign at the Azteca Stadium. Friends: With this festive event we reach the end of the 2018 campaign. There is a contagious and vibrant joy among the people because the mood of society and the polls indicate that we are going to win next Sunday's elections. We are about to begin the fourth transformation in the history of Mexico and to make the dreams of many Mexicans of the past and of our time come true; What we are going to consummate comes from afar and has been forged with the effort and fatigue of many comrades, men and women, from different social classes and currents of thought who at the time fought for freedoms, justice, democracy and the defense of national sovereignty. We remember with admiration and respect those who have participated throughout thethe years in social and political movements: peasants, workers, students, teachers, doctors, railroad workers, and defenders of human rights and other causes. https://lopezobrador.org.mx/secciones/boletines/page/5/ 1/6 9/24/2018 Newsletters – Page 5 – AMLO Here I highlight the participation of the young people of '68 and leaders such as Valentín Campa, Demetrio Vallejo, Ruben Jaramillo, Othon Salazar, Alejandro Gascón Mercado, Heberto Castillo, Cuauhtémoc Cárdenas, Salvador Nava, Manuel Clouthier, Porfirio Muñoz Ledo, Ifigenia Martínez and Doña Rosario Ibarra de Piedra to whom I pay tribute. I can tell you in advance that on July 1 I am going to vote for her. What has been achieved in recent times we owe to many Mexicans from all regions, cultures and social classes of the country. On this memorable day I fondly remember José María Perez Gay, Arnaldo Cordova, Luis Javier Garrido, Hugo Gutierrez Vega, Julio Scherer Garcia, Sergio Pitol, Carlos Monsiváis, and I celebrate that Elenita Poniatowska, Fernando del Paso and Carlos Payán are still alive and with their spirits forever young. We will never forget social leaders, peasants, workers, indigenous people, friends, simple and good people who began the struggle with us and went ahead of us, women and men who died wanting to see this moment. I'm sure at nightFrom the sky they will celebrate the triumph that they helped to build. Sunday's victory has been materialized with the selflessness of many; it does not arise suddenly or arise solely from the unrest caused by the old authoritarian and corrupt regime that is coming to an end. The fruits that will now begin to be harvested also come from the sowing of ideas, the work and perseverance of political leaders at all levels and regions of Mexico. Very little has been spontaneous or has been left to chance; In advance, we decided to put our ideas first, bet on the peaceful path and apply the premises that only the people can save the people and that only the people united and organized can save the nation. The work that has been done in recent years has consisted of raising awareness of the need to achieve, through the organization and participation of citizens, a real change. Little by little, citizens have become aware of something that is not necessarily obvious: the existence and predominance of a mafia of power; our work has also allowed us to spread the idea that the problemThe central cause is corruption, which is the main cause of social and economic inequality, violence and other evils. Of course, to achieve this revolution of consciences and the construction of a collective will as a transformative force, an enormous educational work with the people is required; it demands to lead by example; it requires mettle, convictions and perseverance. . But that it can be done, our movement is the best example: in a short time we have contributed decisively to changing the mentality of broad sectors of Mexico; we have exposed the forms of manipulation and control of the current regime and we have made it clear that the PRI and the PAN represent the same thing. Today people are more aware of the existence of a small group that controls the institutions, they understand better how they dominate and their excessive greed. I think that, so far, this has been the greatest social and political contribution of our movement. Let us keep in mind that we cannot change what we do not know and that what is well understood, is difficult to forget. The result of this awareness-raising work is the awakening of many middle-class citizensthat before they even insulted us, and that now they respect us and that they will vote for us; another https://lopezobrador.org.mx/secciones/boletines/page/5/ 2/6 9/24/2018 Newsletters – Page 5 – AMLO so much happens with most young people. I am the oldest candidate but young people, with their imagination, rebellion and talent, know that we represent the new, the modernity forged from below and for everyone. Based on what has been achieved, we will seek to undertake a peaceful and orderly transformation, yes, but no less profound than Independence, Reform and Revolution; We have not made all this effort for mere cosmetic changes, much less to keep more of the same. The Fourth Transformation will be peaceful but radical, understanding that the word radical comes from the root and that the purpose is to uproot the corrupt regime of injustices and privileges. Friends: Once the electoral process is over and until the inauguration on December 1, we will dedicate ourselves to elaborating the government program that is already outlined in the 2018-2024 Nation project, and that we will put into practice with the participation of the people. Here are some essential actions that will define the national transformation: There will be aauthentic rule of law under the liberal premise that nothing is outside the law and no one is above the law. We will be respectful of the separation of powers and the sovereignty of states and municipalities. As Juárez said, nothing by force, everything by reason and law. No one will be spied on, persecuted, repressed or banished. CISEN will cease to exist. There shall be full respect for the manifestations of ideas, civil and religious liberties, and the right to dissent shall be guaranteed. A genuine democracy will be established. From the Presidency of the Republic we will promote clean and free elections, we will combat illegal and perverse practices of vote buying, threats and the factional use of the budget for the benefit of candidates and parties. Even though I assume the commitment to become the guardian of political freedoms, as Francisco I. Madero said, we will pay close attention to the appointment of the new Electoral Prosecutor, and we will propose for this important position an honest, impartial and upright person. In addition, we will send a reform initiative to Congress to convert electoral crimes into serious crimes, so that officials, party leaders andand citizens who violate the principle of effective suffrage in the full extension of the word. We will put an end to corruption. The political will of the president will be committed to this. . No one will enjoy impunity; this includes, of course, friends, colleagues and relatives, and the influence will end; No group or person, no matter how powerful, will do illegal business under the protection of public power. Those who seize money or property of the people or of the Nation shall be severely punished. I will act by example. I will send an initiative to Congress to reform Article 102 so that the acting President can be tried for crimes of corruption. I will also submit to the test of the revocation of the mandate. That is to say, in the middle of the six-year term, in three years' time, citizens will be asked if they want the President to continue or resign, because in a true democracy the people put in and the people take away, they are the ones who must always have the reins of power in their hands, they are the ones who truly command. https://lopezobrador.org.mx/secciones/boletines/page/5/ 3/6 9/24/2018 Newsletters – Page 5 – AMLO Mexico's new president will have moral authorityand politics to ask everyone to proceed correctly and will call to put honesty first as a way of life and as a way of government. With this determination put into practice, the country will be moralized, Mexico's image abroad will improve, and we will save how much corrupt politicians and influence peddlers are now stealing. There will be an austere government, without luxuries or privileges. The salaries of senior civil servants will be reduced to increase the salaries of those at the bottom. I will also give the example of this: I am going to earn less than half of what Enrique Peña Nieto receives, without compensation of any kind. There will be no waste or superfluous expenses. I will not live in Los Pinos; That residence will become a space for art and culture. I will not travel on the presidential plane, the entire fleet of planes and helicopters that high public officials currently have at their service will be sold. Only those who work in security tasks will have escorts. I will not use the services of the Presidential General Staff, which will become part of the Ministry of National Defense. The pensions of former presidents will be canceled.There will be no special savings bank or private medical care for senior public officials. Unnecessary and duplicate administrative structures will be eliminated. Spending on trips abroad, congresses, paying for consultancies, and advertising will be reduced to a minimum, and only in very few cases will there be private advisors and secretaries. Everything we save by not allowing corruption and with the republican austerity plan will be used to finance development. I am sure that the budget will yield more and will be enough for us to meet all the commitments to the people, without increasing, in real terms, taxes or public debt. There will be no gasoline hikes either. The budget will be aimed at reactivating the economy, creating jobs and combating poverty. It will be a priority to strengthen productive activity and the domestic market. We will promote development from the different regions of the country. The countryside will be rescued, the construction industry and the industry dedicated to the manufacture of clothing, footwear and other goods will be promoted. The energy sector will be rescued. The purpose is to produce the gasoline, diesel, gas and electricity that we consume to stop buying them abroad and reduce the prices of these inputs for the benefit ofof consumers and national companies. We will try to make emigration optional and not necessary. We will strive to ensure that people find work and well-being in their places of origin, where their families, their customs and their culture are. I reiterate: those who want to emigrate, should do so for pleasure, not because of hunger, marginalization or insecurity. Our development program will be based on support for the productive activities of indigenous and peasant communities, as well as the creation of employment opportunities for workers in popular urban neighborhoods. We are going to distribute a basket of food at low prices. Young people will be guaranteed the right to study and work. Scholarship holders yes, hitmen no! The so-called educational reform will be canceled and we will elaborate, with teachers and parents, an educational plan to truly improve the quality of education, without affecting the labor rights of teachers. We are going to strengthen free and quality education at all levels of schooling. There will be free medical care and medicines. Water will not be privatized. The pension for the elderly will be doubled and this support will also be given to retirees of the ISSSTE and the IMSS. Givespecial attention to science and technological innovation. Sports, in addition to its importance as a https://lopezobrador.org.mx/secciones/boletines/page/5/ 4/6 9/24/2018 Newsletters – Page 5 – AMLO professional activity, will be a fundamental part of the public health plan. And all our actions will be guided by respect for the culture of the populations and the natural environment. We will give special support to those who suffer from shortages and forgetfulness. Our government will serve everyone, respect everyone, but give preference to the poor. We will do so out of conviction and humanism, but also because in a society as unequal as ours, it is almost impossible to achieve peace without justice and well-being. It is showing that in countries where there is no corruption or poverty, insecurity and violence are minimal. We will act effectively to combat so-called organised crime. We cannot remain indifferent when 89 homicides are being committed daily. The toll of violence in recent times is terrible. Since Calderón's inception to date, more than 230 thousand people have been murdered; According to official figures, there are 36,000 missing and there are about one million relatives of victims in mourning and damaged by violence. Let's face theseserious problems without violating human rights. I am not going to delegate this responsibility: I will assume the coordination of the cabinet in this matter. The dispersion will end and there will be joint work by all the police and military corporations. Every day, starting at 6 a.m., I will meet with the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of the Navy, the Attorney General, the Secretary of Public Security, and the Secretary of the Interior to receive the report of the crimes committed in the last 24 hours and make the necessary decisions. In the same way, territorial coordination will be established in each of the regions of the country to act jointly. The security policy will be defined after our victory next Sunday because first we are going to summon relatives of victims, religious figures, human rights defenders, representatives of the UN and social organizations, as well as specialists, to analyze all the convenient alternatives to achieve the pacification of the country. I will also call on the inhabitants of Mexico to build an ethical consensus that is indispensable for coexistence. To this end, we will give priority to the elaboration and dissemination of the Moral Constitution, not obviously as aIt is not a legal instrument or as an interference by the State in the private lives of citizens, but as an expression of the fundamental values that bind us together and that survive even after the debasement and disastrous destruction of the social fabric perpetrated in our country in recent decades. We will not only seek material well-being but also the well-being of the soul. We will repeat, a thousand times, that only by being good can we be happy. We will maintain cordial and fruitful relations with all countries of the world. Globality should not mean war or hegemony, but fraternity and cooperation between peoples and States. We will adhere to the constitutional principles of Non-Intervention, Self-Determination and peaceful settlement of disputes. In the relationship with the United States, there will be a willingness to dialogue and reach agreements. In due course, we will propose to President Donald Trump a broad and comprehensive treaty with Canada, which also includes Central American countries, something similar to what was the Alliance for Progress, focused not only on trade but also on regional development, job creation, wages, migration, security, among other issues. By geopolitics, neighborliness, friendship, economy, trade, migration and culture we are obliged to understand each other and to walktogether. We will not disrespect the government of the United States because we do not want anyone to offend the Mexican people and nation. Mexico is a free and sovereign country, it will never be a piñata of any foreign government. Friends: https://lopezobrador.org.mx/secciones/boletines/page/5/ 5/6 9/24/2018 Newsletters – Page 5 – AMLO To make these resolutions that we share a reality, I urge you to go out and vote on Sunday and take care of the polling stations. We are going to win, but our victory must be resounding. It will be a historic event. The victory of an entire people will be consummated in the face of the immorality and decadence of recent times. The Conservative Party is going to lose but there will be no reprisals. We will seek unity as far as possible, but we are not betting on unanimity or a single thought. We are committed to building a democracy, not a dictatorship. Our opponents will always have respect and we will never see them as enemies. We are going to change along the path of concord. Mexico is all of us. The government will represent rich and poor, believers and non-believers, and in an environment of full freedoms we will build a better, more just, more egalitarian, more democratic, loving and fraternal society. I will not fail you. I'm aa man of conviction and principles. My honesty is priceless. And I have a legitimate ambition, I want to be a good president. Together we will make history. Long live Mexico! Long live Mexico! Long live Mexico! ª https://lopezobrador.org.mx/secciones/boletines/page/5/ 6/6 | 2 |
Name of Chief Executive: Mariano Rajoy Name of the speech: SPEECH BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE GOVERNMENT, MR. MARIANO RAJOY, AT THE INAUGURATION CEREMONY OF THE BARCELONA-GIRONA-FIGUERES ROUTE OF THE MADRID-FRENCH BORDER HIGH-SPEED TRAIN Date: January 8, 2013 Location: Spain Source: http://s.libertaddigital.com/doc/discurso-de-rajoy-en-la-inauguracion-del-ave-a-gerona-41912832.pdf Highness, molt honorable president of the Generalitat of Catalonia, Madam Minister of Public Works, molt honorable president of the Parliament of Catalonia, Madam Government Delegate, Mayor of Girona, authorities, friends and friends, I would like to thank all of you for attending this event, and especially His Royal Highness the Prince of Asturias and Girona, whose presence honours us so much. The inauguration of a large infrastructure is always great news, but the commissioning of this high-speed line today goes far beyond the category of mere news. Rarely, in fact, does a date mark a before and after so clearly. Because by inaugurating the 131 kilometres of the Barcelona-Girona-Figueres high-speed railway and the French border, we know that we are facing much more than a simple railway: we are facing one of the most ambitious and far-reaching works that have ever been planned in our country, and we are facing astrategic infrastructure destined to become a new axis of prosperity for Catalonia, the rest of Spain and all of Europe. Undoubtedly, the adjective "historic" was conceived for days as important as this one: that of the culmination of a collective success that has been going on for a long time, and that must continue to generate wealth and provide its service to the Catalans and to all Spaniards, and also to French and European citizens, when this 2013 is a date that is already distant. On this first trip we have laid the last stone of a work of a truly structural nature. Not surprisingly, if the construction of thirty tunnels, the sixty viaducts or the nine trains in circulation are magnitudes that speak for themselves, the best measure of this High Speed Line is found in the number of people who will benefit from it, day by day, in their quality of life. in its time and in its connectivity. The new section is for the benefit of the people of Girona. Because Girona and its regions see their communications within Catalonia and Spain improved, and with the international connection to the French border they will exert anew central and backbone role. Thus, Girona strengthens its traditional character as Gateway to Spain for Europe and Gateway to Europe for all Spaniards. And with its status as the hub of the High Speed, Girona is going to be much closer to everywhere, as an invitation to come and get to know one of the most beautiful provinces in Spain. The new AVE also benefits the people of Barcelona and all Catalans. Because from today - and this is a transcendental fact, and as such it must be valued - Catalonia is going to be the first autonomous community to have all its capitals connected to each other by High Speed, in addition to being integrated into the national network and also into the European network. And, of course, this new High-Speed Line is also destined to have an extraordinarily positive impact for Spain as a whole. Sir, ladies and gentlemen, The inaugural route of this AVE carries behind it a pioneering technological development. If, in terms of engineering, the work has been a paradigm of innovation, its strategic implications for the future are not far behind. Firstly, because it is the first cross-border rail connection in international gauge. Secondlyplace, because it is integrated into the "Southwest Europe High-Speed Rail Axis", a priority project for the European Union, which guarantees the continuity of the network between Portugal, Spain and the rest of the continent. Finally, because it is part of the Mediterranean Corridor, an infrastructure of capital importance for Catalonia and the entire Spanish Mediterranean strip, and which is also the most powerful driving force for freight transport. With this new AVE line, we have also extended the high-speed corridor from Malaga to Figueres, which with its 1,252 kilometres, and on a route that links Girona, Barcelona, Zaragoza, Madrid and Cordoba, is one of the longest in the world. A railway line that marks a path of growth and wealth for the entire country. But today we also inaugurate a work of European vocation and magnitude. With the new AVE line, direct services will be established from Barcelona to Toulouse, Marseille, Lyon and Paris from April. This high-speed connection with France is symptomatic of a desire for openness capable of making the long-standing aspiration of a former Spanish ambassador to France, the Catalan Marquis of Castelldosrius, a reality: that theMay the Pyrenees never serve as an impediment to the bilateral relationship between our two great nations. Because this international connection is presented as a vector of development in both directions. For this reason, it will result in the economic activity and growth of the two countries, and opportunities and the generation of wealth will always appear as passengers in this AVE. Sir, ladies and gentlemen, On the maps of Spain and Europe, the railways have been like seams capable of bringing together the most diverse territories for the sake of a common will. In just two decades, since 1992, this joint determination has helped Spain not only to leave its infrastructure deficit far behind, but also for our country to enjoy one of the best high-speed networks in the world. And let's see if this great project of all that is the High Speed has been successful, that today Spain exports its leadership in the construction and management of High Speed to the whole globe. This AVE, therefore, is not an isolated landmark. It is, on the contrary, an unbeatable account of our ambition as a country. And it is also the tangible expression of the achievements that we canTo reach together: because it is precisely our will to move forward together that allows us to open great paths. This AVE seeks to abolish distances and unite territories to bring people closer together. Because if those of the AVE are rails of prosperity, they are also ways of understanding. And only these ways that bring us closer together make us capable of going further. And today I would like to underline a basic fact. Even in such an adverse budgetary scenario, the Government has put one hundred percent of its political will to prioritise a vital infrastructure for Catalonia such as this AVE, with a total planned investment of more than 3,700 million euros. And the conclusion of this project has been possible thanks to the push that the Government of the Nation has given it since the beginning of this legislature. We have done so from the deep conviction that this Catalan land, where the first peninsular railway was launched, deserves, as a society and productive economy of the first order of the country in our national life, infrastructures of the first order. And it deserves all the support of the State so that, in turn, Catalonia can bring its full potential to reality and continue tobeing "pole and pilaster" of Spain, as the great Girona master Jaume Vicens Vives said. This is a commitment from which we will not move. Because the commitment to improving Catalan railway communications has been and is a priority for the Government of Spain. This is demonstrated by the investments of the State: almost 10,000 million euros from 2000 to 2012, for the improvement and modernization of railway communications in Catalonia, which represents almost 20% of the total investment. Thus, Catalonia is the community that has received the most investment in the railway sector. As I said before, this new Barcelona-Figueres section that we are inaugurating today is also part of the Mediterranean Corridor, a key infrastructure for the economic and social future of our Mediterranean coastal strip and of the whole of Spain. The Government's commitment to the Mediterranean Corridor is unquestionable. That is why we have worked hard to be able to successfully complete the Barcelona-Figueres section; and we are doing it so that the AVE reaches Alicante this year 2013. In the Budgets for this year, and despite the difficulties of the current situation, we are going to maintain the investment effort, dedicating 1,079 million euros to it, 23% of theinvestments in the railway for this year. Specifically, an investment of 841.5 million euros will be allocated to Catalonia for this railway corridor that is key to its future and that of the whole country. But we haven't stopped here. At the last Spanish-French Summit, President Hollande and I showed our support for the "Southwest European High-Speed Rail Axis", to promote economic exchanges and connectivity between the citizens of both nations and other European countries. In this sense, with the commissioning of this line in international gauge, today we begin to overcome an obstacle that, as is well known, separated Spain from Europe: the different gauge of our railway network. To bring this change to completion, we have already drawn up the first projects for the implementation of the new track gauge between Barcelona, Valencia-Alicante and Murcia-Cartagena. The works will be put out to tender this year and we hope that they will be completed by Valencia in 2015, with an investment of 1,400 million euros. People who, with their work in the Administration, in public companiessuch as Adif, or in the different concessionaire companies, have made the opening of this new line possible. The High Speed has been the great travelling companion of modernity in our country. It has been a project at the height of that unbeatable shared project that is Spain. That is why it has had continuity with governments of yesterday and today, of one color and another. This is, I repeat, an achievement of all and for all, an example of what we call "making a country". And in the current difficult circumstances, the inauguration of this new section of AVE to Figueres and the French border is also a model of response for everyone. Because, just as the difficulties of the terrain and the orography have not managed to discourage us from taking this train to its goal, the same willingness to agree and the same efforts of solidarity must lead us to turn the page on the current crisis and bring a new horizon of growth and employment closer to Catalonia and to the whole of Spain. That is our common purpose and no crisis will separate us from it. Thank you all very much. | 0 |
Speech by President Evo Morales on the Day of Maritime Reclamation Dear people of Bolivia, sisters and brothers, present here, listeners throughout Bolivia, to the institutions of the Plurinational State, to the students, to the social, civic, union, neighborhood movements, to the social movements; today with deep satisfaction we have seen, we have heard a great national mobilization for the right to vindication, maritime recovery in Bolivia and in the world. For this reason, we greet all the Bolivian people with this enormous joy and satisfaction. To quickly remember how our beloved Bolivia was composed before the foundation, before the invasion, but also after the Republic. The territorial and administrative organization of the Audiencia of Charcas, today Bolivia, was made up of four municipalities: La Paz, Santa Cruz, Charcas and Potosí, but Potosí was divided into six districts: Porco, Chayanta. Lipes, Chichas, Tarija and Atacama, having the Salado River next to the Paposo River as a border with Chile at 25 degrees, 31 minutes and 36 seconds. Bolivia was born as an independent Republic with a territorial extension on the maritime coast of 158 thousand square kilometers and 400 linear kilometers of coastline. In 1829 the province of the Litoral was created with an area of120 thousand square kilometers, in 1839 it was elevated to the category of department made up of the provinces La Mar with its capital Cobija and Atacama with its capital San Pedro de Atacama. According to the historical documents of the audience of Charcas, they border our country with the Pacific coasts, so the maps that were published until 1880 showed Bolivia with its territorial extension to the Pacific Ocean. On the Bolivian coast were the ports of Antofagasta, Cobija and Tocopilla, in the Cotton and Horseshoe Bays. The conqueror of Chile Pedro de Valdivia in his letter of October 15, 1550 literally affirms the 25th parallel as the northernmost limit of what is now Chile. The political constitutions of Chile in the years 18, 22, 1823, 1833 indicated that the northern limit of Chile was the Atacama Desert. The first boundary treaty signed between Bolivia and Chile, on August 10, 1866, establishes that the border of the two countries is the 24th parallel of southern latitude from the Pacific Coast to the eastern limits of Chile. The importance of guano, salt, and other natural resources in theThe province of Atacama motivated the Chilean oligarchy to settle in that territory since 1840 and exploit it. On August 6, 1874, the second boundary treaty was signed between Bolivia and Chile where the dividing line was maintained at the 24th degree, later in 1878 the Bolivian Congress provided for the payment of 10 boliviano cents for each quintal exported. Regarding this payment, Chile unilaterally pointed out that the treaty of 1874 was broken without resorting to arbitration as agreed, and the exploitation of the misfortune caused by the natural catastrophe suffered by Bolivia in 1877, in which an earthquake followed by a tsunami occurred, which sowed death and devastated the ports of Tocopilla and Cobija, in addition to having suffered an epidemic disease. The Chilean oligarchy supported by capitals from the British empire invaded the port of Antofagasta on February 14, 1879, occupied Antofagasta and then the ports of Cobija, Mejillones, the ports of Calama and San Pedro de Atacama and the mining deposits located in Caracoles. The interests of Chilean oligarchies and British imperialism in guano, minerals and saltpeter are the three economic reasons that led to the war.On February 14, 1879, Chilean ships appeared, thus initiating the assault on the Bolivian Littoral, on March 23, 1879, eight riflemen and two officers appeared, excuse me, on the banks or placed on the Loa River, eight riflemen and two officers together with the Eduardo Abaroa staged a heroic action forcing the enemy to a hasty retreat. About 40 Chileans broke through the Carvajal bridge sector by defeating 24 defenders stationed in that place. When the Chileans arrived on the shore of Calama before beginning their attack, they sent an emissary to ask for the surrender of Dr. Ladislao Cabrera, the latter's response was: we will defend the integrity of the territory of Bolivia to the last end. At the beginning of the assault, the most critical point was the Topater bridge, which was defended by 12 men under the command of Eduardo Abaroa Hidalgo, in the middle of the fray when his comrades had already perished, a Chilean officer urged his surrender, his response admired his executioners: surrender, let your grandmother surrender, damn it! A burst of rifle fire ended his life. During the war, the Bolivian navy had a minimal performance, because it did not have a defensive device conducive to a prolonged conflict. TheBolivian President Hilarión Daza in the face of the invasion issued five decrees, declared a state of siege, amnesty for those living in exile, organization of the national guard and another that cut off trade with Chile. Bolivia was forced to fight a war that it did not want or seek, so it left with Peru on April 5, 1879, the conflict was unequal, Chile had armed itself to the measure of its intentions, the results of the invasion meant the loss of the Bolivian Littoral and the loss of the territory by Peru. As a result of the war, Bolivia lost 120,000 square kilometers of territory and 400 kilometers of coastline, several ports, bays and lime kilns, and most importantly, its sovereign access to the Pacific Ocean. In the territory lost by Bolivia, important deposits of saltpeter, guano, sulfur were discovered in the copper deposits of Chuquicamata, considered among the most important in the world. Later it is known that it also has a great potential for lithium resources. Likewise, Bolivia, by losing its maritime coastline, could not access the natural resources of the sea, being deprived of exporting products directly, which meant the loss of commercial markets.It will be important that this calculation be made to know how much resources we have lost as a country, so I call on scholars of these issues to work to determine the economic cost we have suffered so far. Since the events of 1879, Bolivia has not ceased to claim its sovereign right of access to the sea, taking this injustice to all international forums. In 1979, on the occasion of the centennial of the War of the Pacific, the Organization of American States (OAS), during its tenth general assembly, adopted resolution number 426, which states the following: The maritime question is a matter of permanent hemispheric interest and it is necessary to find a just and equitable solution that will provide Bolivia with sovereign and useful access to the Pacific Ocean. to recommend to the States, which are directly concerned by this problem, to initiate negotiations aimed at giving Bolivia a free and sovereign territorial connection with the Pacific Ocean, and also to take into account the Bolivian approach of not including territorial compensations. From 1978 to 1989, 11 OAS resolutions were issued on the Bolivian maritime question, in 1980, in 1981, in 1983, Chile gave its support to the resolutions of the Bolivian maritime question.the OAS. The 1970 resolution called on both states to initiate a dialogue through the appropriate channels that will lead to the most satisfactory solution. In 1981, the OAS urged the states involved to initiate a dialogue that would allow for a more satisfactory solution to the Bolivian maritime problem. In 1983 it recommended an action similar to the previous one between Bolivia and Chile, since 1990 Bolivia chose to present reports on the maritime issue to the OAS General Assembly to testify to the damage that the Mediterranean causes to its economy, receiving the adhesion of numerous countries of the inter-American community. Today, the Government of Bolivia demands from the Chilean Government an attitude in accordance with the twenty-first century, which understands that a fluid relationship between our nations will not be achieved until the centuries-old problem of maritime claims is resolved. Sisters and brothers, in Bolivia the freedom of our peoples is forged on their integration, their unity, trust and mutual cooperation, no military victory as an instrument of the oligarchies and the transnationals unjustly grants rights when it comes to the destiny of the people. No victory or defeat isComparable to the geographical isolation of a people, war itself was unjust, it will always be unjust as long as our people continue to be condemned to live without a sovereign outlet to the sea. There will be no peace, unity or integration of Latin America as long as it continues to turn its back on our maritime claim. The true Chilean people contribute and will contribute to forging Latin American unity by resolving the geographical isolation of Bolivia. An unjust war cannot condemn a people to its perpetual geographical enclosure, no country deserves to be condemned to perpetual isolation, our geographical enclosure is the enclosure of the people of Latin America, the historical injustice for Bolivia is the historical injustice against Latin America. As long as this injustice is not repaired, we cannot speak of a true integration of Latin America and South America, stilling the sea is like mutilating us, not giving us back the sea is like blinding us. Before the invasion, all the countries of Abya Yala had access to the Pacific and the Atlantic, our ancestors lived with the sea, our liberators made us born with the sea, God and Pachamama gave us the sea. An invasion, an ambition cannot be accepted and justice leaves us without a sea, that is why sisters and brothers aregreat national mobilization, not only national but international, gives us strength for Bolivia to return to the sea with sovereignty. But I also want to tell you sisters and brothers, fortunately we are not alone, history accompanies us, the law accompanies us, we are with reason, we are with justice and fundamentally we are with the peoples of the world and with the international community, therefore, sisters and brothers, it is time to regain greater maritime awareness to return to the Pacific Ocean. I remember perfectly well in the meetings of the presidents of Unasur we have decided to walk our own paths, along the paths of the south, no longer on the roads of the north, that means how to work together in brotherhood, in solidarity, in complementarity. But the sea cannot be understood as part of a complementarity if it is not the obligation of the international community and those responsible to return the sea to us as soon as possible. Sisters and brothers, until now we have recovered oil, gas, we have recovered lithium, before we came to government the Salar de Uyuni, the Salar de Coipasa and so many salt flats were concessioned to the national oligarchies, but also to the transnationals, we have recovered mining, we will continue to recoverother natural resources, above all we have recovered dignity. Now we have an enormous responsibility to recover the sea, which is why this great national mobilization. To conclude, the indigenous peoples are of the culture of dialogue, I do not lose hope before the government of Chile to solve all the problems we have with the neighboring sister republic of Chile, but I have greater confidence in the Chilean people, their social forces, their workers, their artists, the indigenous movements that will be the mainstay for Bolivia to quickly return to the Pacific Ocean with sovereignty. Sisters and brothers, all this little history shows that the Bolivian people have a State policy of returning to the Pacific with sovereignty and I salute the unity of all social movements, of all our former presidents that we all unite to vindicate a historic damage that the oligarchies and the transnationals did to us, as always historical, invaded our countries. This movement, sisters and brothers, is not for Evo, it is not for the Government, it is for all the Bolivian people, because that is my call to reestablish our unity from the different sectors, regions, authorities, respecting our ideological differences, respecting our programmatic and cultural differences above all othersof our differences, the sea comes first for Bolivia. To conclude, sisters and brothers, join me in saying: Jalla Bolivia with its sea! Causachum Bolivia with its sea! Long live Bolivia with its sea! | 2 |
http://kurir.mk/makedonija/partii/102047-Gruevski-Koce-trajanovski-ke-pobedi-vo-prviot-krug-integralen-tekst Gruevski: Koce Trajanovski will win in the first round (integral text) February 23, 2013 Skopje Today when I set out to come to this event, I drive in the car and think: Do we even need a campaign for Koce Trajanovski in this election!? With so many projects, with so many works. More than promised. Of course, in a situation like this, confidence is so high that a lot of people won't even watch the program as much. They know that Kotze knows how to promise and deliver, and they know that he knows how to promise and deliver much more than promised. But I say, let's do it, let's still present the program of the current and future mayor of the city of Skopje, Koce Trajanovski. So look at what happened when our counter-partner in politics, SDSM, was about to present a candidate for mayor. At first, everyone hoped that Stevce Jakimovski would catch up. The man was frightened, he retreated, he hid, left, right—he was nowhere to be found. And Nelly very popular, very strong, very strong. Then they turned to Andrew, Andrew in a mouse hole. It was Gordan's turn, Gordan was gone. So they turned to ask her, let's have Radmila now. Fine! On the contrary"What are you going to do?" "Wait, wait now, I don't care. In all this I've had since the first round of local elections, I'm going to lose. In the end, they struggled, interrogated, hid, called out through the media, blamed each other, and chose Yanni Makraduli as the scapegoat in this election. The man began to cry in a strange way. But a little staged crying, a little staged because the day before and the previous days and the previous period and the previous years we know him as a man who talks about: Blood will fall. Fly heads! With a finger he threatens: Sit still, etc. And suddenly the man cries, and the next day he continues: Heads will fly, they will be cut, blood will fall... If I had to describe Koce Trajanovski briefly in one sentence as a man and as a mayor, I would say that Koce Trajanovski is a tame man, an indefatigable but tireless worker and, above all, a man! On the contrary, we have a clear opposite. A man who could not boast of any work in life. He can't boast of what he's done. Full of aggressiveness, with evilBlood, with threats. A man who people remember for insults. Insult at every opportunity. As much as he can hurt someone, take the insult if he can. It's a situation of two different worlds. On the one hand, a tireless worker and a non-aggressive man and a man who wanted to help all the people he could. A man who lives with the people. A man who, despite being in politics for a long time and being mayor of Skopje for four years, did not retreat to his office and to a comfortable armchair. A man who was constantly on the field. A man who on a daily basis controlled the companies that carried out his projects on the spot, on the street, on the asphalt. Where the work is, where the digging is done, where the pipes are carried. He was always where he needed to be. On the other side opposite him, a man we don't remember for any of his actions, aggressive and a man who constantly threatens and insults. I think that in this election, the people of Skopje will have the opportunity to get a mayor in the first round of local elections. And that's not the main dilemma. ThatSDSM also knows. For them, the battle is not whether they will win, but whether they will make it to the second round. The SDSM knows that, too. Citizens know that, but what is important here to remember and come out as one of the main messages of our gathering today? It is important to tie Kotze Trajanovski's hands with the Council. It is important to strongly support the list of advisers so that Koce Trajanovski can achieve the promised projects. If Koce Trajanovski does not have the support of the Council, he will not be able to abandon his projects. Therefore, dear friends, I call on the people of Skopje if they want the current mayor Koce Trajanovski to be just as successful and successful in the next four years is not enough to support him alone, because they have not done even half of their work. It is necessary to support the list of councillors of VMRO-DPMNE and the coalition For a Better Macedonia so that Koce Trajanovski can achieve what he has planned. He did a lot of things during this time. I'll mention a few of them, but I'll probably concentrate on more of them. Let us recall the widened and reconstructed boulevard "Metropolitan Theodosius Gologanov" from "Kliment Ohridski"to "September 8th" with a turbo roundabout at the Catholic Church. Ilinden Boulevard has been widened and reconstructed on the stretch from the Government of the Republic of Macedonia to the Boris Trajkovski Sports Centre. "Srbija Boulevard" has been expanded. St. John's Cathedral has been renovated and renovated. Kliment Ohridski". A roundabout has been built on Đorče Petrov Street. Boris Trajkovski Street, formerly Parvomaiska Street, was reconstructed and widened on the stretch from Rampa to Narodni Heroi Street in Rasadnik. The asphalt has been restored on the boulevards "Partizanski odredi", "Kuzman Josifovski-Pitu" and "Krste Misirkov", as well as on the streets "Dame Gruev", "Vasil Adzilarski" and "Steve Naumov" in the central city area. Kozle, Samoilova, Jane Sandanski Boulevard, Krušopek and part of Radyšanska Street, the branch of South Moravian Brigades, Pelagonia, Volkovska, several streets of the Usie neighborhood have been completely reconstructed. Sidewalks along six downtown boulevards have been reconstructed. A modern roundabout was built in Đorče Petrov near the church of St. Peter. Peter and Paul. A modern roundabout in Butel on Boca Ivanova Street. The construction of two-storey garages in the center of Skopje has begun, which will provide a total of additional 1000 parking spaces or a total of two and a half thousand new parking spaces. A new bridge was built over the Vardar River between the municipalities of Đorče Petrov and Saraj. There are 312 new traffic on city streetsbuses, low-floor, Chinese, double-decker, panoramic, minibuses purchased for 57 million euros in cooperation with the Government of the Republic of Macedonia. Koce Trajanovski directly supported this project instead of opposing it, as was done by our political opponent. Free transportation for retirees every Tuesday, Friday and Saturday. He also helped build the cable car to the top of Vodno. He also helped build the Philip II Arena. New lighting and reconstruction of the bridges Gotse Delchev and the Bridge of the Revolution. A total of 57 new vehicles have been purchased for the collection of garbage for the needs of JP Municipal Hygiene in Skopje. The Youth Cultural Center was reconstructed, the new GUP was developed, as promised, and many other, very concrete projects with very concrete benefits for the people, for the citizens of Skopje. That is why Koce Trajanovski has such trust as hardly any mayor of Skopje has ever had, probably no mayor of Skopje has ever had such trust from the citizens of Skopje. That's how I love Scotland! Skopje is loved with deeds and Macedonia is loved with deeds! Not with words or threats or insults. And I love you with work, with effort, not with tears. Dear friends, I have been in the public eye for the past few daysBranko and his cronies have speculated that there will reportedly be early elections in June, then September, then October. They speculate and speculate. I read it and I hear it in the media and I'm like, 'Well, it's not like Branco is coming here.' To the point of getting entangled in a web that weaves itself. So much so that he gets stuck in a labyrinth he has dug himself, and now seeks a way out to encourage his SDSM members, that his tactics and strategy have supposedly succeeded and that he did not push for early parliamentary elections. There will be no early parliamentary elections. There will be local elections. Why are you lying again? Why do you lie to your own? Why do you go on and try to destroy the party and harm the country as well? Why are you lying and harassing your members for one purpose only, that you think you will buy time and think that the public will not talk about the May SDSM congress? No one believes you anymore. And young children know what you're doing and what you're lying. If you want elections, Branco, come on, Branko, come to the local elections. If you don't want to then it's your decision, butYour responsibility. One thing you know, the Republic of Macedonia cannot depend on your personal desires and your personal interests. Pakistan must move forward. Citizens want progress, they want wins, they want success, they want solutions to their problems. They can't wait for Branko Crvenkovski with his games and labyrinths. Now, most recently, I see that after seeing that they didn't have a lot of support for their protests, they had a low turnout, now I see them starting to drive cars through Skopje. So SDSM members and SDSM leadership will come in and get in cars today and whistle in the streets and that's legitimate. It's okay, I just haven't seen the footage today to see which cars got into. Whether in their luxury jeeps, Mercedes, Audi, which Igor has, which Radmila has, which the others Anna, Minchev, etc., have, or borrowed from someone. I remember usually in my teenage years those who had weaker cars borrowed from some buddies to get out of the way before the girls would borrow a better car. Now it's time for those who drive luxury cars to borrow one more modest. I'm looking forward to seeing that stud and I hope they don't ride inOther people's cars, they drive their own every day. And they can choose some of them, between a jeep and a Mercedes, between an Audi and a be-em-ve, because it's not one, it's more so they can change from time to time. But that's not the most important thing. The important thing is that those dear friends do not have the support of the citizens, not the majority, the majority of the citizens. And this car ride is just a transitional stage in which you will enter Parliament or enter the valley of political oblivion, and by car you will get there faster. Dear friends, I've been seeing the name come back into play lately. Bring up the topic again. After violence and boycotts have done a great job to those who hinder Macedonia in European integration and this is not enough for them, now they have started speculating with the name. I want to say to Branco, I've said it once, I've said it twice, I've said it countless times, it's in our program: It's the name of the country! It's the people's name! The people can only decide on their name in a publicly announced organised referendum. People canJust decide if and when and how it will change or not change. He can't expect me to be like him, as he did twenty years ago when, in a one-on-one deal, he secretly and conspiratorially changed his name and then shouted that it would be in just two months, and then everything would go back to the way it was. Don't worry about the name, the people remember, and the people decide. Remember that. Dear friends, On this occasion I will say once again, we have a candidate for mayor who will decisively win this local election in the first round. Who needs support for him, but above all for the list of advisers. You have seen the obstructions we faced from SDSM councillors when it came to carrying certain projects in the city of Skopje. When it was to be decided. When it comes to what to do, what not to do. The SDSM was against almost everything. He was against buses, he was against the construction of the Philip II Arena, he was against the construction and expansion of Ilindenska Boulevard, Teodosiy Gologanov, St. Nicholas Boulevard. Kliment Ohridski". It was against the purchase of trucks that were to be purchased forGarbage collection. It was against providing free transportation days to pensioners. SDSM is against the construction of the Old Theatre, the Museum, the Constitutional Court, the Philharmonic. The construction of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the new Water Supply Building, the new Town Hall. Buildings that will not only beautify the city but also promise new jobs, boost construction and the economy, and relieve some of the jobs of paying rent and solving many problems. The SDSM is opposed to the construction of multi-storey garages, which solves much of the traffic chaos. You have seen that practically everything was discussed in the Council of the City of Skopje and in the Parliament, because some of these things were decided in the Council, for a part in the Parliament. We are working with Tom Brady. I've had the occasion with him several times a year, four or five times a year, to have long work meetings about the projects that we do together, and I can tell you that it's a very systematic person. A man who sees both the whole and the details. Who is very careful when doing something new, something valuable, something meaningful. Not to harm anyone, even a small fraction of the citizens who would find themselvesas collateral damage, or we would find ourselves affected by a project that is acceptable to the majority, but may cause some small fraction to be dissatisfied. A man who knows point by point exactly how to walk the path he has outlined and therefore will get a second term as mayor of Skopje. That is why VMRO-DPMNE and the coalition For a Better Macedonia will emerge victorious in the first round, and Skopje will win, and the projects of this program promoted today by the current and future mayor of Skopje, Mr. Koce Trajanovski | 2 |
Speech at the 60th session of the UN General Assembly 16.09.2005 http://president.gov.by/images/i.gif Dear Mr. President! Ladies and gentlemen, An honest view of today's world is what the leaders of the nations of the world have gathered here at the United Nations for. Together we must understand the main thing: are we leading our countries and humanity as a whole on the right path? This is a question we must answer for ourselves and our peoples. Without this, we will not get out of the impasse. 15 years have passed since the collapse of my country, the USSR. This event completely changed the structure of the world. The Soviet Union, with all the mistakes and blunders of its leaders, was then the support and hope of many states and peoples. The Soviet Union ensured the balance of the global system. Today, the world is unipolar. With all the ensuing consequences: Flourishing Yugoslavia was defeated and disappeared from the map of Europe; Long-suffering Afghanistan has turned into a hotbed of conflicts and drug trafficking; The carnage in Iraq continues to this day. The country has become a source of instability for a vast region; Iran, North Korea, Colombia, Cuba and other states were taken under the gun sight. Belarus is a country like the majority in this hall. Having emerged from the wreckage of the Cold War, it managed to become a knowledge-intensive, high-tech state with ten million highly educated, tolerant people. The UN has classified us as a developed country with a high level of human development. We, like you, want fromplanet of little: peace and stability. We will create the rest ourselves, with our own work. There are no conflicts in my country: different nations and nationalities live together and peacefully, each professing its own religion and way of life. We do not create problems for our neighbors, we do not lay claim to their territory, to their choice of path. We gave up our nuclear weapons, voluntarily renouncing the rights of the nuclear heir to the USSR. Today, we sign the International Convention for the Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism and declare that we have decided to accede to the Additional Protocol to Safeguards in connection with the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons. We have created a strong and successful alliance with Russia, which is close to us. We are building our country with our own minds, based on our traditions. But we see that it is this choice of my people that not everyone likes. Those who seek to rule a unipolar world do not like it. And how to manage? If there are no conflicts, create them. If there are no pretexts for interference, create virtual prepositions. For this, a very convenient "flag" has been found - democracy and human rights. And not in the true meaning of the power of the people and the dignity of the people, but in the interpretation of the American leadership. Has the world become so black and white, deprived of a variety of civilizations, a multiplicity of traditions and ways of life that meet the aspirations of people? Of course not! It's just that this is not only a convenient pretext, but also a leverto govern other countries. Unfortunately, the UN - our organization - allows itself to be used as an instrument of such a policy. I say this with particular bitterness and pain as the President of the founding state of the UN, a state that gave the lives of a third of its people in World War II for the freedom of its own, Europe and the world. The Commission on Human Rights rubber-stamps resolutions on Belarus, Cuba, and other countries. They are also trying to impose them on the UN General Assembly. But does the UN really not see real troubles and disasters behind far-fetched "problems?.. Which no one but the UN, a community of civilized nations, can solve? Let's look at the world as it is. Quite recently, in the next room, we were shown maps and diagrams with weapons of mass destruction in Iraq. Where is it, this weapon? There is none. And Iraq is drenched in blood, torn to pieces, and people are driven to the brink of despair. Terrorists threaten to use weapons of mass destruction against cities in Europe and America. Where is the open, independent, UN-supervised trial of the Guantanamo detainees? How many of them are there and who are they? Who will protect the rights of victims of torture in Abu Ghraib and punish all their torturers without exception? Under the pretext of fighting bin Laden, missiles and bombs destroyed Afghanistan. Have you caught the "main terrorist" of the planet? Where is he? Still at large, and the territories of Afghanistan and Iraq began to generateinternational terrorists in the hundreds and thousands. Foreign troops were brought into independent Afghanistan, and as a result, drug production there increased tens and hundreds of times. Was this what the troops were brought in for?! Today, Belarus, Tajikistan, Russia, and other post-Soviet states are literally overwhelmed by a wave of "traditional" drugs from Afghanistan and a counter wave of unprecedented synthetic drugs from Europe. The heads of the sovereign states of Yugoslavia and Iraq have been thrown into prison on unconfirmed, absurd, far-fetched charges. It is more convenient to hide the truth about the destruction of their states. The trial of Milosevic has long been a caricature. Saddam Hussein in general, as in the world of savages, is at the mercy of the victor. There is no one to protect their rights except the UN, because their states no longer exist, they have been destroyed. They must be free and freely defend their rights, honor and human dignity. AIDS and other diseases are suffocating Africa and Asia. Poverty and misery have become real, not virtual, weapons of mass destruction, and racially selective. Who can put an end to this? Who will demand that the powerful of this world stop attacking Cuba, Venezuela and other states? These countries will determine for themselves how to live. Human trafficking has become a thriving business. The sale of women and children into sexual slavery is an everyday phenomenon, almost the norm of life. Who will protect them and bring to justice the "consumers of living goods"? How to end itthe disgrace of our civilization? This is the brief and disappointing balance of the transition to a unipolar world order. Is this what the United Nations was created for? Maybe it is time for the UN to put an end to internal corruption scandals and actually deal with the pain and troubles of the world? The answer to this question, in our opinion, is very clear. You can't hide your head in the sand like an ostrich. The UN is us. It is we who must take the fate of the planet into our own hands. We must understand that a unipolar world is a unilinear world. Moreover, it is one-dimensional. We must realize that the variety of paths to progress is an enduring value of our civilization. Only it ensures stability in the world. Freedom to choose the path of development is the main condition for the democratic structure of the world. This is what our Organization was created for. I hope that the powerful of this world will understand this. After all, in the end, the unipolar world will turn against them. The great US presidents Woodrow Wilson and Franklin Roosevelt, who stood at the origins of the League of Nations and the United Nations, were aware of this. If we agree with each other on this main thing, then we will embody the principles of multipolarity, diversity, freedom of choice both in real life and in the documents of our organization, which we must be guided by. We will protect the world from terrorism and the weak, women and children from slavery. We will protect all the defenseless.Then the UN will become a truly united nations. This is the essence of the reform of the UN, and not in the arithmetical increase in the membership of the Security Council. Thank you for your attention. http://president.gov.by/press18712.html#doc | 2 |
Evo Morales' speech to the G77 at the United Nations May 7, 2010 in News (May 7, New York) Speech by Evo Morales Ayma, President of the Plurinational State of Bolivia, to the G77 + China Group at the United Nations I come to share the conclusions of the First World People's Conference on Climate Change and the Rights of Mother Earth held from April 20 to 22 in Cochabamba, Bolivia. I have convened this Conference because in Copenhagen the voice of the peoples of the world was not heard or heeded, nor were the procedures pre-agreed upon by the States respected. 35,352 people participated in this Conference, of which 9,254 were foreign delegates, representing social movements and organizations from 140 countries and five continents. Delegations from 56 governments were also present at this event. The discussions at the Conference were organized into 17 Working Groups. The so-called "People's Agreement" adopted by the First Conference is a summary of the conclusions of these 17 Working Groups. Among all these documents, I would like to highlight the draft Universal Declaration of the Rights of Mother Earth. As a StatePlurinational of Bolivia has formally presented these conclusions, on April 26, to the negotiation process of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change accompanied by a technical proposal. The Government of the Plurinational State of Bolivia convened this Conference because the so-called developed countries did not comply with their obligation to establish substantial commitments to reduce greenhouse gases at last year's Copenhagen Conference on Climate Change. If these countries had respected the Kyoto Protocol and agreed to substantially reduce their emissions within their borders, the Cochabamba Conference would not have been necessary. Personally, I am convinced that the only way to guarantee a positive outcome in Cancun, Mexico, is with the broad participation of the peoples of the world and with the strongest unity of the G77 + China countries. In the G77+China we are 130 developing countries that are the least responsible for climate change and, however, the most affected by the serious impacts of global warming. We represent two thirds of the countries that make up the United Nations, which comprise about 80% of the world's population. It is in our hands to save the futureof humanity, of planet earth and to make the voice of our peoples heard and respected. That's why I've come here to share with the G77 + China! We all know that in the G77 plus China there is a great diversity of political, economic and cultural positions. That is our strength. Diversity in unity. I know that there are different criteria in our group, but I also know that when we agree there is no force that can stop us, or stop us. That is the strength of the unity of sardines against sharks. That happened at the last climate change meeting, in Bonn from 9 to 11 April, in which we took a long time to agree, but once we reached consensus in the G77+China, the rest of the developed countries had to join our consensus. I want to start by highlighting the meeting points, of convergence, between the G77 + China and the World People's Conference on Climate Change and the Rights of Mother Earth. The first point of convergence is the need to preserve and enforce the Kyoto Protocol. In other words, developed countries must make commitmentssubstantial and domestic greenhouse gas reduction measures under the Kyoto Protocol. At the G77+ China no one is proposing to liquidate or dilute the Kyoto Protocol. We all agree that Annex 1 countries, which have the historical responsibility for greenhouse gas emissions, must honour their commitments and obligations under international climate change treaties. The World People's Conference on Climate Change and the Rights of Mother Earth requires developed countries to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions by 50% within their borders, reaching 1990 levels, for the second period of the Kyoto Protocol. Currently, the greenhouse gas reduction offers of developed countries, in the best scenario, only reach a real reduction of 2% from 1990 levels. The Cochabamba Conference did not propose replacing the methodology of the Kyoto Protocol with voluntary commitments to reduce greenhouse gases that are not based on a global target and where there is no comparison of efforts between what one country and another developed country does.The People's Agreement states: "The United States of America, as the only country on Earth in Annex 1 that has not ratified the Kyoto Protocol, has a significant responsibility to all the peoples of the world to ratify the Kyoto Protocol and to commit itself to respecting and complying with economy-wide emission reduction targets." The second convergence between the World People's Conference and the G77 + China is the need for this reduction in emissions by developed countries to be as profound as possible, to stabilize the temperature increase, as far as possible, in a range of 1.5 to 1º C. Here all developing countries know that a further increase in temperature will have serious consequences for food supplies, coastal areas, glaciers and Africa. All of us here at the G77+China are determined to prevent a single island state from being under the ocean. A third point of convergence between the G77 and the Conference is the issue of the climate debt that developed countries owe to developing countries. At the World Conference ofThe People's Peoples on Climate Change discussed this concept a lot and it was seen that this climate debt has the following components: A first component is the return of the atmospheric space that has been occupied by developed countries with their greenhouse gas emissions affecting developing countries. Developed countries must decolonize the atmosphere in order to enable an equitable distribution of atmospheric space among all countries, according to their population. A second component is the debt to migrants forced by climate change, who already number 50 million in the world and who may reach 200 to 1,000 million people by 2050. To honor this debt, developed countries, which cause climate change, have to open their borders to receive affected migrants. An immigration law such as Arizona's or the European Union's Return Directive is absolutely unacceptable. A third component is the debt to our Mother Earth. Because it has not only affected human beings and developing countries, but also nature. To honor this debt, the First World People's Conference considers it essential to discusshere at the United Nations a proposal for a Universal Declaration of the Rights of Mother Earth that establishes the obligations of all human beings to nature and that recognizes, in the form of rights, the limits that human activity must have to preserve planet Earth. Some of the rights of nature that are proposed are: * The right to life and to exist; * The right to the regeneration of their biocapacity and the continuation of their life cycles and processes free of human alterations; * The right to be free from pollution, pollution and toxic or radioactive wastes; * The right not to be genetically altered and modified in its structure, threatening its integrity or vital and healthy functioning; We hope that this proposal for a Declaration of the Rights of Mother Earth will begin to be discussed and analyzed within the General Assembly of the United Nations. Finally, there is the economic component of climate debt, which includes the adaptation debt and the development debt owed by industrialized countries to developing countries. On the issue of financing, the World People's Conference considered that in order toClimate change A budget similar to the budget that countries allocate for their military and security expenditures should be allocated. The amount of 10,000 million dollars that developed countries are offering is less than 1% of all what they spend at the level of their defense budget. It is not possible that 120 times more resources are allocated to war and death than to preserve life and our Mother Earth. Developed countries must commit new annual financing, in addition to Official Development Assistance and from public sources, to address climate change in developing countries. This financing must be direct, without conditions and without violating the sovereignty of the States. There is a need to establish a new financing mechanism that operates under the authority of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, with significant representation from developing countries to ensure compliance with Annex 1 countries' financing commitments. The First World People's Conference proposes the creation of a multilateral and multidisciplinary mechanism for technology transfer. These technologies must be useful,clean, and socially appropriate. The Cochabamba Conference considers it essential to establish a fund for financing and inventorying appropriate technologies that are free of intellectual property rights, in particular, patents that should be transferred from private monopolies to being in the public domain and with free access. The First Conference found that developed countries increased their emissions by 11.2% in the period 1990 – 2007, despite having stated that the reduction would be substantially aided by market mechanisms. The carbon market has become a lucrative business that commodifies nature, favors only a few intermediaries, and does not contribute significantly to the reduction of greenhouse gases. The recent financial crisis has shown that the market is incapable of regulating the financial system, and that it would be totally irresponsible to leave the care and protection of human existence and our Mother Earth in the hands of the market. To that extent, the Conference considered it unacceptable that the ongoing negotiations seek to create new mechanisms to expand and promote the carbon market. The First Conference proposed the replacement of REDD (Reducing Emissions by Deforestation andforest degradation) by a new mechanism that is not based on the promotion of the carbon market, which respects the sovereignty of States and the right of peoples to free, prior and informed consent. This new mechanism should directly transfer economic and technological resources from developed countries to pay for the restoration and maintenance of forests and jungles. The issue of agriculture and climate change was also widely debated and the concept of food sovereignty was adopted which goes beyond the concept of food security and implies the right not only to food, but the right of peoples to control their own seeds, lands, water and technology for food production in harmony with Mother Earth and at the service of the whole community and not only the right of the people. only from the best-income segments. In this framework, it was considered that in order to face the climate crisis it is necessary to carry out a profound transformation of agriculture that is only based on business and profit, strengthening agriculture for life, the community and in balance with nature. In the negotiations and implementation of the agreementsof climate change it is necessary to fully guarantee the rights of Indigenous Peoples. The Conference has also proposed a new issue to be discussed in the climate change negotiations and more broadly here at the United Nations General Assembly: the establishment of a Climate and Environmental Justice Tribunal to judge developed countries that fail to meet their commitments and sanction states and corporations that affect the life cycles of Mother Earth. In our peoples there is a lot of concern because the international agreements we signed are not fully complied with. That is why there is an interest in creating binding mechanisms that guarantee compliance and are capable of prosecuting and sanctioning violations of international treaties on environmental and climate matters. Another proposal has to do with the need to call a Climate Referendum so that the world's population can decide what should be done on an issue of such importance, such as climate change. The Cochabamba Conference is challenging us to begin to imagine and promote a world democracy, in which the issues of humanity are defined by all peoples. To carry out allIn these proposals, the Conference resolved to initiate the construction of a World People's Movement for Mother Earth. The Cochabamba Conference stopped to analyze the issue of development and what kind of development we want. Some of the main consensuses were: * There can be no unlimited development on a finite planet. * The development model we want is not that of the so-called developed countries, because it is unsustainable and unviable on a finite planet with limited natural resources. * For developing countries to meet the needs of their populations without affecting planet Earth, it is essential that developed countries lower their levels of overconsumption and waste. * To achieve development in harmony with nature, it is necessary to achieve harmony among human beings at the same time, through an equitable distribution of wealth. The First World People's Conference agreed to propose that climate change negotiations analyze the structural causes of global warming and develop alternative proposals of a systemic nature. For the First World People's Conference, the root cause of the climate crisis is the capitalist system. What we areLiving is not only a climate crisis, energy crisis, food crisis, financial crisis... but also a systemic crisis of capitalism that is leading to the destruction of humanity and nature. If the cause is systemic, the solution must also be systemic. For this reason, at the People's Conference there was a lot of discussion about the issue of alternatives to live well in harmony with nature. In conclusion, the Conference considered that in order to build a future, we must learn from the past, which is still present among us, in the presence of indigenous peoples throughout the world who have preserved ways of life in harmony with nature. Dear Ambassadors of the G77+ China, I believe that the best way to strengthen our unity and our actions in the negotiations is by strengthening our consensus and discussing frankly and sincerely the different criteria and positions that we have. On this path, it is essential that situations such as those in Copenhagen last year are not repeated. We must enforce the position agreed in the Bali Action Plan and advocated by the G77 + China that the climate change negotiation should continue through the two tracks that arethe "Long-Term Cooperation Action" and the "Kyoto Protocol". In our unity lies the strength to ensure that this negotiation is broadly participatory, transparent, that the equal rights of all United Nations member States, large or small, are respected, and that the voice of our peoples is heard and respected. The unity of developing countries is the forging of a new world of harmony among human beings and with our Mother Earth. Ambassadors: The answer to global warming is world democracy for life and Mother Earth. Let us be clean and active today for humanity, and non-toxic and reactive tomorrow against nature. Therefore, dear ambassadors, we have only two paths, to save capitalism or to save life and Mother Earth. Thank you very much http://cmpcc.org/2010/05/07/discurso-de-evo-al-g77-en-la-onu/ | 1 |
Speech Construction start of the City Tunnel in Malmö 8 March 2005 Göran Persson, Prime Minister Speech at the start of construction of the City Tunnel in Malmö Thank you very much! And of course I know that it is called The Tunnel at the Triangle. I have learned that from my time in Malmö, I can assure you of that. Then this, as many have said, is a big day. But I can't help but think of Gothenburg, just as fully. Because I recall a story that is connected to what we are about to do. It was a Stockholmer who came to Gothenburg. And then he stood there and watched the streetcars of Gothenburg go by. Then he turned to a citizen of Gothenburg and said: don't you have a subway here? No, said the Gothenburg: we will not hide anything and hide. And neither does Malmö, in and of itself. Nevertheless, we will start drilling a tunnel here soon. Malmö is a nice city and Malmö is a city that has come back after many difficult years. And during the time I have been prime minister, I have been involved in very big things in Malmö's vicinity and in the city itself. That has developed the cityand which has also made the city more beautiful. Because Malmö is a beautiful city. With the nice city center neighborhoods and the large parks. It is a city to be proud of. But it is also a city that will continue to grow and develop. And a city that will remain modern. I was involved in the inauguration of the Öresund Bridge. I have been able to inaugurate the creation of the fine city library Henning Larsen. And I have been involved in developing Malmö University. These are three giant projects that each make Malmö both more human and modern. And now today we will start the construction of a railway connection underground here in Malmö. A rail link that Ilmar Reepalu has perhaps fought for more than anyone else. I've been involved for the last ten years. And throughout that time, the City Tunnel in Malmö has been an issue that we have supported and soaked. We have not always had the same ideas about how it should be paid. And where it should be drawn. But we have always had one person who has been on, pushing, pushing us in front of him and that has been Ilmar. And I think that on a day like this, when I get the chance toIf you are the one who presses the button for that drill right away, I would like to extend a special thank you to him for his commitment to this rail connection under Malmö. That will make Malmö even more strong, beautiful and modern. For that, Ilmar deserves a warm thanks. Then it is the case, that once this is done, the bow must be tightened again. This is not the last major project in Malmö. Not the last big project in Skåne. There are more things to come. The university will continue to grow. Maybe it will be a university one day. We will discuss what should happen with additional connections across the Sound or under the Sound. Is it Helsingborg and Elsinore next time? Where are the limits of the development we can see? Yes, we don't even suspect them. We only know that we are in a situation where Malmö has enormous opportunities to continue to develop and grow modernly. Future-oriented, environmentally right. Therefore, there is one thing I am sure of, it is that if Malmö is to develop and grow, it must be done in such a way that we do not damage the living conditions that our children should have. And thencar traffic must be restricted. Then emissions must be reduced, and then it is train traffic that will apply. And a dense area like the one that Skåne represents, a large city like Malmö constitutes, should have good rail connections. And we will take the starting shot for that here today. So when I stand here in front of you, I do so as Sweden's Prime Minister. But I also do it as a former Malmö resident and as a deeply committed to the development that has meant that Malmö has turned from a downward spiral to an upward development. With the help of education, with the help of communications, with the help of culture. It's a modern investment, it's the future and it's optimism. Therefore, I will now move to another podium. And there I will start a drilling, which will eventually drill the first hole in an investment, which will mean that we will have the City Tunnel in place in a few years. Thank you for listening! | 0 |
The Inauguration of the 45th President of the United States
Play
REMARKS OF PRESIDENT DONALD J. TRUMP – AS PREPARED FOR DELIVERY
INAUGURAL ADDRESS
FRIDAY, JANUARY 20, 2017
WASHINGTON, D.C.
As Prepared for Delivery –
Chief Justice Roberts, President Carter, President Clinton, President Bush,
President Obama, fellow Americans,
and people of the world:
thank you.
We, the citizens of America, are now joined in a great national effort to
rebuild our country and to restore its
promise for all of our people.
Together, we will determine the course of America and the world for years to
come.
We will face challenges. We will
confront hardships. But we will get the job done.
Every four years, we gather on these steps to carry out the orderly and
peaceful transfer of power, and we are
grateful to President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama for their gracious
aid throughout this transition.
They have been magnificent.
Today’s ceremony, however, has very special meaning. Because today we are not
merely transferring power
from one
Administration to another, or from one party to another – but we are
transferring power from
Washington, D.C. and giving it back to you, the American People.
For too long, a small group in our nation’s Capital has reaped the rewards of
government while the people have
borne the cost.
Washington flourished – but the people did not share in its wealth.
Politicians prospered – but the jobs left, and
the factories closed.
The establishment protected itself, but not the citizens of our country.
Their victories have not been your victories; their triumphs have not been your
triumphs; and while they
celebrated in our nation’s Capital, there was little to celebrate for
struggling families all across our land.
That all changes – starting right here, and right now, because this moment is
your moment: it belongs to you.
It belongs to everyone
gathered here today and everyone watching all across America.
This is your day. This is your celebration.
And this, the United States of America, is your country.
What truly matters is not which party controls our government, but whether our
government is controlled by the
people.
January 20th 2017, will be remembered as the day the people became the rulers
of this nation again.
The forgotten men and women
of our country will be forgotten no longer.
Everyone is listening to you now.
You came by the tens of millions to become part of a historic movement the
likes of which the world has never
seen before.
At the center of this movement is a crucial conviction: that a nation exists to
serve its citizens.
Americans want great schools for their children, safe neighborhoods for their
families, and good jobs for
themselves.
These are the just and reasonable demands of a righteous public.
But for too many of our citizens, a different reality exists: Mothers and
children trapped in poverty in our inner
cities; rusted-out
factories scattered like tombstones across the landscape of our nation; an
education system,
flush with cash, but which leaves our young and beautiful students deprived of
knowledge; and the crime and
gangs and drugs that have stolen too many lives and robbed our country of so
much unrealized potential.
This American carnage stops right here and stops right now.
We are one nation – and their pain is our pain. Their dreams are our dreams;
and their success will be our
success. We share one heart, one home, and one glorious destiny.
The oath of office I take today is an oath of allegiance to all Americans.
For many decades, we’ve enriched foreign industry at the expense of American
industry;
Subsidized the armies of
other countries while allowing for the very sad depletion of our military;
We’ve defended other nation’s borders while refusing to defend our own;
And spent trillions of dollars overseas while America’s infrastructure has
fallen into disrepair and decay.
We’ve made other countries rich while the wealth, strength, and confidence of
our country has disappeared over
the horizon.
One by one, the factories shuttered and left our shores, with not even a
thought about the millions upon millions
of American workers left
behind.
The wealth of our middle class has been ripped from their homes and then
redistributed across the entire world.
But that is the past. And now we are looking only to the future.
We assembled here today are issuing a new decree to be heard in every city, in
every foreign capital, and in
every hall of power.
From this day forward, a new vision will govern our land.
From this moment on, it’s going to be America First.
Every decision on trade, on taxes, on immigration, on foreign affairs, will be
made to benefit American workers
and American families.
We must protect our borders from the ravages of other countries making our
products, stealing our companies,
and destroying our jobs.
Protection will lead to great prosperity and strength.
I will fight for you with every breath in my body – and I will never, ever let
you down.
America will start winning again, winning like never before.
We will bring back our jobs. We will bring back our borders. We will bring back
our wealth. And we will bring
back our dreams.
We will build new roads, and highways, and bridges, and airports, and tunnels,
and railways all across our
wonderful nation.
We will get our people off of welfare and back to work – rebuilding our country
with American hands and
American labor.
We will follow two simple rules: Buy American and Hire American.
We will seek friendship and goodwill with the nations of the world – but we do
so with the understanding that it
is the right of all nations to put their own interests first.
We do not seek to impose our way of life on anyone, but rather to let it shine
as an example for everyone to
follow.
We will reinforce old alliances and form new ones – and unite the civilized
world against Radical Islamic
Terrorism, which we will eradicate completely from the face of the Earth.
At the bedrock of our politics will be a total allegiance to the United States
of America, and through our loyalty
to our country, we
will rediscover our loyalty to each other.
When you open your heart to patriotism, there is no room for prejudice.
The Bible tells us, “how good and pleasant it is when God’s people live
together in unity.”
We must speak our minds openly, debate our disagreements honestly, but always
pursue solidarity.
When America is united,
America is totally unstoppable.
There should be no fear – we are protected, and we will always be protected.
We will be protected by the great men and women of our military and law
enforcement and, most importantly,
we are protected by
God.
Finally, we must think big and dream even bigger.
In America, we understand that a nation is only living as long as it is
striving.
We will no longer accept politicians who are all talk and no action –
constantly complaining but never doing
anything about it.
The time for empty talk is over.
Now arrives the hour of action.
Do not let anyone tell you it cannot be done. No challenge can match the heart
and fight and spirit of America.
We will not fail.
Our country will thrive and prosper again.
We stand at the birth of a new millennium, ready to unlock the mysteries of
space, to free the Earth from the
miseries of disease, and to harness the energies, industries and technologies
of tomorrow.
A new national pride will stir our souls, lift our sights, and heal our
divisions.
It is time to remember that old wisdom our soldiers will never forget: that
whether we are black or brown or
white, we all bleed
the same red blood of patriots, we all enjoy the same glorious freedoms, and we
all salute the
same great American Flag.
And whether a child is born in the urban sprawl of Detroit or the windswept
plains of Nebraska, they look up at
the same night sky, they fill their heart with the same dreams, and they are
infused with the breath of life by the
same almighty Creator.
So to all Americans, in every city near and far, small and large, from mountain
to mountain, and from ocean to
ocean, hear these words:
You will never be ignored again.
Your voice, your hopes, and your dreams, will define our American destiny. And
your courage and goodness and
love will forever guide us along the way.
Together, We Will Make America Strong Again.
We Will Make America Wealthy Again.
We Will Make America Proud Again.
We Will Make America Safe Again.
And, Yes, Together, We Will Make America Great Again. Thank you, God Bless You,
And God Bless America.
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September 29, 2015 Rafael Correa's full speech at the 70th UN General Assembly 2015 The President of Ecuador, UN History The United Nations Organization was born on October 24, 1945 from the ashes of World War II, to maintain international peace and security. In the face of the holocaust suffered, we considered peace only as the absence of war. In the twenty-first century, 70 years later, peace must be above all presence: the presence of justice, the presence of dignity, the presence of development. Gandhi already told us that "poverty is the worst form of violence". The Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) proclaimed the region as a continent of peace, but the insulting opulence of a few, along with the most intolerable poverty, are also daily bullets against human dignity. Peace without justice is simply pacification. The 164 million people in Latin America who live in poverty, of whom 68 million remain in extreme poverty, still hope for justice, freedom and real democracy, not just reduced to periodic elections. Overcoming poverty, dear friends, is theThe greatest moral imperative that the planet has, since for the first time in the history of humanity, poverty is not the result of scarcity of resources or natural factors, but of unjust and exclusive systems, the result of perverse power structures. This had already been pointed out by the French thinker Frederick Bastiat two centuries ago: "When plunder becomes a way of life for a group of men who live in society, they create for themselves in the course of time a legal system that authorizes it and a moral code that glorifies it." And for those who want to steal from us concepts as sublime as "freedom", let them understand well: there can be no freedom without justice. Not only that; in regions as unequal as Latin America, only by seeking justice will we achieve true freedom. That is why we cannot be satisfied with minimum objectives such as the 2015 millennium goals. A perspective based on minimum objectives supposes the legitimization of the reality we live in, places the "beneficiary" in a position of inferiority compared to others, and does not seek to disrupt the distances or power relations between subjects or between theSocieties. As the Secretary-General said this morning, our ideal is not to keep people alive, but to give them a life: a dignified life, a full life, on an equal basis with any other human being. We believe that the 17 Sustainable Development Goals 2015-2030 are closer to this aspiration. We propose common objectives not only on minimum living but also on social maximums: the Sumak Kawsay or Good Living of our ancestral peoples, which means living with dignity, satisfying basic needs, but in harmony with oneself, with other human beings, with different cultures, and in harmony with nature. Migration However, as we said yesterday in this very place, the absence in the 2015-2030 Agenda of a direct objective on free human mobility is a very regrettable omission. The immoral paradox that, on the one hand, the free movement of goods and capital is promoted in search of maximum profitability, but, on the other hand, the free movement of people seeking decent work is penalised, is simply intolerable and unsustainable from an ethical point of view. This is one of the great inconsistencies of neoliberal globalization: it does not seek to create a planetary society, but onlyplanetary markets. It is totally a function of capital and not of human beings. The solution is not more borders: it is solidarity, it is humanity, and creating conditions of prosperity and peace that discourage people from migrating. Climate change Great news is that the Sustainable Development Goals, as their name suggests, take care of the planet very much into account. In general, there are improvements in the efficiency of production processes in the world: the decrease in global energy intensity, that is, the amount of energy needed per unit of product, was 1.2% per year between 1971 and 2009. Despite technological advances and the dematerialization of the economy, there is a higher global energy consumption. Emissions have multiplied by 3.6 times in 50 years, that is, an average annual growth of 2.6%. If this trend continues, in 28 years current emissions will have doubled. Evidence indicates that energy consumption and emissions generation are directly proportional to the level of income, which means that the consumption effect dominates the efficiency effect. An inhabitant of rich countries emits 38 times more CO2 than an inhabitant ofpoor countries. All this leads us to the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities. Of course, there are also environmental effects linked to poverty, such as soil erosion, lack of solid waste treatment, etc. In addition, there is an additional problem: energy efficiency between rich and poor countries is still abysmal and increases over time, specifically by 4 to 5 times between 1971 and 2010. Overcoming these gaps can be achieved with access to knowledge, science and technology. Here too there is a huge disparity between rich and poor countries. Rich countries apply for 1,360,000 patents annually, while all poor countries, together, applied for only 9,170 patents. Global inequities are not only reflected in the distribution of emissions, but also in the impact of global warming and climate change. Countries such as Ecuador contribute less than 0.1% of total CO2 emissions, but suffer the consequences of climate change. For example, the only penguin to reach the equator, the Spheniscus mendiculus, commonly called the Galapagos penguin, is threatened with extinction due to warming surface marine waters. Byit is necessary to move towards a Universal Declaration of the Rights of Nature. The main universal right of nature should be that it can continue to exist, but also that it can continue to provide the necessary means of life for our societies to live with Sumak Kawsay. This must be a strong idea to avoid certain fundamentalisms: the human being is not the only important thing in nature, but it is still the most important thing. New and unjust global distribution of labour Despite these common but differentiated responsibilities, and the role played by access to knowledge, science and technology, paradoxically there is currently a new and unfair international division of labour: rich countries generate knowledge that they privatise, and many poor or middle-income countries generate environmental goods that are consumed for free. Knowledge, in general, is a freely accessible good, that is, exclusion is technically impossible or very costly. To prevent free access, or, in other words, to privatize the good, institutional barriers are put in place, basically intellectual property rights. The countries of the Amazon basin also produce freely accessible goods, in this case environmental, which regulate the global climateand without which life on the planet would suffer a serious deterioration. Despite this, the largest global polluters pay nothing to consume these environmental goods and services. And it is sometimes believed that the generation of environmental goods has no cost. The reality is that this generation can be very expensive, not in terms of direct costs, but in terms of opportunity cost. Today many demand—without any moral solvency, by the way—that the oil of the Amazon not be exploited. But that implies an immense cost for the income not received and for each day that passes with a child without school, a community without drinking water, or people dying from perfectly preventable diseases, true pathologies of misery. Only by compensating for the consumption of environmental goods would we no longer have a need for financing for development. And here is another fundamental idea for any debate on sustainability: conservation, in poor countries, will not be possible, if it does not generate clear and direct improvements in the standard of living of their population. As Pope Francis says in his encyclical Laudato Si, "a true ecological approach always becomes a social approach." TheAccess to science and technology is vital for poor countries in the fight against climate change and poverty. It is essential to declare technologies that mitigate climate change and its respective effects as global public goods, guaranteeing their free access. The new international division of labor is a complete paradox. Freely available goods should be those that have no rivalry in consumption, that is, they have no marginal cost when consumed by an additional person. Consequently, the more people use the good, the better. This is normally the characteristic of knowledge, science and technology. As George Bernard Shaw aptly pointed out, "If you have an apple and I have an apple and we trade them, then you and I will each have an apple. But if you have an idea and I have an idea and we exchange them, then each of us will have two ideas." Conversely, when a good becomes scarce or destroyed as it is consumed, as is the case with environmental goods, it is when its consumption must be restricted, to avoid what Garret Hardin called "the tragedy of the commons". ¿ByWhy don't you do the obvious? Moreover, why is the exact opposite done? Because the problem is not technical, but political. The unjust new international division of labor is nothing more than the perverse logic of "privatizing profits and socializing losses." There is nothing that justifies it, only power. To illustrate this, let's imagine for a moment if the situation were the opposite, and that the generators of environmental goods and services were the rich countries, and the poor or middle-income countries were the polluters. Who can doubt that they would have even invaded us to demand "fair compensation"? It is impressive, but the problem of climate change could only be controlled with more justice, in this case environmental. Unfortunately, as Thrasymachus said more than two thousand years ago in his dialogue with Socrates, "justice is only the convenience of the strongest". At the end of 2015 we will be at the Twenty-First Conference of the Parties (COP 21) of the United Nations, in Paris. If we fail at this conference and fail to reach binding agreements to protect the only planet we have, the burial of our civilization could begin. But if we achieve victory,we will celebrate Conference 22 with the canticle of the first ecological manifesto, written in 1225 by St. Francis of Assisi, grateful "for the brother wind, for the air, the cloud, the serene sky and all weather". Dear friends, Ecuador looks with hope at the reestablishment of diplomatic relations between Cuba and the United States and hopes that this process will lead to the end of the embargo and the withdrawal of the Guantanamo base. This will not be a concession of any power, but the triumph of justice and the dignity of the Cuban people. Our peoples will never again accept tutelage, interference or intervention. Their memory is lacerated by the abuses and violence of the past, even if they ask us to forget it and supposedly look only to the future. Ecuador supports Argentina in its sovereign rights over the Malvinas Islands. We recognize the State of Palestine as a Member State of this Organization, with full rights, with East Jerusalem as its capital, and within the boundaries established in 1967. We welcome the recent agreements between the Government of Colombia and the FARC. Ecuador longs for peace for Colombia and we support them in this endeavour. Ecuador also expresses solidarity with the PeopleSyrian, a victim of the conflict that has destroyed families. Certain powers ignored the principle of non-interference in foreign affairs and only exacerbated violence. We wish the Syrian people the restoration of peace and reiterate that only they can decide their future. Ecuador deeply values the relationship with Africa, and we will host the IV Africa-South America Summit in May 2016, to which all the countries of these two regions are invited. In October 2016 we will also host the World Conference on Housing and Sustainable Urban Development, known as "Habitat III", which takes place every 20 years and in which the "New Urban Agenda" will be formulated. We firmly believe in the right to an inclusive city, with sustainable urban growth. Chevron Finally, I would like to take advantage of this forum to denounce, once again to the world, an environmental disaster 85 times greater than the British Petroleum spill in the Gulf of Mexico in 2010 and 18 times greater than the Exxon Valdez spill in Alaska in 1989. This is the pollution left by Texaco, an oil company that operated in the Ecuadorian Amazon until 1992, and which was bought by the transnational Chevronin 2001. Chevron, the third-largest company in the United States, was sued about 20 years ago by Amazonian indigenous communities affected by pollution. This is a strictly private case: Amazonian communities versus Chevron-Texaco. Chevron spent the previous decade fighting not to be tried in courts in New York, where the company is domiciled, but where the infraction had allegedly been committed, in the province of Sucumbíos, in Ecuador. But because she lost the trial and has been ordered to pay a hefty sum, she has spent this decade tearing up those very courts she so enthusiastically defended when she thought she could buy them, and has spent hundreds of millions of dollars on a global smear campaign against Ecuador. Transnational corporations must cease their abuses against the States and peoples of the South. Ecuador calls on member states to participate in the drafting of a binding treaty to sanction transnational corporations when they violate human rights or when they pollute the environment. We invite you to visit Ecuador and go and put your hand in the hundreds of pools left by Texaco, so that you can take out that full handof oil residues, twenty years after the oil company left the country. It's Chevron's dirty hand. In the face of the arrogance and billions of dollars of Chevron-Texaco, in the face of the infamy of this corrupt and corrupting company, Ecuador will use the most lethal weapon ever invented: the truth. | 2 |
Name: Joseph Estrada Speech category: Famous Date: 30 June 1998 Location: Quirino Grandstand, Manila, Philippines Title: Inaugural address of His Excellency Joseph Ejercito Estrada, President of the Philippines Brief description: Many of the slogans associated with Estrada that became popular among the public came from this speech We should be very grateful to the two former presidents, Mrs. Cory Aquino and Mr. Fidel V. Ramos. Former President Cory Aquino became the symbol of the return of democracy in our country. And although many have tried to oppose his leadership, he has inherited from us all a strong democracy. It was also here in Luneta six years ago that the peaceful transfer of power of former President Fidel V. Ramos re-established our government and revived our national economy, he tirelessly adopted the peace that he in turn became the framework of reforms in our economy. Today we demonstrate to the world the stability of the first–first democracy in East Asia. Thank you for the clean and orderly delivery. I'm asking you allLet's stand up and give a loud applause to our former President Ramos and former President Cory Aquino. Thank you so much. Good afternoon to all of you. The sun is setting and the darkness is nearing its end. However, tonight and afternoon a new day begins, the day of the Filipino race, the day of the Filipino masses. Finally, we are led by someone like them, a friend and brother – who knows what it means to be a mass-minded person. The last time I stood here in the Quirino Grandstand, I was with former president Cory Aquino and Cardinal Sin, and so many stood up for democracy. I am with you too, and we are all among the true friends of democracy. So how can I say I'm a dictator? The last time I stood there in the old Senate building, we were twelve. But – Twelve fighting a superpower; Twelve who fought against a government that was still held by the neck of a foreign power; Twelve who opposed the prevailing public opinion at the time; But twelve who stand up for the freedom and dignity of our country. But there are still people who have dared to doubt our principles! WantedI want to end some issues that have been bothering our people for a long time. Why please? We should be able to forget everything that we have forgotten. In my haste, I probably didn't think it would take a long time to heal the wounds of some, and the wounds of the people. My question now is: has anyone else been hurt and insulted more than me? Is there anyone else who has been overpaid and insulted in the newspaper or on the radio, on television more than I am? Don't tell me: even my dear mother was deeply hurt by the insults she had inflicted on her son. I'm just a human, and it's not easy to say – forgive and forget, just forget. But I have to finish this stage, and to me it's over, behind us, and not to talk about anymore. "I must be with all our citizens, whether they are friends or enemies, friends or enemies. Why? For we have one people, we have one path, and if we do not join together in one true circle, to whom else,and whenever, but now? Now — because the future of our Filipino nation is very heavy, very deep. The regional currency crisis is a challenge not only to our banks or entrepreneurs, but to every ordinary citizen. Therefore I say to you today, and to the whole world: We have not doubted, and we have not forgotten. If I have seemed impatient, it was because you and I wanted peace and only peace. We must put yesterday behind us, so that we can work for a better tomorrow. I do not say: let us forget the past. No, I don't. But I ask you that we should not let the past get in the way of a future that requires cooperation to achieve peace and prosperity for the least of us. Everyone has been waiting for a new morning. This is the time of the Filipino people. It is time to accelerate the growth of the Filipino masses. It is time for the Filipino masses to have a greater share in the wealth of our country. It's time to say: a hundred years after Kawit, Cavite, fifty years after recognizing our independence during the time of PresidentRoxas, seven years after we turned away from foreign bases, here it is, here it is, today is our day. We know it is not easy to do. The economic situation is severe. The national economy should be carefully regulated. Some people say that these things are not easy. It is important to focus on the economy and focus on the needs of the poor. I don't have any complaints about that, but my question is: is there any other way to raise the livelihood of the people? Couldn't it be all at once? Why is it that the masses are always the last and always, when we are talking about economic prosperity? When reforms were discussed that were for the benefit of entrepreneurs, we hardly heard anyone complain to them, that change was too swift and cruel. But isn't it just a fact that the average citizen bears the brunt of the harsh effects of liberalization and globalization? Whether we like it or not, the challenge of competition is that we have to meet. We see this as an opportunity, but we need to strengthen the national economy and expand the benefits of the masses. In the six years of President Cory Aquino's rule, the foundation for our economic growth has been laid down. Under the leadership of President Ramos,The economy has begun to generate decadence for big business. It is only the small ones that should benefit from our efforts. Hopefully, they will too. Hopefully, they in turn can participate. Progress must not be measured by the number of golf courses of the rich. We should not allow some of our citizens to misunderstand this message. From the beginning, they have benefited — and still do, for we will do everything to restore peace to our country, the tranquility necessary to develop our trade. So to our small and poor, here is Erap's promise: you will be the first to share in the grace from the economy, and from the government. As best I can, we will give the masses a decent home, enough food, and hope for the future. We will study their children, and we will take care of their health. To their families, we will offer peace, occupation and dignity every day. Unfortunately, the time of the Filipino masses came as the economy of the whole of Asia collapsed. There is nothing we can do. We need to tighten the belt, and fight for an adequate and early reward for our efforts. In myLadies and gentlemen, this is what I can say: In your sacrifice, I will come first, and I will be your companion. And by tasting the rewards of our efforts, you will not be caught. While I ask you to share these sacrifices with me, I will not impose any more on you when it comes to meeting my duties and responsibilities as your President. It is my job now, and I will do it. There is no reason for crime to spread in our society; This can only happen if the government itself adopts criminals. No criminal organization or activity can resist the government, if the government is committed to the desire to crush criminals. We know that the major crimes in this country are commited by hoodlums in uniforms. We know they are protected by hoodlums in robes. We know that the most damaging crimes against society are not those of petty thieves in rags, but those of economic saboteurs in business suits: the dishonest stockbrockers, the wheeling- dealing businessman, influence-peddlers, price-padders and other crooks in government. I promise now: we will use the full power of government to fight crime – whether small or large. No one can get through. To be distinct. I will use allthe powers of government to stamp out crime, big and small. There will be no excuses, and there will be no exceptions. I have sent friends to jail before, I can send them again. No government is so powerless that it cannot protect its citizens, especially when they are victimized by government agents. No government is so helpless that it cannot prosecute criminals, especially when the officials are criminals operating in the open. Hindi makatarungan na sa isang bansang karamihan ay nagugutom at walang hanapbuhay, ang kaban ng bayan ay winawaldas at ninanakaw. At ang likas na yaman ay pinaghahati-hatian ng malalakas sa gobyerno. So let me tell you today. There are things that a government, even in the worst economic conditions, can do. This government will do those things. Kaya nating sugpuin ang lumalaganap na krimen. Ginawa ko at magagawa ko noong ako ay namuno ng Presidential Anti – Crime Commission. Gagawin ko ngayon ang lahat, ngayon na Pangulo na ako. At walang sinumang makakapigil sa akin. What I did in PACC, I will now do, and more, as President of the Philippines. And when I succeed this time, nobody, nobody, nobody can clip my powers. Kaya pa rinThe government will provide essential services: streets, schools, health centers, enough police and armed forces to create and maintain silence. The government can do all of this, not just mix with looted and pork barrel. The government cannot feed all the hungry people in our country. We will be looking for anyone who can afford to buy food. The government cannot afford to provide all areas that require concrete roads and paved. But we will not let anyone steal the money allocated to building bridges and roads. The government cannot immediately bring back millions of Overseas Contract Workers, and provide them with employment in our country. We feel the pain and sorrow of being separated from our loved ones. But they can count on us not to abandon their families and children. We should not forget their interests in the world. Not all Filipino youth can afford adequate education today, as provided in the Constitution. But we will not let anyone who is wasting moneylibro at paaralan. I appeal to the coming Congress to search its conscience for a way to stand behind me, rather than against me, on the pork barrel issue. I appeal to every legislator: let us find a way to convert pork into tuition subsidies in both public and private schools. Let us use it to the better lives of our people, rather than to improve our chances of re – election. There are crimes that I will make my personal apostolate to punish: -low crimes in the streets, by rich and poor alike; -high crimes in Ayala Avenue and Binondo; -graft and corruption throughout the government, whether in the executive, the legislative, or the judiciary. Ngayon pa lamang, ang mga kamag-anak ko ay nilalapitan na ng kung sinu-sino. Kung anu-anong deal at kickback ang ipinapangako. Binabalaan ko sila. Walang kaibigan, walang kumpare, walang kamag-anak o anak na maaaring magsamantala sa ngayon. At ngayon pa lamang sinasabi ko sa inyo, nag-aaksaya lamang kayo ng panahon. Huwag ninyo akong subukan. Marahil hindi naman napakabigat ang mga pangako ko sa inyo. Simple lamang ang aking minimithi at simple rin ang hinahangad ng masang Pilipino. Subali’t pagkatagal-tagal nang hindi natutupad. Nais kong maihatidpeace in our lives, and security in our society. I want to organize the chaos in our streets, and establish justice in our institutions. I want to give our economy a new boost, and a fair share of its consequences. I want every Filipino, rich or poor, to think that the safest place in the world is his homeland. I want every Filipino, rich or poor alike, to feel that the safest place in the world for him is his own country. And in the end, I hope we all will be united so that we can obtain the power that comes from our righteous desire. With this unity, we can avoid the crisis in our region, and we can achieve the dream in our centennial. Freedom. Freedom in an oppressive difficulty. A city free from fear, and all equal in opportunity. Freedom is in the heart and soul of every Filipino. In this country, a hundred years ago, Asia glimpsed the first light of freedom. Join Erap, so that we can give a unique brilliance to the freedom from the Filipino masses. In the last 12 years, we have often called for the power of the people,People Power, for the sake of democracy, and for prosperity, and for various things. With the help of Poong Maykapal, and through our unity, let us use the power of the people to ensure the success of the Filipino masses. Remember, my dear fellow Filipinos, no one can help the Filipinos except the fellow Filipinos. Many, many thanks. | 2 |
We will not be a colony! 15 March 2012 Viktor Orbán's ceremonial speech in Budapest. Dear celebrants, Fellow citizens! Hungarians! Welcome to Lajos Kossuth Square! I also greet those who are at home with us today throughout the Carpathian Basin from Košice through Odorheiu Secuiesc and Mukachevo to Subotica. This day is the Day of Freedom Fighters. This square is the square of freedom fighters. And we have come here today precisely because we Hungarians are a people of freedom struggles. We have not come to commemorate the glorious past according to the good custom of our forefathers. We have come to remind ourselves of the courage of the young people of March. With my words, I do not want to build a museum for them, but to remind you that we, the Hungarians alive today, are the heirs of 48. Yes, we who stand here and millions of Hungarians around the world are the political and spiritual heirs of 1848. The political and intellectual program of 1848 was: We will not be a colony! The programme and wish of the Hungarians in 2012 is as follows: we will not be a colony! I greet with special respect those of our fellow citizens who, in the January Peace March, stood up for Hungary's freedom and independence, and thus stood up for each other. Hungary would not have been able to stand up to the international pressure and diktats imposed on him in the winter of 2011-2012 if hundreds of thousands of people had not stepped up to let everyone know that Hungarians will not live according to the dictates of foreigners, nor will they give upTheir independence, nor their freedom, and therefore they will not give up their constitution, which has finally been born after twenty years. Thanks for standing up! So there is good reason to follow the example of the 48 164 years later. Yes, but which one? In his youth, man is radical, like Petőfi, who wanted to hang kings, in manhood he is more soberly ready for action than Kossuth, and later he is more inclined to wisdom and deliberate progress than Széchenyi. Sixty years after the War of Independence, Mikszáth wrote about the March youths: "They did not consider anything, but set out and made March 15 with a poem and a pair of rattling Yurate swords. And that's what we live on right now." He could have written about the guys from Pest 56. They went for it, they did it, and that's what we still live on. And he could have written about the mass rallies that changed the regime in 1989, which simultaneously drove the communists out of power and the Soviets out of the country. And yes, we still live from it. Indeed, since 1848 we have been living from a poem, the freedom poem of the Hungarians: "We swear by the God of the Hungarians, we swear that we will no longer be prisoners!" But what would we, today's Hungarians, say to the 48? Are we still taking the oath? Are Hungarians free today? Is a Hungarian who is underwater by his debt free? Is a Hungarian free whoseIs your own home just wishful thinking? Is it okay for a Hungarian to think three times about having another child? Is a Hungarian free who has not been able to find a job for years? Is a Hungarian free if his child is hungry? Is a country free where ninety out of every hundred income tax forints go to creditors? Is a country that stands on a debt quagmire instead of solid ground free? But never since the great March have we been so close to freedom. Because we have never been as united as we are today. Do not be fooled if tomorrow you read in the international press that only a few hundred people were here in the square and that they were also demonstrating against the government. The fact is that we have not been as strong as we are today for many decades. The fact is that never before have we had so many political, constitutional and economic tools at our disposal to break free from vulnerability. The fact of the matter is that today enough of us are determined enough to win a free Hungarian life after our freedoms. Dear celebrants, For us, freedom also means not being inferior to others. It means we deserve respect. It means working for ourselves, for ourselves, and not living our lives as debt slaves. It also means that they can't take theour homes. Freedom means that we too have the chance to work for our own advancement. We did not ask for ascension, the good life, or success as gifts. We have always worked for it and we are still working for it today. We only want the chance to work meaningfully, only a reasonable and equitable way out of debt. Freedom means that we set the laws of our own lives, we decide for ourselves what is important and what is not. From a Hungarian point of view, according to a Hungarian mentality and following the rhythm of the Hungarian heart. Therefore, we write our constitution ourselves. We don't need a donkey guide, nor do we want the unsolicited help of strangers to control our hands. We are well aware of the natural history of unsolicited comradely help, and we recognize it even when it is not in a shoulder-flat uniform, but in a well-tailored suit. We want Hungary to revolve around its own axis, and therefore we will defend the constitution, which is the key to our future. We are aware of the gravity of the challenge and the task, so we know that here and now we need the radical Petőfi, the willing Kossuth and the wise Széchenyi at the same time. Dear celebrants, By the light of the burning castle of Krasnahorka, by the murmur coming from the international financial system, in the midst of the ups and downs of the European economic crisis, we must ask and askWe need to answer the biggest question. Do we accept vulnerability to the point of vulnerability, or do we rely on the virtues that make Hungarians Hungarians, sovereignty sovereignty and history history? Whether we choose a colonial destiny or a Hungarian life built and furnished according to our best selves. Ladies and Gentlemen, It is right to know not only our virtues but also our frailties. Mikszáth also wrote at one point that Hungarians have a much better heart than ever to have a good public administration. We are not ashamed to have a big heart that will not tolerate injustice for long, a heart that sometimes challenges the prejudice of fate. It is also true that we do not always show our better face to the world. There are no flawless nations. So we take it for granted that Hungarians can be loved or disliked. However, there is one thing that no one can dispute. Our freedom struggles have always moved the world forward. They pushed it forward because we were right. We were right even if everyone denied it. In 48 AD we said that the walls of feudalism had to be torn down, and we were right. In '56 we said that we had to crack and break the tyres of communism, and we were right. Even today, we are viewed with suspicion. This is exactly how they looked at us in 48-49, when Europe became quiet, quiet again, but then the feudal world crumbled all over Europe.and strong nations sprouted in its place. This is how they looked at us in '56, but the communist tyranny into which we thrust the first iron finally collapsed and Europe was able to unite. Even today, European bureaucrats look at us with suspicion because we say that we need new roads. We say that we must break free from the prison of debt, and we also say that only strong nations can make Europe great again. And you will see, dear friends, we will be right again. Feudalism was not abolished by feudal lords, and communism was not destroyed by party secretaries. Speculators or bureaucrats will not eliminate the rule of speculators, nor will they lift the wagon of troubled Europe that has slipped into a ditch. It is not them, but European citizens who live off their work, from their personal efforts, because now their world must come. If not, Europe is finished. Even the young people of March saw what many people in Europe today do not want to realise: that financial independence is a condition for freedom. That is why the indispensable claim on the national bank had to be among the twelve points. Although the March youth were neither board members nor bankers, they knew the gravity of the national bank's case. They knew that it was not an independent national bank that was independent of its nation. A national bank shall be independent ifIt protects the nation's economy from foreign interests. They knew, and we know, that a sane person would not give the key to the chamber to his neighbor. Dear celebrants, It often seems that Hungarians are left alone with their freedom struggles. But we know we're not alone. Today there are Polish Bem fathers, French Richard Guyon, Serbian János Damjanich, German-Austrian Károly Leiningen. Our Czech, Latvian, Slovenian and Romanian friends stand by us. And not only are they standing up, but they are also here with us, our Lithuanian and Polish friends have come to celebrate with us. Glory to Lithuania! God bless Poland! Za wolność naszą i waszą! For our freedom and yours! This was the motto of the Polish Legion, which we still maintain today. And we also have with us the hidden Europe of tens of millions of people who silently endure national sovereignty and still believe in the Christian virtues that once made our continent a world leader: courage, honour, fidelity and mercy. There are many, many who still remember 56 and think: Hungarians, you were right! They know that we can defy the injustices of powerful empires. This is why we are respected by those who respect us, and why we are attacked by those who attack. Hungarians have suffered a great deal of injustice over the past one and a half hundred years, and we still face many injustices today. Yet we never desired someone else's, andWe didn't want to tell anyone how to live or what to think. Yet we have repeatedly fallen victim to the reversals of world political winds. Yet we must not give in to the temptation to manoeuvre Hungary ship into the windless and lukewarm waters of cheap self-pity. Self-pity and victim indignation are habits of losers, losers who explain their failure and helplessness. It has nothing to do with the courage and vigorous life instincts of the 48th, the 56th, the freedom fighters. If everyone feels like a victim, how do we get out of trouble? If everyone feels victimized, who will work here? Self-pity weakens, softens the bone, and makes character cowardly. To win, to succeed, to fight for fair treatment, it takes courage and strength. Modern colonizers patiently scout their targets, put them to sleep, and slowly consume the vital instinct and resistance of the targeted nations. Just like the Octondian frog is cooked in water boiled step by step. Although the space is tight, it feels good; He's pleasantly alive, he doesn't even remember to worry, he doesn't understand, and then he doesn't want to understand what's happening to him, and by the time he knows it, he's cooked. This is how once proud and strong nations sink into vulnerability. This is how millions of families have harnesses around their necks and bites in their mouths. This is how they end up leaving to their children not the well-deserved fruits of their life's work, buttheir swollen loans and with it the narrowed horizon of their own destiny. This is how we went after 2002, people didn't even notice that they were slowly cooking us with convenient loans. We jumped out of the pot at the last minute. Dear Remembrances, Perhaps some people wonder whether the freedom fight is smart in such difficult, crisis-ridden times. Can we afford it? Wouldn't it be better to somehow get away quietly in the shadows of the wind? But such reasoning preserves submission and blocks the path to a successful breakout. Freedom is not a luxury for the prosperous, just as human dignity is not the privilege of the well-off. One of the greatest masters of the accurate and apt Hungarian language taught us: "Come, freedom, you bring me order!" Everything we desire can only grow out of freedom. This is the law. Everything else is mirage, illusion, onion and self-delusion. The difficulties of everyday life are caused precisely by our financial dependence. Without freedom, our lives will never get better. Ladies and Gentlemen, The meaning of the freedom struggle is not the struggle itself, but what comes after. It is not enough to vote down evil, it must also be defeated. And it is not enough to defeat it, it is also necessary to create good so that evil cannot return. We have done a lot for this in the last two years. We have freed hundreds of thousands of families from the debt trap. TheWe have involved banks and multinationals in public burden-sharing. We already have a future-proof constitution, and we have removed the last barriers to the reunification of the nation beyond borders. We renewed and reorganized the state, curbed the spread of unemployment. We have done a lot, a lot, but still not enough. My celebrating friends, we still remember the teaching: the truth sets us free. Our country needs economic success, better education, health care and higher wages, but most of all it needs justice because too much has been lied to and about it. The fruit of lies is strife, hatred, and deceit, and therefore we cannot lie to ourselves. When we last met in opposition on 15 March, we warned ourselves well in advance: if we want to overcome our troubles, if we want to win a decisive victory over our misfortune and its mercenaries, every Hungarian must first curb the self-defeating instincts within himself, and carry out the radical change within himself by which he will definitively stand by honour, diligence, work, and thus by the side of the homeland. Only in this way can a real, penetrating, uplifting victory come. Hungary has changed a lot in two years, and the Hungarian people have changed a lot, but in order to get started, we must first stand up. That is where we are now. What happened is important, serious and deep, but not enough. Not enough yet. Dear Members, We understand that Europe has a lot of trouble.The gears creak, the tendons tense. But as a thousand-year-old European nation, we have a demand. We demand equality for Hungarians. As a European nation, we demand equal treatment. We will not be second-class European citizens. We have a legitimate demand that the same standards be applied to us as to other countries. We have learned that the rise of Europe and Hungary is inseparable. Every time Europe got into trouble, Hungary its star went down. We are not happy, but we understand that the European alliance is not a covenant of saints, but we cannot sit idly by and watch any political and intellectual tendency impose an unholy alliance on Europe. Europe cannot give in and give up, and the sense of belonging must not weaken any longer. This would lead to the defeat and fall of Europe. That is why Europe cannot leave entire countries on the side of the road. If we do not come to our senses in time, Europe itself will eventually become a colony of the modern world financial system. Ladies and Gentlemen, The freedom of a nation is made up of the personal freedom of millions of people. Everyone has personal struggles, everyone fights for their goals, their dreams, those they love and who are important to them. Their strength adds up, and this force drives forward the freedom struggles of nations. Cowardly people will never become a brave nation. The courage of our nation is the sum total of the personal courage of Hungarians. When we salute the brave, we think of them. For those who persistently fight everyday lifebattles; They get up early, work, fight for their families, do business, plan, seek new paths and break new paths when there is no viable path. No matter what, whoever tries to dissuade them, make them give up, they don't miss the step, they know that going far from here would be no answer to anything. They are the ones who do not tolerate drift, who decide and act, who do not wait for others to decide for them. They have a vision of the world, their place, their lives, and they stand up for it. They stand up for themselves, for their families, for their nation. They are the ones who ask the world for nothing but truth. Justice for Hungary! They win the battles for the whole nation. That was the case in '48, and so it is today. Glory to the brave! Go for it, Hungary, go Hungarians! | 2 |
Speech by President Salvador Sánchez Cerén XXIV Sao Paulo Forum Comrades: We are holding this meeting of the Sao Paulo Forum at a crucial moment for the destiny of our peoples and their hopes for a better life, of progress, in peace and without the poverty and hunger that affect millions of our brothers and sisters in Latin America and the Caribbean. It is a great opportunity to strengthen confidence and optimism in our capacities to fight, to draw the necessary experiences and unite more to transform the situation of our peoples for the better and successfully confront the powerful forces that try to perpetuate their privileges. With this conviction, I greet all the representatives of leftist parties and organizations from Latin America and the world gathered here. Receive a fraternal embrace from the brave Salvadoran people and the Farabundo Martí National Liberation Front, FMLN. We are still standing. We continue to move forward. This time from the heroic city of Havana, the Sao Paulo Forum reaffirms itself as the main space for the strengthening of our ideas, reflection and sharing of much-needed experiences to reap new victories. As the left we have to continue to be hopeof our peoples, with viable and effective political alternatives. We are heirs to a heroic legacy of centuries of struggle, an inexhaustible source of experiences that confirm that the better world for which we work is possible. Our transformative project transcends time and borders; We are the result of hundreds of years of struggle. Our voice is that of millions of men and women who have never abandoned hope, protagonists of the triumphs that confirm what we can do for the well-being and progress of our America. We fight for a just, prosperous and dignified Latin America, with opportunities for all. I pay my sincere tribute to those great revolutionaries, who despite the fact that they are no longer physically with us, continue to inspire thousands and thousands of young people and travel our America with their ideals of justice, brotherhood and equality: Fidel Castro, Schafik Handal, Hugo Chávez and many other heroes and heroines. We congratulate the Mexican people on the recent electoral victory. The victory of the historic social fighter and our dear friend Andrés Manuel López Obrador with the National Regeneration Movement, begins a new cycle of work, transformations and hope for the sister Mexican republic. Compañeros and compañeras: In almostthree decades of existence of the Sao Paulo Forum we have gone through the most diverse experiences, and all of them have left us with important lessons that, as the left, we are obliged not to leave aside. Just as we celebrate the electoral conquests, which began with the triumph of comrade Hugo Chávez in 1998, we have also had setbacks. Once again, Latin America is going through a complex situation. The oligarchic right intensifies its onslaught against the governments that promote an agenda that puts full human development and solidarity among peoples at the center above profit and selfishness. In this new onslaught, the right-wing forces rely on each other and use various mechanisms, including those apparently legal, to stop the projects of change initiated by governments born of the people. They also appeal to the spread of disillusionment and apathy towards politics in order to demobilise popular struggles with the intention of perpetuating themselves in power. Despite the new tricks of the right, the objectives they pursue are the same. Countries that have returned to failed right-wing governments are now facing economic and social setbacks, which severely worsens the living conditions of the population. With our unity and,above all, in close union with the people and their organizations, we will defeat these attempts to roll back history and the conquests achieved in hard days of struggle. I reiterate our solidarity with the former presidents of Brazil and Ecuador, Lula Da Silva and Rafael Correa, who face fraudulent processes to prevent their presidential candidacies and their certain victory in the next elections. We also stand in solidarity with the government and the people of sister Nicaragua in the face of the destabilizing attempts to alter the constitutional order, overthrow by force the legitimately elected government and take away from the population the great social and economic advances, in one of the countries that achieved the greatest growth and stability in the region. We support President Daniel Ortega's decision to maintain a respectful dialogue to find agreements that will allow that sister nation to stop the escalation of violence and continue on the path of progress and improvement of the quality of life of the population, in peace and democratic stability. Our solidarity embrace to the people, party and government of Cuba, already on the eve of the 60th anniversary of the triumphant revolution led by Fidel. I ratify El Salvador's firm condemnation of the blockade imposed byThe United States to this brave people. Our solidarity also with the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, its people and government, whose struggle continues to defeat the efforts to destroy the transformations initiated by its historic leader, our beloved Commander Hugo Chávez. Comrades: In this challenging situation that prevails in Latin America, the thought and example of comrade Fidel Castro is more relevant and necessary. It was precisely at a moment when everything seemed adverse for the progressive forces, that Fidel and comrade Lula da Silva had the idea of convening the meeting that we now call the Sao Paulo Forum. They founded a powerful movement in favor of the broadest convergence of revolutionary, leftist, progressive and democratic forces in the region, whose main objective was unity in the struggle against neoliberalism. With Fidel's desires, we forged in the Sao Paulo Forum the ideas of unity, integration, concertation and regional collaboration, which inspired the creation of ALBA, UNASUR, CELAC and other mechanisms. Comrade Fidel's vision and commitment to create a consciousness of Latin American unity will continue to guide us towards that future of integration to which he called. His ideas and his example, his moralityunwavering and their perseverance, will continue to mark the course of our work as men and women of the left. Fidel envisioned spaces such as the Sao Paulo Forum, where we can now reaffirm, with his vision and legacy, the values of a revolutionary. Thanks to his vision and that of other leaders, the left now has a strategic space that allows it to discuss, agree on ideas and seek strategies to consolidate the struggle towards the self-determination of the peoples. Comrade Fidel's persistent call to strengthen unity, integrity, analyze errors and include all sectors of the population in the struggle is more valid than ever. The left in Latin America must continue with Fidel's firmness and spirit of victory in the face of the escalation of the right and the oligarchic forces, which seek to disrupt the progress of the peoples. The most urgent challenge is to continue in the progressive vanguard using all our experience, to conquer with the ideas of change all the spaces of struggle and debate, including the digital and social networks, because the political, human and progressive project of the great popular majorities is totally legitimate and irrevocable. Triumphs and defeats are valuable and useful lessons to consider forto confront the new onslaught of neoliberalism, and to defend the conquests that have cost the blood and suffering of our peoples. We are called to strengthen the unity of the popular forces, to organize a powerful and broad social movement in which women, workers, peasants, indigenous people and young people are all in power. Let's close ranks in the face of the neoliberal threat. Now, as Fidel taught us, we would have no future without unity and integration. The power to continue changing injustices for new opportunities for people is in the organization. The parties and governments have new struggles, new challenges, in order to take the feelings of the populations and concentrate them in a single struggle. We will not return to the past of despair that the continental right implanted in our countries. The Sao Paulo Forum will continue to consolidate itself as the indispensable instrument bequeathed by Fidel and Lula, which will allow us to regroup our forces and reaffirm our democratic and revolutionary ideals. For a fairer Latin America and for the defense of the rights of the people, we will win! Thanks a lot. Havana, July 17, 2018 | 2 |
"I would like to thank the parliamentary group of GERB for being the first group in many national assemblies to remain united. And thank you for supporting the government for these 4 years. I thank the independent MPs, who also gave the opportunity to implement the important projects for Bulgaria. We have always been... the fact that the BSP is not there... They never existed. Yes, but... GERB came to power by the will of the people. He came to power democratically. There were also crises... all forms of democratic government recognized by the Constitution. Yesterday we did our best to respond to the demands of the protesters. From today on, the government practically has nothing to do to help them. In no case do I want us to bear the liabilities of the hydraulic engineers from the MRF, where they spent 1 billion on "Tsankov Kamak"... yes, yes, yes. Who spent a billion and a half on Belene and owed NEK two and a half billion. Nor do I want to see blood in the streets. Nor do I want to see the policemen of Bulgaria, whom I have as non-colleagues, as brothers, fighting with anyone. The fact that they throw stones at them or provoke them does not matter. Sofia has a Southern Arc, there is a metro, there are flyovers, there are gardens, there arekindergartens, there are halls and I can't watch the bloodied "Eagle's Bridge". Every drop of blood, dear colleagues, is a stain for us. And this... I cannot watch a parliament surrounded by a fence. This is neither our goal of power, nor our goal of power, if there is an advantage to protect ourselves from people. That's why I came to tell you personally. Since the questions are posed in this way, the state needs a new credit of trust. People should determine how they will be governed from now on. We have done the maximum for almost 4 years – we have negotiated a budget for the next programming period, 2 and a half billion euros more, we have resolved a lot of issues. Highways are being built, railways are being built, treatment plants are being built, all funds are open, not a single euro has been stopped. Therefore, today, instead of making structural changes, we will go to hold a Council of Ministers, because there are entry points and at noon I will deposit the resignation of the government. I advise you to do the same. Our work is with the people so that we can stand in front of those who are protesting with clean faces and hearts and explain to them where the price of green energy comes from, where the price of "Maritsa" comes from, what has happened over time. Yesterday whatever he couldAs a state, we have done it. I advise you to do all this too. From now on, the Bulgarians should choose – Stanishev, Dogan, Mr. Kostov, whoever they want. Mr. Kostov made great efforts to return BSP and MRF to power. A huge effort. And people will appreciate it in the elections as well. Are you 22 years old, how long are you in Parliament, if your party and coalition is fighting to be a crutch or as you like to say - opposition - we want our ideas to happen, otherwise you have nothing to go to the elections for. I believe that after the colleagues from the BSP and MRF did this – you have set a very dangerous precedent and this will come back to you, be sure. In the same way, we have dignity, we have honor, I like to walk among people. I don't like to have irons when I go somewhere. That is why the people gave us power – today I am giving it back to them. What democracy has recognized all over the world is elections. We will not participate in a program cabinet, Mr. Kostov. I will not vote together with the MRF and BSP here. You stand and vote if you want. You are one, so this will notsurprised me, even if your suggestion surprised me. Mr. Tsvetanov, for the last time when you go, thank all the police officers for their efforts and this is a gesture to them not to work on the street and to look after public order and the fight against crime. I don't know who..., maybe you should... Krasi Velchev... to notify the President as well. We will not participate in a caretaker government either. To form a government 3 months before the elections. So far, I have always participated in elections alone by law... who you want... This is your business. So, so we have participated in elections when the CEC, the RIC and the law were written by the BSP, MRF or the Blue Coalition. Always. We have never participated in elections to be reproached by someone for wanting to manipulate the elections according to our rules. If they want such a government of the state – they should have it. I will not participate in a government in which the police will fight people or there will be no political debate, but we will be scared with protests, because I am watching what the representatives of the BSP, MRF and the Blue Coalition are doing, of course. They justify themselves with the protest – do you see what people say. Notwith your politics, but what do people on the street say. Well, if the people want the street to rule the state in this way, let them do it. So once again, I thank everyone who has supported us. Colleagues, we will not make structural changes today. We go, we finish the meeting. At noon, Mrs. Tsacheva will duly deposit the resignation of the cabinet. I hope it will be adopted using the appropriate technology. I wish you a good day." | 1 |
Country: Panama Leader: Juan Carlos Varela Title of Speech: Remarks by the President of the Republic Juan Carlos Varela R. on the occasion of the inauguration ceremony of the Panama Canal expansion project. Date of Speech: 6/26/16 Category: Ribbon Cutting Source: https://www.midiario.com/uhora/nacionales/discurso-completo-del-presidente-varela Office of the Presidential Advisor I. REMARKS BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC JUAN CARLOS VARELA R. ON THE OCCASION OF THE INAUGURATION CEREMONY OF THE PANAMA CANAL EXPANSION PROJECT. JUNE 26, 2016. On behalf of the Government of the Republic of Panama, I am pleased to address the nation and the world today, June 26, 2016, a historic date on which we are celebrating the inauguration of the third set of locks of our Interoceanic Canal, which represents one of the main assets of the Panamanian people, placed at the service of the international community and global trade. To the Heads of State, official delegations, users of the Canal and special guests who visit us from different parts of the world: welcome to our country, the place where more than 4 centuries ago, Hernán Cortés glimpsed the strategic importance of the Isthmus of Panama, communicating in 1524 to the King of Spain Charles V, the value that the Isthmus of Panama would have.union of the Atlantic Ocean and the South Sea. 2,492 years later, we are gathered here to celebrate the expansion of our interoceanic route, which has united the world since 1914. This special date for us coincides in turn with the 190th anniversary of the Amphictyonic Congress of Panama held by the liberator Simón Bolívar in June 1826, with the purpose of seeking the unity of our continent: America. The Canal was the cause that united the Panamanian nation to recover our full sovereignty over the national territory. Today's celebration is mainly due to our martyrs of January 9, 1964, to President Roberto F. Chiari and to all the generations of Panamanians who fought for the reversal of the Canal, which was made possible thanks to the signing of the 1977 Treaties by General Omar Torrijos and the President of the United States James Carter. 3 The Torrijos-Carter Treaties also paved the way for the reestablishment of our democracy and led to the transfer of the interoceanic Canal to Panamanian hands, which was received on December 31, 1999, by the wife of the 3-time President of Panama, Dr. ArnulfoArias Madrid, the former President Mireya Moscoso. Since our country received the administration of the Canal in 1999, Panamanians have demonstrated to the world that we have the technical capacity to operate and develop the interoceanic waterway, in an efficient, safe and reliable manner. Users of the Canal can rest assured that we will continue to support the Panama Canal Authority and our port operators to continue providing them with a world-class service and strengthening our logistics system, by creating incentives and conditions necessary to give added value to our interoceanic route. I thank all the workers who participated in the Enlargement for their effort and dedication to complete this Project. 4 In particular, I wish to honor the memory of the 7 workers who lost their lives in this work and to highlight the presence of their relatives in today's commemorative events. For you, the workers, who are the great heroes of this monumental Project, at this moment I would like to ask for a loud applause. In a very special way, I congratulate the Minister of Canal Affairs, Roberto Roy. the Administrator of the Panama Canal, Jorge Quijano; his predecessor, Alberto Alemán Zubieta; to current and former membersof the Board of Directors of the ACP and all the officials of this institution, who operate and led the expansion of our interoceanic waterway, together with the companies and collaborators of the Consortium "Grupo Unidos por el Canal". I wish to acknowledge the political will of the former President of the Republic, Martín Torrijos, to promote the public consultation of the Expansion Project in 2006. I also recognize that I did not accompany him in this political process. 5 God, history and the Panamanian people gave me the opportunity to be here as President of the Republic to fulfill the 3 objectives that at that time were not guaranteed: First, that the benefits of the Canal be invested with transparency, efficiency and social criteria to improve the quality of life of the Panamanian people; Second, that their resources reach the entire national territory through their local authorities to provide effective responses to community problems. And third, that the Government adopt a national development plan with a State vision to guarantee universal access for the Panamanian population to basic services such as: drinking water, basic sanitation, decent housing, social protection, education, health and quality public transport. Despite theinitial doubts about the Project, the work has been completed with the highest standards of integrity, safety and quality. We achieved it and this is a feat of which all Panamanians should feel very proud. 6 Today marks a historic moment for Panama, for our hemisphere and for the world. In many ways, the world has never been more connected. Access to information and communications are instantaneous. Yesterday's trade blocs and borders are less significant than they were before, and now, we think in terms of networks and websites. Yet, somehow, in this age of connectivity and telecommunications, our personal and spiritual sense of community has been disrupted. We have lost something. From the education I received from the Jesuits, I learned to be a defender of the common good, to value the diversity of people and ideas of all the inhabitants of the planet, and to value others more than oneself. Although digital connectivity has improved our lives in many ways, we cannot know or help our brothers and sisters if we do not have true connectivityhuman. 7 The Canal and the Isthmus of Panama constitute one of the most powerful symbols of that connectivity and unity that are needed in the world to reconstitute the essence of humanity. For more than a century, our Canal has contributed to the union of peoples, places, ideas and products. This manifest destiny is reflected in all aspects of the life of our country, including our foreign policy, which promotes respectful dialogue among nations to guarantee peace, security and the common good of all citizens of the world, to whom we extend an open invitation to visit Panama and learn about this great work of engineering. The expansion of the Canal is, in itself, a masterpiece of technology. The new locks consume less water and energy to achieve greater efficiency in harmony with the environment. The Expanded Canal will significantly increase the size and cargo capacity of ships that will be able to transit the waterway. 8 For us Panamanians, the Canal is much more than a great work of engineering and technology, since it symbolizes what the Isthmus of Panama represents for the international community: a point ofthe meeting of the East with the West and of the North with the South. The Seventh Summit of the Americas, held last year in our country, once again highlighted Panama's historic vocation to unite the world. Panama has been the place where leaders and citizens from all over the world can meet, shake hands and form close ties of friendship between their nations. With the eyes of the world on our small isthmus, we have been a transit route for goods and a point of convergence of civilizations throughout our history due to our privileged geographical position. This has made Panama a melting pot of ideas and ways of life; a multi-ethnic and multicultural nation, loving of peace, which puts its world-class logistical and financial platform at the service of the international community. 9 The Canal Expansion promises to strengthen the bonds of friendship that bind the world together and symbolizes the great global community that we are today. As proof of this, five multilateral banks joined forces to co-finance this work and make it possible. And during the construction process, more than FORTY-ONE THOUSAND jobs were created.work. With our Expanded Channel, we can connect thousands and thousands of people, promoting peaceful collaboration and strengthening business relationships for a better future. I hope that all the nations of the world will join Panama in celebrating this great achievement of all humanity; May we continue to unite the world for decades to come and pass this legacy on to our future generations. With the transit of the container ship "Cosco Shipping Panama", today, the expansion of our interoceanic waterway is inaugurated. However, as a country we cannot stop here. 10 The next great challenge we have ahead of us is: to increase the capacity of the Canal Basin, on which the supply of drinking water to the country's main cities also depends. For this reason, we are going to begin studies to develop the works that will allow us to guarantee that we have enough water for: human consumption, the uninterrupted operation of the Canal and the sustainable development of our country. The workers and professionals of the Expansion Project complied with Panama. Now it is up to the present and future generations of political leaders to meet the Panamanian people and our children, to give them a better understanding of the situation.better life, with access to public services and first-world health and education systems. As Panamanians, we are all very proud of this great work, but we will feel even prouder when we manage to eliminate poverty and inequality once and for all, ensuring that the economic contributions of our expanded Canal reach all corners of the country, with a vision of the State, transparency and equity. Thanks a lot. | 0 |
Country: Kyrgyzstan Leader: Almazbek Atambaev Source: http://www.president.kg/ru/news/vystuplenija_obraschenija/229_vyistuplenie_almazbeka_atambaeva_na_tseremonii_ofitsialnogo_vstupleniya_v_doljnost_prezidenta_kyirgyizskoy_respubliki/ Category: Famous Date: 01/12/2011 Words: 1780 (Inagurational speech. The title of the speech: "It is better to die than to stay/get on your knees" ) Rather than live on your knees, it is better to die standing! - Inaugural speech of A. Atambayev 10:18 01.12.2011 SPEECH by Almazbek Atambayev at the ceremony of the official inauguration of the President of the Kyrgyz Republic Dear compatriots! Let me express my gratitude for the high trust you have placed in you. Our wise people, as it was said in the epic "Manas": "Losing strength – reviving, enduring adversity – strengthening!", chose peace and stability, unity and integrity of the country. Dear guests! Dear heads of state and government, representatives of the diplomatic corps and international organizations! On my own behalf and on behalf of my compatriots, I express my gratitude for participating in today's celebration! Ladies and gentlemen, Today I express my special gratitude to Roza Isakovna Otunbayeva for her conscientious and selfless work for the benefit of the people and the country, for her generosity and political foresight in a difficult transition period. Kyrgyzstan passed a great test on October 30. Every citizen of Kyrgyzstan voted in accordance with his political views. But the main thing is that we are all united by our Fatherland - Kyrgyzstan, which we must protect like the apple of our eye. The elections are over. Our future is ahead. To have itworthy, each of us must make every effort. I consider this a direct duty of all political forces in the country! Dear brothers and sisters! Who are the Kyrgyz people? The Kyrgyz people are one of the oldest peoples in the world, they were among the founders of a unique and freedom-loving nomadic civilization, which has ancient traditions and customs, and a rich history. They are a generous people who value friendship and harmony, a people with pure thoughts and an open heart. "As if it is made of rags," says the epic "Manas" about our people, in which representatives of many nationalities have lived for centuries in indestructible unity. Those who came to us with evil intent were punished by the Almighty himself. All who came with peace and pure intentions, our people met with wide open arms. X X X Kyrgyzstan is a country of heavenly mountains, freedom-loving people. Our people have never bowed the knee to any government. An ancient and brave people, not sparing themselves, fought for freedom throughout their long history. The Kyrgyz are ready to give their lives for the sake of freedom and justice. On April 7 last year, the whole world was convinced of this. X X X Today we are opening a new page in our history together with you. This is not the story of a new president, this is the story of a new Kyrgyzstan! We strive to build a country in which every citizen, whoever he is, wherever he iscould proudly say: "I am a Kyrgyz citizen!" May the Almighty help us on this path! Only in unity can we master this path! X X X We have long been indoctrinated with the idea that Kyrgyzstan is the poorest country. It's not true! Our land is rich in gold, and our people are golden. On such a land, no one should live in poverty. It's humiliating. We have everything for a prosperous life: fertile land, sacred mountains of Ala-Too, beautiful rivers and lakes, wise, generous and hardworking people. What are we missing? Only one thing is missing - honest and decent government. Therefore, our main duty is to establish honest and fair governance in the country! At present, a negative trend of struggle for power has taken root between different branches of power. We must get rid of such manifestations, otherwise it can paralyze the entire power structure. According to Article 60 of the Constitution, the President is the head of state. The president embodies the unity of the people and state power. And my main duty as President is to direct the efforts of all branches of government to achieve one main goal - to justify the hope and trust of the people. Each branch of government needs to fully and clearly realize its responsibility to the country. Further development of the country is possible only with the joint and purposeful work of all branches of power. This isshould be aware of the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of power. People demand that the courts be fair, that the deputies themselves do not go beyond the law, people demand honest and transparent work of the government. The people will not forgive us if these demands are not met. And if the branches of power do not fulfill these conditions, then I, as President, will be forced to exercise my right to directly address the people. For the only source of power is the people! The people are the judge of everything! We must build a Kyrgyzstan in which every honest and decent person will feel free and completely safe, and crooks, bribe-takers and bandits will become outcasts of society. The first blows to organized crime have been struck. Many representatives of the criminal world have been detained, some were forced to flee the country, but sooner or later they will be caught and punished. Our next step is an uncompromising fight against corruption. If we do not eradicate all manifestations of corruption in our society, the future of our country is in jeopardy. As head of state, I will use all my powers to fight this evil. In our country, everyone should be equally responsible before the law – be it a minister, a judge or a deputy. To our leaders, I would like to remind in advance of the commandment of the Kyrgyz people: "The honestthe ruler has no relatives, and the lover of the family has no honor and conscience"! Never forget this! My dear compatriots! Kyrgyzstan must take its rightful place in the international community. The foreign policy of the state should be subordinated exclusively to the interests of the people. Kyrgyzstan is ready to continue its cooperation with all States and international organizations. Of course, Russia is our strategic partner. We intend to become a full member of the Customs Union. I am sure that this step will revive our industry, strengthen our security, open borders with neighboring countries, and improve the living standards of our people. We have a common history and a common future with Russia and neighboring countries! X X X Today I also want to express my gratitude to the countries that came to our aid in a difficult time for us. Our people will never forget the support provided by Russia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkey and many other states, as well as international organizations. I am sure that having gone through all the trials that have befallen us, and becoming a successful country in the future, Kyrgyzstan will be able to lend a helping hand to countries and peoples in need. Dear brothers and sisters! No matter what trials we have to go through over the past two years, we have managed to save the country's economy. But even now she is experiencing difficulties. Life is not easy for the people. Every citizen sees and feels this by the example of his life. In our country, it should be givenspecial attention is paid to the elderly, the disabled, mothers and decent education and upbringing of the younger generation is ensured. The state must create conditions under which everyone who wants to work, especially young people, can get a job! To achieve these goals, the Government must implement a number of major national projects. First of all, it is necessary to achieve the country's energy security. Next year, it is necessary to build a high-voltage power transmission line Datka-Kemin, at the same time to begin the construction of 2-3 hydroelectric power plants, planned back in Soviet times. Roads and irrigation canals are as important for the country as the arteries in the circulatory system of the human body. In the future, Kyrgyzstan should become a transit country, and not remain squeezed on all sides by a transport deadlock. Together with the construction of the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway, we will have another highway connecting the south and north of the country. In most areas, small asphalt concrete plants should be operating. With the construction of new irrigation canals, we will receive thousands of additional hectares of irrigated land. In addition, farmers should be given preferential loans, equipment on a leasing basis. To improve the well-being of the Kyrgyz people, we need to conduct competent development of mineral reserves. In order to revive and restore the factories and factories, it is necessary to create the necessary conditions for entrepreneurs. Ultimately, we must ensure that our Kyrgyzstan turns into a paradise for investors and entrepreneurs.Inspection bodies that create obstacles to business must be punished. As a result of such measures, we will have hundreds of new enterprises, thousands of jobs. It is necessary to create conditions for those who want to work honestly. We must take care of our citizens who are abroad in search of work. Dear compatriots! The most important thing is that the country needs peace and tranquility. Awareness of this should be in every family, in every local community. We must clearly realize that we are a single people. Only in unity can we achieve the development, stability and prosperity of Kyrgyzstan. Each of our citizens is obliged to preserve interethnic harmony and unity as the apple of their eye. Without unity, there is no future for our country. As our ancestors bequeathed: "The basis of happiness is in unity." Our people suffered an irreparable loss during the June events of last year. We must not allow this to happen again. Dear compatriots! During the elections, driving through the Kemin district, I saw an inscription on the fence: "We can be happy only in this country." I was struck by these piercing words. After all, this is how it is! How many Russians have left Kyrgyzstan in 20 years. But in Russia they are called Kyrgyz. Ethnic Uzbeks leave for Uzbekistan, but then return again, not finding themselves there. And how hundreds and thousands of our labor migrants are homesick.Because we can only be happy where we were born, where we grew up, where our ancestors are buried. Therefore, we must protect and fight together for the prosperity of our only Motherland, the name of which is Kyrgyzstan! And this can only be achieved together! Only together we are Kyrgyzstan! And those who are trying to divide people by nations, by regions are enemies of the country! And it's time not to persuade them, as in Krylov's fable, but to strictly apply the relevant articles of the Criminal Code! Dear compatriots! You can't expect a person to learn another language in adulthood or old age. Therefore, the study of the state language must begin without fail from kindergarten, from the first grade of each school. And the state should create all the necessary conditions for this, first of all, to provide understandable and accessible textbooks in the state language. At the same time, it is important to create conditions for the development of cultures and languages of all nationalities of the united people of Kyrgyzstan. I am sure, following the example of the United States, that instead of the nationality column, we should write only one thing in our passport: a citizen of Kyrgyzstan! Dear compatriots! We are on a difficult slippery crossing. As the wise leader of the Chinese people Deng Xiaoping said: "On a slippery, turbulent crossing, you cannot see the bottom of the river, there may be stones and pits." We must not make a mistakeWhen transitioning, it is necessary to take meaningful steps. I call on all of you to be patient. We should not follow those who try to divide people, we should not believe those who promise mountains of gold and paradise life in the near future. You need to be patient. The main thing is that we are on the right track. If there is peace, tranquility and unity in our country, we will definitely achieve our goal. People are tired of rallies and uncertainty. It's time for action. For 3-4 years of hard work, the country will change for the better, the hopes of the people will be justified. I believe in it! X X X Our Manas the Magnanimous devoted his life to the people and his native land. Today I also want to say: "I am ready to sacrifice my life for the sake of my people, my country!" The spirit of Manas the Magnanimous is with us! My dear compatriots! Today the Almighty again opens the way to a better future for us, gives us another great chance, it is necessary to use this opportunity! Let's preserve the unity of the people, the integrity of our land, the Independence of our Motherland! We must not succumb to the monetary promises of some forces and countries, we must not be afraid of difficulties, we must not succumb to worldly vanity, forgetting about the main thing – the preservation of the independence and sovereignty of the country! Neither God, nor the spirits of our ancestors, nor our descendants will forgive us if weLet's admit such a loss! Rather than live on your knees, it is better to die standing! We will never be slaves. Long live Independent, Sovereign Kyrgyzstan! | 2 |
Statement by Mr Nicolas Sarkozy, President of the Republic, on the inauguration of the Centre Pompidou-Metz and on the efforts in favour of the Lorraine region, in Metz on 11 May 2010. Personality, function: Nicolas SARKOZY. FRANCE. President of the Republic Circumstances: Inauguration of the Centre Pompidou-Metz, in Metz on 11 May 2010 ti: Ministers, Members of Parliament, President of the Regional Council, President of the General Council, President of Metz Métropole, Mayor, President of the Centre Pompidou, Ladies and Gentlemen, Basically, I'm going to do something, I'm not going to read my speech. I am going to speak to you very sincerely, because what is at stake here, with the inauguration of this museum, is nothing more and nothing less than a new Lorraine renaissance. I have come to do the inauguration, it is the easiest, but I must remember that a few months ago, I took decisions that may have caused Lorraine, Moselle, the city of Metz, to suffer, Mr. Mayor. I believe that the duty of a statesman, of a President of the Republic, is to assume his choices and to have the honesty and courage to respect peopleand to explain why. Lorraine has suffered greatly in recent decades from restructuring, mutations, changes, textiles, steel, mining, the military. Metz, Mr. Mayor, we were talking about it, a garrison city. It was certainly an element of pride, but who can think that in a changing world like ours, we could keep the same military organization. We had to make choices. Choices that have been painful for your department and for your city, since almost a third of the workforce, if I remember correctly, will be transferred. I must say that I want to pay tribute to elected officials, of all tendencies, and to the population. We tried to build a response to this restructuring. This is entirely linked to what we are inaugurating, because this museum, which is a strong cultural act, is at the same time an element of a strategic development policy. Culture in France is an element of an economic development strategy. In the midst of a crisis, with all the deficits, all the problems, not only are we not cutting back on what has been done -- yet it is so easy tocutting back on investment - but we are developing it, because at the same time as Beaubourg is in Metz, there will be the Louvre in Lens, there will be the Philharmonic in Paris, Mr Minister of Culture, there will be the Museum of Mediterranean Civilisations in Marseille, and so many other elements. Culture is a strategic element in France's development. It is not a question of the commodification of culture, it is a question of understanding that in this extraordinary setting, in this extraordinary architectural gesture, we will be able to organize from here the renaissance of Metz and the renaissance of Lorraine. It's a strategic decision, and I want to say that France is proud to be one of the few countries in the midst of a crisis that is finding the means to release investments of this magnitude, and not to sacrifice them. Earlier, when I met a number of you, I was told "culture is good for tourism!" It's true, but not simply, it's also good for the tens of thousands of young people from Lorraine who will come here to collect their first cultural emotions! You don't have to, in a countryof 65 million inhabitants, to consider that in order to have a cultural emotion, you have to take the train to come to Paris - even if now, the TGV works. I find it extremely satisfying that Metz is not a regional capital, not a national capital, but an international capital, judging by the echo of this inauguration throughout the world. France believes in its culture. France believes in itself. France believes in art and France considers that investing in a museum, of such an extraordinary style as this one, is as important as investing in a university, in a laboratory, in a clean room, in nanotechnologies. This is France's message. And what a joy also in Metz, a garrison city as they used to say, to see that culture does not belong to a sect, that it is a continuity and that this museum of modern art, rather than its collections sleep in the basements or in the storage of Beaubourg, what a chance to see them hanging on the wall like this! I particularly want to pay tribute to the entire team that designed the museum. I would like to pay tribute to Mr Illagon because I believe it is rightand to Mr. RAUSCH who put forward this idea. You know, one never lowers oneself by rendering to Caesar what is Caesar's. I also want to say that France, which has developed so much around its capital, afraid as it was for its unity, well it's rather a message of optimism to see that France is not afraid for its unity since it is able to imagine its development in various cultural places throughout its territory. What a fantastic proof of confidence! And then I also want to pay tribute to this visionary President, President Pompidou, was it not Mr. Balladur, who made the extraordinary gesture of creating Beaubourg. I was very young at the time, but I still remember that he had both avant-gardists and conservatives against him, and this is dangerous. Because the avant-gardists considered it almost a provocation to lock contemporary art in a museum. As for the conservatives, the tubular structure of Beaubourg, let's not talk about it! He held on, he did it. And let's imagine anyway, and that's why it's so difficult and so exciting to be President of the Republic of a country like France. Because let's imagine the decisionat the end of the 60s of President POMPIDOU, deciding to create this museum of modern art in the heart of Paris, making this gesture so shocking to some and seeing what this idea has become. Was he himself, at the time he took this decision, sure that it would remain one of the major decisions of his mandate? But I could also say that the decision, I say this in front of Jack Lang, of Mr Mitterrand, of President Mitterrand, to put PEI and its pyramid in the Louvre! It is a decision that has regenerated the Louvre, this museum of the universal. It's a big decision and like all big decisions, at the time, those who are a little less big criticize it. In the same way that I am very pleased with the considerable success of Mrs. Bernadette Chirac, of the Museum of Primitive Arts. In the same way as when President Giscard d'Estaing had the decision to renovate the Gare d'Orsay to make it the museum of the same name. Well, look how things have evolved. My dear friends from Lorraine and Metz, in today's France, in the France of the twenty-first century, when a decision of this kindnature is taken, it is taken in the region, in the territory, and the founding gesture is no longer a founding gesture in Paris, it is a founding gesture in the region. For me, this is proof of France's confidence in its unity and it is a testimony that we are sending to the whole world. It seems to me that there are very few countries that can say to themselves in the midst of a crisis: "here we are, we are investing in the future by building the Beaubourg in Metz and the Louvre in Lens". So I know very well that I am expected - isn't it, Mr. Mayor? - on infrastructure. Because what would be the point of having a monument, in the true sense of the word, of this type, if, as always in France, we take half of a decision for fear of making the entire decision? They say Strasbourg, capital of Europe, perfect. And thirty years later, the TGV still can't do it! Honestly, we would do better to make less speeches about Strasbourg and build the TGV faster. So I have come to tell you that in the coming weeks, the work on the second phase of the high-speed lineIs going to commit effectively, that there will be no restrictions on credits on the subject. And Bernadette Chirac, with whom I often talk about the Limousin, knows perfectly well that a region that does not have this infrastructure is a territory that is doomed! We have had a TGV line that has been built every year for twenty years. Next year there will be four because it can't wait. I also want to say that we will do the widening of the A31, which will allow Lorraine to remain the most natural and shortest route between Rotterdam and the Mediterranean. There is no other choice. In the same way, I support the public debate on an entirely new river link between the Moselle and Saône basins, because these are great prospects for multimodal transport that will open up across this region. You know, these are projects that will go far beyond the fact that I am President of the Republic, but we cannot conceive of infrastructure as exclusively Paris-Province and from time to time, Province-Paris. We must imagine that your region is so close to our friendsLuxembourgers, to whom I would like to pay tribute, or our German friends, can benefit from all European growth. I also confirm, as I told the elected representatives, that Metz will benefit from 1,500 new public sector jobs, as I had promised, including 750 for the statistical centre. So I was told "ah, but you're not going to talk about the statistical centre in Beaubourg-Metz!" And why not? And where would there be a contradiction after having said how much culture is an element of the strategy of economic development? I don't see why, at the time of an inauguration, we can't say "your children, tomorrow, will be able to develop a university centre around engineering training with statistician jobs that will be set up to replace military jobs. Because your children must have a variety of careers to choose from. I also want to say that the city of Dieuze will receive, as agreed, an Armed Forces training center. And as for Bitche, it will keep a regiment of equivalent size to that of the 57th Artillery Regiment. Don't blame me for doing my shopping this morning, but I know you, if I don't talk about it, we'll be able to do itwill reproach me for it! So I talk about it. Because I also believe, and I would like to end here, that a lot is based on the trust we can have in each other beyond our differences. There are in this region, in this department, in this city, women and men equally devoted to the general interest who do not have the same political sensitivities, this is democracy. At the same time, however, we need each other to respond to the problems posed by the economic and financial crises. Our duty is to work together and that's what we're trying to do. In any case, you should know that the commitments that have been ours, that are ours, will be scrupulously kept. At the same time, I would add that I believe in the success of the Esch-Belval project, this new cross-border agglomeration with a very high environmental quality. I would like to say to Michel Mercier how much I ask him to follow up on this issue, because I would not like France to lag behind Luxembourg, whose economic dynamism impresses us and which we support. Ladies and gentlemen, as you can see, it was very important for me to be here with you. I would like toI would also like to say, at a time when we are just emerging from a major European crisis, how much I think of one of your own, Robert Schuman, who has so much to offer, he is a Lorraine, he is a Mosellen, he was born German into a French-speaking family, he who grew up in Luxembourg and who was a Member of Parliament for Moselle for nearly four decades. I would like this European ideal to remain your heritage and your characteristic here. The people of Lorraine are open people, the people of Lorraine have always refused sectarianism, the people of Lorraine know the importance of our neighbours and I also believe that, independently of the national policies that we implement, we will have to be able to develop border policies for regions like yours which are so close to other countries and which cannot withstand legislative contradictions or conflicts without definitive damage. distortions of competition that mean that you will be the first to suffer. I think we will have to say to ourselves, "the unity of France is done, it is not a tragedy if in the border regions we can provide for adapted, more flexible mechanisms that allow elected representatives to imagine, beyond our borders, systemsof collaboration". Well, I mean I've never been a Minister of Culture -- it's not going well for me to become one! -- how delighted I am to see Jacques Toubon, Renaud Donnedieu de Vabres, Jean-Jacques Aillagon, Jack Lang and, of course, Frédéric Mitterrand, whom we cannot forget! What for? Because it shows that all the men who carried out this ministry left a part of themselves in it. It proves that they loved their work, each in their own way took part in the decisions made, and it is right that they are thanked for what they have done. I would add that I was very happy to come with Bernadette Chirac, who is not quite from Lorraine but who is my friend and whom I was happy to have at my side in this event. Thank you. http://discours.vie-publique.fr/notices/107001073.html | 0 |
http://www.sds.si/news/799 Speech by Janez Janša at the SDS convention Wednesday, 29.9.2004 On Tuesday, 28.9.2004, SDS President Janez Janša addressed foreign guests, candidates, party members and supporters at an event at the end of the election campaign Dear colleagues, distinguished guests, journalists, dear friends... Our meeting today is the most beautiful part of this pre-election period, because we have brought to the Slovenian capital the hope and support of tens and hundreds of thousands of our compatriots with whom we have met in recent weeks. In the midst of this cheerful atmosphere and positive energy, I am pleased to share with you a few thoughts on the finale of the preparations for the parliamentary elections that are just around the corner. Much of the pre-election performance is behind us. You've done well. Candidates, election staffs, our precious members and members. In very unequal conditions, with little money and media support, we managed to gain and increase the support of Slovenians and citizens from week to week. We have already secured the international support of the strongest group of European and global parties. In recent months, hundreds of new forces have joined us, and we have reunited most of the forces from the Slovenian Spring. Support grows for us because we have a good agenda, because we keep our word, and because we have the most important thing in eachto a politician who strives for the general welfare: It's about our business! We are coming into this election with a list of candidates that is really good. It is true that there are too few female candidates, and we are not satisfied with that, but we will only be able to make real comparisons after the elections. I am convinced that the SDS will elect at least as many female MPs to parliament as the other major parties. By the way, when we proposed a candidate for the presidency of the country in the presidential elections, none of those who today have their mouths full of gender equality came out in support of her. At the time, everyone was arguing with one voice that gender doesn't matter at all. What is the main feature of our candidate list is the basic profile. Our list is overwhelmingly dominated by candidates who have already proven themselves in life. Who know what it means to earn a salary or set up a business in the conditions of a market economy. There are also 28 sole proprietorships on the SDS list, while our main competitor, the LDS, has more than two-thirds of those on the budget expense. Even the current government is dominated by ministers, including Mr. Rop, who have never earned any salary in the market so far. Who don't know what competition is. Nor what the queue is. They believe that the economicGrowth is achieved by shuffling statistics. And that a square meter of land on the Slovenian coast costs 500 tolars for everyone. They get to know everything, especially during election campaigns. They are also experts in the statics of the Črnokala Viaduct and the personalism of Edvard Kocbek. On our way through Slovenia in recent weeks, we have met a large vehicle several times with the inscription: Slovenia Express. This, of course, was not an advertisement for the lottery Slovenia, which runs a gambling game of the same name, but an LDS campaign bus. A very appropriate name was chosen for him. If anything, then they know how to pick names. LDS, too, was similar to the lottery four years ago. She promised happiness and high winnings to everyone. A lot of people bought their lottery ticket and voted for them. But today they find that with fulfilled promises, it was just like winning the lottery. Very few goals. Actually, just a few. With LDS promises, it's like with the lottery. This is really Slovenia Express. Otherwise, we should not be surprised that Slovenia has not progressed better and faster recently. At the programme congress of the main government party, the participants were also encouraged and encouraged by their long-time ideologue Dr Slavoj Žižek via satellite link from Argentina. His most striking statement this year is: Three minutes of goodThe film means more to me than the fate of the whole of Slovenia. Slovenia is in the hands of a party that values a few minutes of film more than all of us who live in this country. And they even admit it themselves. On the one hand, we can be grateful to them for their sincerity, but on the other hand, it is high time to sober up, because someone is making fun of all of us together! So let us put an end to the irresponsible approach to state governance. Let them watch movies, maybe they could even star in one. For example, in the one entitled: "We had a great time as long as others paid our bills!" In all seriousness, we have to ask ourselves, how is it possible that we are governed by someone who publicly admits that he does not care about Slovenia? That we have something that wouldn't be possible anywhere else. Can you imagine an ideologue of the French socialists declaring that he prefers three minutes of film to France? No, this is not possible anywhere else but in our country, in an extremely ideologically perverse media space, where concepts are constantly twisted and turned. What in the normal world, for example, is the left, i.e. j. socialists and, what is its opposite pole, the right, i.e. liberals, are united together in Slovenia in a conglomerate of old privileges, fast-enriched transitional tycoons and social demagoguery. This mixture is with usUnfortunately, in power for 12 years on a totalitarian basis for 50 years. But now that time is finally coming to an end. They made 5 personal fouls and on October 3 the final match ended. First personal mistake: Hundreds of unfulfilled promises. They promised a lot, in fact everything, did little. Where is the 5% economic growth? Where are the highways completed? Where are the shorter queues? Where are the higher pensions? Where are European salaries? As far as we know, they only have them in Forum 21, Janez Potočnik and Jože Lenič. What about the others? The rest of us have European costs. Even the status of journalists has not been regulated, so now we are threatened with a strike on Election Day. It will really be the appearance of a stable and orderly country that will go around the world. Another personal mistake: The suppression of entrepreneurship with high labor taxes, payment indiscipline, and complicated administrative procedures. Our legislative proposals to encourage entrepreneurship in less developed regions have been arrogantly rejected. Third personal mistake: Clientelism and corruption: they are theirs everywhere. Without Gregor from the LDS and Potrč from the ZL, there was and is no important position in the administration, economy and banks. Even LDS people are complaining. Speaking of the profession, but the LDS or ZL card has never been so important. Untapped many potentials. Corruption. Slower economic growth. In public tendersit is theirs who win, not those who are better. That's why we all pay higher taxes. Fourth personal mistake: They made it possible to cheat tens of thousands, steal hard-earned savings from Les Bank to Sicura, the Red Cross, Orion, the Beast Grove, etc. None of them are behind the scenes yet, because the corner of these crooks is clientelism. They are theirs everywhere. Prosecutors are appointed by the government. He drops 160 stapled files from the closet, but no proceedings against him. The Attorney General is therefore even promoted to minister and LDS candidate. Fifth personal mistake: Xenophobia and intolerance towards everything that is Slovenian and ignorance of the rule of law. Hundreds of thousands of citizens have been waiting for decisions from courts and state authorities, many for years and years. However, the government issues decisions to the so-called deleted, without legal basis, referendum and without individual consideration of individual cases. If the same power remains after October 3rd, we will all be paying billions in damages to the so-called wiped out. Sir, a player who makes 5 personal fouls is replaced in a fair match. And those who are worthy of leaving the field are announcing to us that they will change Slovenia. Slovenia does not need to be changed, but the policy needs to be changed. We need: 1. A policy of good and fair governance with the state 2. A relaxed school that will teach and educate young people for life. MODERNISATION OF THE EDUCATION SYSTEM, WHICH MUST BE IMPLEMENTED AS SOON AS POSSIBLEFROM THE SHADOW OF GABR TO THE EUROPEAN SUN. 3. A favourable environment for entrepreneurship, payment discipline and simpler administrative procedures 4. Lower taxes on labor and higher on capital gains, with significant tax breaks required for investment and new jobs. Also for investing in demographically and developmentally disadvantaged municipalities and regions. 5. Stable health care system with short waiting times 6. A stable pension system... 7. an efficient and friendly state administration, which will be aware that it is here for the people and not the other way around, 8. a social policy that will provide equal starting opportunities to young people, prevent the elderly and disabled from being pushed to the margins of society, and begin to form an awareness of general solidarity and compassion in society. 9. Environmental protection and sustainable development. This is our great advantage in the EU. We are not aware of it enough. Andorra, with a population of 60,000, has several times more tourist overnight stays than SLO. 10. A firm but sober foreign policy. Safety – at home and in general. We need to be able to hedge against the ever-increasing risks of global challenges. We need good entrepreneurs, high economic growth, efficient administration, a relaxed and good school, a rich cultural offer, but at the same time a policy of inclusion, compassion and solidarity. We are in favor of a healthy balance. For an environment that rewards the good and the best in a faira competitive race that respects material goods, money, and property, but does not make money a fundamental value. We belong to a generation that was first taught that the fundamental value is the community, a socialist society, and that the individual does not count. Today, the same prophets, this time gathered in Forum 21, teach us that the fundamental value is money, capital. But we know that false faith was taught in the past, and that false faith is taught today. It is not true what was once taught, and there is no future in the doctrine that capital is everything. For us, the fundamental value is man in his material, social and spiritual dimensions. Only by putting the human, the free and responsible individual at the centre, can we build a cohesive, confident community as it grows into a good and open society. And that's exactly what we're going to do after October 3rd. This is our strategic goal, for which we are gathering support and energy. We invite everyone to join us. Whoever is not against us is with us. Dear colleagues, dear friends! We have a great responsibility. More than ever, Slovenia's good future depends on the SDS result in these elections. Let's make an effort in these last days. There's still a lot we can do. Slovenia and the well-being of all who live in it mean everything to us. We fought for Slovenia,With her, we grew and learned. Today we are ready for the New Path. | 1 |
http://www.eurasianism.enu.kz/ru/elektronnye-resursy/obshchestvenno-politicheskie-deyateli-o-evraziystve/419/ Speech by the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev at the presentation of the book "In the Heart of Eurasia" by Kaiyrly kun kadirmendi agaiyn! Arqa tósindegi azharly Astanamyz – Otanymyzdyń júregine, táýelsizdigimizdiń tiregine aınaldy. Búgin sizderge Qazaq eliniń qasietti tórine aınalǵan osy jańa elordamyz jaıly jazylǵan «Eýrazııa júreginde» atty jańa kitabymdy tanystyrǵaly otyrmyn. Qaı kitap bolmasyn adamnyń kóńil kúndeligi men rýhanı tolǵanystarynyń toǵysýy arqyly ómirge keledi. Meniń búl kitabym da sońǵy 10-12 jyl ishinde qaǵazǵa túsken túrli jazbalarym men jekelegen kúndelikterimniń jemisi. Búl jazbalarym men estelikterim ýaqyttyń san alýan kezeńinde, túrli saparlarymda, tipti shet memleketterde júrgenimde jazylsa da árdaıym jas ta jasampaz Astanamizǵa arnalyp otyrdy. Osy jazbalarymdy toptastyra kele men táýelsiz elimiz ben jańa Astanamyz jaıly, onyń tolaıym tabystary týraly bir kitaptyq dúnieniń jinaqtalǵanyn baǵamdadym. Búl kitapqa Astanyń jańa ómirindegi talaı tarıhi sátter engizildi. Dear friends! Today I want to present to you my book about the new capital of Kazakhstan, with the symbolic title "In the Heart of Eurasia". I hope that it will be of interest not only to contemporaries, but also to future generations. After all, the history of Astana is the history of independent Kazakhstan. The dynamic growth of Astana is the embodiment of the prosperity of our country, it is a symbol of hope and confidence of the people in their future. The idea of creating a new capital of sovereign Kazakhstan has been ripening for a long time. Almaty, for various reasons, could no longerto cope with the role of the capital of the newly independent young state. In terms of population, the population of Almaty exceeded a million, and initially the city was designed for only 400 thousand inhabitants. Now, after eight years, even many Almaty residents say that by moving the capital to Astana, we have preserved Almaty. Some even say that I took this step because of my love for Almaty. At all times and in all countries, the transfer of the capital has always been due to the interests of the state. Before making such a decision, I thought for a long time, calculated all the steps, consulted with historians, political scientists and culturologists, studied the history of the transfer of capitals in different states. Particular attention was paid to the location of the main city of the country. History is replete with examples of the transfer of capitals. Remember how Peter the Great "cut a window" to Europe. Atatürk moved the capital from Istanbul to Ankara to end the Ottoman past and follow the path of modernizing Turkey. The transfer of the capital's status from Almaty to a new city, open to the winds of change, gave a powerful impetus to the development of the country as a whole. In short, the new capital was supposed to become a symbol of change, and we know that it did. In 1994, I made a decision and for the first time voiced the idea of moving the capital at a meeting of the Parliament. Not everyone supported me then. Many even considered it eccentric. They were convinced that in the near future there would be noWhat kind of move is out of the question. Today, no one doubts the need to move the capital. Along with other factors, this move was motivated by economic and political reasons. Firstly, the postponement was due to the need to strengthen Kazakhstan geopolitically. Astana is the center of the Eurasian continent, combining European and Asian traditions. The city is equally open to the South, East, North and West. Secondly, security considerations played an important role in this decision. The capital of an independent state, if possible, should be removed from the external borders, and located in the center of the country. Thirdly, the relocation of the capital was dictated by the need to improve the economy of Kazakhstan. It provided a multiplier effect for the country's economy. Regional centers began to develop, sectors of the economy specializing in the production of building materials, road surface, energy and mechanical engineering got on their feet. Housing construction is developing at an unprecedented pace. The construction of Astana gives 2% of GDP. Fourth, by moving the capital to a region that is multinational in its composition, we once again confirmed the course towards creating a stable multi-ethnic state, preserving and increasing friendship between the peoples inhabiting Kazakhstan. More than once I have heard that here in the steppe, where life began with the development of virgin lands, it is impossible to build a modern city. However, the territory of modern Astana has been inhabited at all times. In 1998, archaeologists discovered the medieval urban settlement of Bozok in fivekilometers from Astana. It was through the territory of modern Astana that the Siberia-Central Asia caravan route passed in the XVI century. Bozok was the capital of the Kipchak Khanate. And the history of pre-revolutionary Akmolinsk began in 1830 and continued to the district center. Tselinograd was already an ordinary regional center with a slightly more than 200 thousand population at the time of its announcement as the capital. Today, the population of the city has tripled. Astana is located in an ecologically clean area surrounded by lakes and rivers of Saryarka. This is the legendary Lake Borovoe, and the beautiful Korgaldzhinsky Reserve. But, despite this, we are creating a green shield around Astana. On my instructions, forest planting work was carried out on an area of about 25 thousand hectares. The current name of the capital of Kazakhstan also has its own fate. There were proposals to call Kazakhstan by the name of the country, there were other proposals, including Nursultan. But everyone was unanimous in one thing: Akmola should be renamed! There were different ideas - Karaotkel, Yesil, Ishim, Sary-Arka. I thought about the issue of renaming, as they say, tirelessly. One night, at two o'clock in the morning, to be exact, it seemed to dawn on me – Astana! The capital is the capital. Beautiful, catchy, bright and very sonorous. It is no coincidence that the new name of the capital quickly took root among the people. Today, our new capital is once again attracting the attention of the whole world. Astana is becoming the embodiment of a rapidly developingKazakhstan, is the locomotive of the Kazakh economy. The energy of Astana construction, Astana renewal has captured not only the nearby cities of Kokshetau and Karaganda, but also all regional centers, many cities of our country. In all areas, including the development of urban infrastructure. The creation of the Special Economic Zone "Astana – New City" gave an impetus to the growth of investment and rapid construction. It has become the most effective model for the development of the capital, which optimally combines the market interests of investors and state priorities. The rapid construction of Astana has literally before our eyes raised the entire economy of the country, which is in one way or another related to the construction and functioning of the city's infrastructure in general. If in the first years of the transfer of the capital we were looking for financial resources, today the question of financing the construction of Astana is practically not raised. The volume of investments in the development of Astana is almost $2 billion. Budget funds are 10%. Astana has its own architectural style. The basis of aesthetic architecture and the uniqueness of the new capital of Kazakhstan is the principle of parallel and harmonious combination of familiar images and archetypes with a modern ultra-modernist style. And this is natural. After all, Astana is the heart of Eurasia, a place where cultures and customs are intertwined, where representatives of different civilizations live in harmony and harmony. It is difficult not to notice the abundance of domes that decorate many architectural structures and complexes of Astana. Suffice it to mention the Residence of the President, the Presidential Cultural Center, high-rise buildings on theIshim embankment and other facilities. The dome is a manifestation of a national feature in architecture. Here an analogy with the Kazakh yurt suggests itself. Thus, without betraying traditions, we are at the same time open to everything new and modern. This is the uniqueness of our city. Construction, development and progress are all essential. And all this is in the name of our Kazakhstanis. We must always remember about the residents of the city. Therefore, the main goal of the city authorities of the new capital is the consistent implementation of three vital initiatives. These are: economic support for entrepreneurship in the city, providing social support for its residents and creating an ecologically comfortable living environment. It is these factors that will create a favorable climate for foreign and domestic investment in the development of the city. Dreaming of the capital growing and developing, I often forgot about time. Remembering the first months of construction, I think about those people who became my like-minded people. A huge number of people. I want to express my deep gratitude to all those who were next to me in those days, who supported me in my decision, who, like me, were rooting for the new capital. These are Kisho Kurokawa, Vladimir Ni, Amanzhol Bulekpaev, Adilbek Dzhaksybekov and many, many others. I also want to thank the publishers, artists, photographers, and everyone who took part in the publication of this book. Today our capitalis a city facing the future. May Astana prosper! | 0 |
My compatriots! Today is a turning point in my life. For decades I have lived with my duty to serve you. For decades I have suffered with you for our unfortunate fate. However, my faith in a free and strong Bulgaria has never left me. I was happy at the end of '89, when the dictatorship collapsed and the opportunity for a dignified and prosperous life opened up throughout Eastern Europe. I was tormented later when I saw that dreams gave way to poverty and despair. During this period, there was nothing more painful for me than the cry for help of hundreds of compatriots who were on the verge of human existence. I responded with what I could and as much as I was allowed. I would not like to ignore a number of successes in Bulgaria's foreign policy or the positive trends in economic development in 1999 and until the autumn of last year. But above all is the grief and growing anger of many people. It is neither morally nor politically justified that, according to European standards, most people in our country, including in villages and small towns, live in misery, while some politicians are drowning in inexplicable affluence; that tens of thousands of our daughters and sons are leaving Bulgaria, driven away by the futility; that almost half of Bulgarian citizens say that they will notwho and why to vote. Immediate changes in the political system and its morality are needed. We need integrity. Integrity in everything! A fateful time has come for Bulgaria and for me personally. I am guided by the faith and expectations of hundreds of thousands of compatriots. I am determined more than ever to fulfill my historic duty to Bulgaria if I receive strong support from you in the upcoming parliamentary elections. Dear compatriots, Today I declare my goal to found and lead a social movement for a new morality in politics, for new economic solutions with new ideas for Bulgaria and with new people as a driving force. With this appeal to you, I am launching the "National Movement Simeon II" in the name of three principal goals: First: a rapid and qualitative change in the standard of living in our country by achieving a functioning market economy in accordance with the criteria of the European Union for membership and by increasing the flow of investments in Bulgaria of serious world capital. I am ready to propose a scheme of economic measures and socio-economic partnership, through which no later than 800 days the famous Bulgarian diligence and entrepreneurship will change your life. Second: breaking with political partisanship and uniting the Bulgarian nation around our primordial ideals and values, which they have preservedgreatness throughout our millennial history. Third: introducing rules and institutions aimed at eliminating corruption, which has become Bulgaria's main enemy, condemning our people to poverty and alienating vital foreign capital. I am confident that the great beginning and baptism of the "National Movement Simeon II" will take place in the parliamentary elections through the exercise of your civic duty and the right to vote. By voting for the Movement, you will be its true creators, and the elected deputies will be the executors in Parliament of its goals and ideals. The movement I propose is not a coalition of existing parties, nor of political leaders. The target of this movement will not be individual parties or personalities, because I am not confronting anyone, but the pressing problems of Bulgaria. The "National Movement Simeon II" will propose new ideas and will seek public support and consensus for their implementation in the name of a better life for each of our compatriots, regardless of party affiliation or ethnic origin. I count on the unconditional support of everyone who has believed in me so far. I especially rely on highly qualified young people, who are my strongest potential ally in implementing the changes I propose. I also rely on the thousands of Bulgarians living abroad who care about Bulgaria and want tohelp her. I strongly want to motivate to participate in the elections and those of you who today declare that they will not vote, or that they will vote, but led not by a new stimulus for change, but by a stereotype and even fear of the past. This desire of mine is not an end in itself, but an expression of my deep conviction that the better future of Bulgaria after June 17 depends on your mass participation in the elections. In all this is the deep meaning of my public role, as well as of the Movement that is being born today. After my meetings with you around the country and guided by certain criteria, I will invite the relevant number of Bulgarian citizens to fill in the electoral lists of the Movement and to dedicate themselves to the mission of a Member of Parliament in the true sense of the word. I will strive for the majority of the candidates to be people who simply worked, suffered and believed in a better future for our people. Of course, I will also invite people who have participated in political life because of their experience and professionalism, realizing that the political element has hardly spared anyone's reputation. In addition, I would like a significant part of the MEPs to be women, because I have always believed that their participation is a way to make politics more human andbecause of this, more successful! I have always insisted and will insist on evaluating people according to their competence, and not on the distribution of posts based on family ties or party affiliation. I want to assure you that the "National Movement Simeon II" will have mechanisms that will make its deputies directly responsible to those who elected them. Anyone who accepts my invitation will also have the responsibility to dedicate themselves to the goals of the Movement and its high demands of political morality, and must also be ready to withdraw when trust has not been justified. Dear compatriots, I am fully aware of the responsibility that I am taking with today's address to you. I chose this most difficult path because I am convinced that it is the only one for achieving a new Bulgarian spiritual and economic Revival. It is said that the law on parties that has just been adopted was intended to prevent you from following me in the change that I am proposing to you today. I do not want to admit that this is possible in a developing European democracy. I look forward to meeting you again. This time they will be not only meetings of hope, but also of determination and readiness for change. For me, at this historic moment, being a leader only makes sense if I work forall. My strength is in your support! Together we will succeed, because "Unity makes strength". God help us! | 0 |
Speech by the Prime Minister during the celebration of the feast of St. Francis of Assisi Good morning to all, greetings to the authorities present A warm greeting to all of you who crowd this square, they tell me that there are many of you from Campania, greetings to Campania! And here too I see many mayors with many banners but also a greeting to those who follow us from home. I am honored to be here on this day, which among other things sees a different region as protagonists every year in order to feed, to offer the oil that will feed the votive lamp of St. Francis for the next 12 months. This year it is the turn of Campania, last year it was the turn of Liguria. And in this regard, allow me to address a thought to the Genoese, to the city wounded by the tragic collapse of the Morandi bridge. [Applause] Since that day we have not stopped working to return the bridge to Genoa to ensure a full return to normality and I am really pleased to announce that the decree that I will sign in the afternoon is ready in Rome, which will appoint the new extraordinary commissioner in the figure we have deemed most suitable; The mayor of Genoa Marco Bucci. Today we enter a new pre-ordered phaseAt the reconstruction here we are celebrating the day of peace, of dialogue between different cultures, including religious ones, and we also celebrate St. Francis of Assisi who is the patron saint of our Italy, a country that (I travel very often abroad) I realize how it is admired appreciated for its beauty, for its landscapes, for its thousand artistic riches that are present, they are kept in every fold of the territory. It is an Italy to be proud of and that we must all jealously preserve, but above all it is an Italy that deserves a future of growth and prosperity, and that is what we are working for. St. Francis, with his personal testimony of life, has implemented the most revolutionary message that has ever been conceived from antiquity to the present day; the last become the first is a principle of universal value, it is a principle endowed with an incredible evocative power that should guide all those who administer the res Pubblica, should orient their choices, their actions towards the common good, it is a message that teaches us that we must not be afraid of change. And that when the goal for which you work is the good of the community, you have to have the courage tosupport one's ideas and actions to the end, even when those ideas will be contested, opposed, hindered. Working for the common good and putting people at the center of their initiatives are the two guidelines that should guide the action of every government. For this reason, I would like to recall that one of the first measures we adopted was called the Dignity Decree. Dignity is a word that is too often neglected, to which we wanted to give value by associating it with the theme of work, and let me also say a few words to summarize the intense work we have done, as you know in recent weeks, to design the society we want to be fairer and more equitable. We have not limited ourselves to approving a mere accounting document, in which we have inserted numbers and algebraic calculations, we have outlined a program of reforms taking care of people's needs. With them in mind, we have designed measures to ensure equity and social development, and with the most disadvantaged people in mind, we have adopted a reform of which I am particularly proud; the citizenship income. We do not offer a welfare subsidy, we are sparking the spark that will allow us to make many people who remain there at this time fully participate in our political, economic and social communityExcluded. The citizenship income will help to offer a job opportunity to the many young people forced into the dilemma; whether to flee from one's land and loved ones or to resign oneself to the mortification of not having a job. And economic independence will help to offer support to those parents who are unable to guarantee their children studies and do not even have the money to buy medicines for treatment. [Applause] It will help lift more than 5 million people out of poverty. We have thought of people's needs by raising minimum pensions, repairing the injustices produced by the Fornero law, we also offer relief to all those who had set aside savings resulting from a lifetime of sacrifices and then lost everything following serious bank failures. We feel the moral obligation, before the political one, to give answers to these people who have remained unheard for a long time. St. Francis. St. Francis lived his entire life preserving a genuine wonder at the beauty of creation. We eat his testimony by working to create a system based on the circular economy, which develops processes of technological innovation that will give us back a cleaner environment, which promotes a business culture based on social responsibility.We do not own our country, we guard it. We keep it to hand it over better to our children, so that future generations can also enjoy this extraordinary, priceless beauty. Happy St. Francis to all! [Applause] | 1 |
Speech by President Daniel Ortega at the swearing-in of the Cuban medical brigade Full text of President Daniel Ortega's speech at the swearing-in of the Cuban medical brigade "Todos con Voz" October 09, 2009 | 17:28:14 It's ten minutes to seven o'clock at night here in Managua, in Havana it's going to be ten minutes to nine o'clock at night, in Caracas it's going to be eight-thirty; so we have, 8:20 in Caracas, 8:50 in Havana. At 5:00 p.m., Managua time; 6:30 p.m., Caracas time; At 7:00 p.m., Havana time, the brothers of the Cuban Brigade were already gathered in Caracas with doctors, young Venezuelans, also graduates in Cuba. At that time a concert had already passed and our dear brother, comrade, the Commander President of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, Hugo Chávez, was speaking. And since we are coming here, it would not be strange for President Hugo Chávez to continue to speak... talking about what? of the battles that we are fighting today in Latin America. The Cuban Revolution triumphed in 1959; twenty years later the Sandinista Popular Revolution triumphed here in Nicaragua. It was yearsof struggle in all Latin American and Caribbean peoples; of armed struggle, ideas, accompanied by rifles. This is how the peoples had to confront each other, as the Cuban people led by Fidel had confronted each other... this is how the peoples had to confront the tyrannies imposed by the hegemony of capitalism, of imperialism in Our America. The struggle in Central America became particularly violent, and intensified after the triumph of the Sandinista Popular Revolution, because the empire did not admit the victory of the Sandinista Revolution, and the war against the Sandinista Revolution came. In Central America, the struggle of the Salvadoran people and the repression against that people intensified; The struggle of the Guatemalan people... peoples in arms and unarmed peoples! because there were no weapons for all the people. A part of the people fought with the rifle, with the shotgun, with the revolver, with the pistol; another part of the people fought only with their hearts, with their consciences, or with stones, like the one that Andrés Castro threw here in Nicaragua in 1856 at the Yankees, in that Battle of San Jacinto. Andrés Castro was left without a rifle, without cartridges, and since he hadIn front of a stone fence, which served as a trench for the Nicaraguan combatants against the Yankee invaders, he took a stone and with it knocked down the aggressors. Our peoples fought using all known forms; trade union struggles, social struggles multiplied throughout Latin America, but they were brutally repressed, and there was no choice but to take up arms. In the year 1967 in the month of August, the Sandinista Front is fighting a new battle in the mountains of Nicaragua; you are going to visit those communities, those municipalities in the Department of Matagalpa. This day was known as the Historic Day of Pancasán, because it was there, in that mountain area, in those rows of the Quirragua, still with a lot of forest, many streams, streams, rivers, where the columns of the Sandinista Front headed by Carlos Fonseca, were organized to continue developing the struggle against the Somoza tyranny. This guerrilla column was dismantled and most of the brothers who were in that column died in combat; among them died a doctor, Dr. Oscar Danilo Rosales, a young man of Leonese origin, graduated in Medicine in the city of León. The guerrillas needed a doctor, because they were beingaffected by diseases, especially gastrointestinal diseases, or by malaria and there was no doctor. He, at that time, was in charge of a chair at the University of León, but he was a comrade, a conscious, revolutionary young man, committed to the struggle of the Sandinista Front; and when he was told about the urgency of the guerrilla for a doctor, he did not hesitate to leave the chair at the University of León! He resigned from the professorship, in a letter that he later made public, and joined the guerrilla of the Sandinista National Liberation Front. In the month of August, comrade Oscar Danilo Rosales would fall in combat. Two months later, in October of the same year, 1967, Commander Ernesto Che Guevara fell in combat, wounded, and was later assassinated... another doctor who dedicated and gave his life in the fight for the noblest ideals of the Latin American and Caribbean peoples. Che, committed to the causes of humanity on all continents; consistent with the postulates of the Cuban Revolution and what Fidel's principles were. Commander Che Guevara! Present, always present in the struggle of the peoples. Che fell and continuedthe struggles in Latin America, the struggle continued in Nicaragua; we reached the triumph in Nicaragua and that war came in Central America and other revolutionary struggles in Latin American countries. In the end, Peace was achieved, conquered by the will of the peoples. The peoples were already imposing themselves in their will for Peace; I would say that the last peace process was fought in the Central American region, first in Nicaragua, then in El Salvador, and in Guatemala. A New Latin America was emerging, and it is what allows us to understand that on a day like today, on the 42nd Anniversary of Commander Ernesto Che Guevara, Cuban brothers and sisters are in Venezuela, Nicaragua, Bolivia, Ecuador, as Cuban doctors, nurses, and nurses have been present in more than 70 countries of our planet. You have been present, no longer with the rifle, you are armed with conscience, you are armed with that great moral and spiritual strength, which means the example of the Cuban Revolution, a brave people, a people of solidarity. This, I told them, thanks to the changes that Latin America is experiencing. Some of you, very young, have already had to venture into this new stage; otherothers have lived through the different stages of this history of glory, of struggle, of the peoples of Latin America and the Caribbean. Today, ALBA is being built in Latin America, the Bolivarian Alliance of the Peoples of Our America... who took the first step in the construction of ALBA? Fidel and Hugo Chávez, and then other brother peoples joined, Bolivia with Evo, we joined, Honduras joined, Ecuador, several brothers from the Caribbean islands joined, until we now have nine countries in ALBA... we are growing. To speak of ALBA is to speak of Solidarity, at a time when, in the world, the failure of the model that promotes individualism, selfishness, has been exposed; and that there is no other alternative for the future of Humanity than the Solidarity of the human species itself; and the Solidarity of the human species with our Environment, with our environment, in order to continue and build a true future of Peace, Well-being, and Stability for the Peoples of the world. Dear comrades, comrades of the Cuban Brigade, dear comrade Marcia Cobas, Vice-Minister of Health of Cuba, dear comrade Miladys Orraca, she is from Pinar del Río;she spoke of the disposition that you have and she also spoke of the crisis in which the world finds itself, it is a crisis of values, that only the principles of Solidarity, Socialism, Christianity... Christ said, "Love thy neighbor as thyself," that is the very essence of Socialism. The day that Humanity, that all Human Beings on our Planet, have the capacity to be consistent with that precept of loving one's neighbor as oneself, then, there will be the New Society built truly in Peace, truly in Justice, truly in Freedom. In the meantime, we must continue to fight. Cuba is battling, blockaded for decades, by the Empire; the Five Heroes are fighting victims of the Empire, in the prisons of the Empire, there are the Five Heroes fighting, giving us an example of Dignity, of integrity, giving an example of combativeness. Cuba is struggling, in the midst of the difficulties that this crisis of global capitalism has brought to the world. Cuba is fighting without renouncing Solidarity! and you are the best example of that consequence, which has been the preaching and practice of the Cuban Revolution; what has been the preaching andthe essence of the strength of the Cuban Revolution, always stimulated by the words of our dear brother, Commander Fidel Castro Ruz. Fidel... here we are Fidel! waging this battle, and here you are, Fidel, at the head of these fighters, at the head of these fighters for Life, fighters for Life, who are coming to Nicaraguan homes, to carry a message of hope. Because surely we are already wondering, well... after this diagnosis, what? Diagnosis is essential to then develop the corresponding programs. With a diagnosis, regardless of the cooperation that, in an extraordinary way, Cuba has always given us, we know that the demands are enormous, but now we are part of ALBA and, with a diagnosis, we can present it at ALBA and say to the brother countries of ALBA: "here is this diagnosis, it is certified by the Cuban brothers who were working in Nicaragua, and to be able to meet the demands of this diagnosis, there are these projects, these programs." And there, we are sure that we will have resources to meet the demands of Nicaraguan families who have this type of situation. In the same way to the International Organizations, that is, with a diagnosis we go with strength, withthe security that, presented to international organizations, to the WHO, to PAHO, organizations that have to do with the issue of Health, we will surely have there, the instrument to be able to count on the resources that allow us to attend to the thousands of people, niñ@s, youth, adults, the elderly, who are suffering from different disabilities. And when we talk about disabilities here in Nicaragua, we are talking about disabilities that have to do, many of them, with the situation of extreme poverty that has been established in our country for centuries. When we talk about different disabilities, we are also talking about the victims of war, the thousands of brothers and sisters who were crippled by war, who lost their arms, their legs, who lost their sight, where we are now making efforts so that those who have already had their prostheses expired can have a new prosthesis. Because unfortunately, in the last 16 years, here the policy was "every man for himself", and the prostheses of the comrades who were victims of war were defeated. And we have taken on the task, as far as we can, of replacing these prostheses with new ones. In addition, they logically demand comprehensive care, because it has to do withwith the physical conditions of the partner; perhaps when they put that prosthesis on him, his weight was much less, he was thinner, now he has gained more weight; And they are details, that is, the prosthesis no longer worked, apart from the fact that it is deteriorated. So, the important thing is that the diagnosis is going to be the main tool, the main instrument, to search and find the resources that we are surely going to find, presenting the corresponding programs, along with this diagnosis. We can only tell you, querid@s comrade ñer@s cuban@s, that we are very happy to have you in these lands, which are your lands; in this Homeland, which is their Homeland. Now, to join the Contingent of herman@s cuban@s who have been here for a long time, who are from Waspam, in Río Coco, on the border with Honduras; to those found in Bilwi, in Bluefields, on the Caribbean Coast as well; in Muelle de los Bueyes, in the central zone, southern Nicaragua; in Río San Juan, in Matagalpa, in Ciudad Sandino... they are present everywhere! For all of them, on this Day of the Heroic Guerrilla, for all these Cuban brothers and sisters who are workingin all these places, and for all of you... our embrace, full of Love, full of Solidarity, full of Hope. Welcome, dear brothers...! Until Victory Always! http://www.lavozdelsandinismo.com/nicaragua/2009-10-09/discurso-del-presidente-daniel-ortega-en-la-juramentacion-de-la-brigada-medica-cubana/ | 2 |
Name of speech: ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE DECLARATION OF A STATE OF SIEGE, BY NATIONAL NETWORK Name of Chief Executive: Fernando De la Rúa Date: December 20, 2001 Location: La Casa Rosada, Over TV to the whole nation Source: http://constitucionweb.blogspot.com/2011/01/anuncio-de-la-declaracion-de-estado-de.html I would like to address all Argentines, who know that the economic, political and social situation is going through serious moments. We are in a critical situation and we can only save it with the whole of the political leadership. The important thing is not the people but the institutions and the country. That is why, stripped of any personal interest in the position I have the honor of occupying, I address each radical, Peronist leader, or other party leader who has government responsibility to agree with the Executive Branch on the policies that are necessary. I assume the responsibilities for the situation that I have to manage, but we must listen to the popular demand. If all the leaders do not assume their responsibilities with greatness and clarity, the effects could be worse. I call on you to this agreement with courage and patriotism to reform the Constitution, our political system and achieve national unity. I am not asking for support from myself but support from the institutions and the best solutions forthe people and the future of our children. I am not here because I cling to a position but because it is my duty, and I represent democratic institutions. I have been elected by the people to preside over the Nation. I have had a time of great difficulties and I know that the results are not what all Argentines want, nor those I want. Multiple factors weighed on the national reality as a structural burden: an enormous indebtedness that had an impact on the current time, a large deficit that had to be reduced to achieve fiscal balance, a major social crisis with high unemployment rates and an economic crisis that was shown in the problems of the different productive sectors. We have been acting very strongly, seeking solutions that did not always arrive as quickly as desired. I understand the anxieties and needs of our fellow citizens. I am convinced that only national unity can lift the country. I am here because it is I, as President, who can call for that unity. I have offered the Justicialist Party, which triumphed in the October 14 elections and has a majority in both chambers, to participate in a government of national unity. I summon you with all mybreadth and generosity so that they bring their ideas, their proposals and changes. I am willing to make the necessary changes. I therefore ask you for a gesture of greatness to attend together to the demands of the people and preserve the institutions, peace and the national future. I have called for a substantial change. I will. I have fought against the danger of economic default, but I do not admit social default. Those who occupy these positions cannot exclude themselves from their responsibilities. They have been proposing modifications in the monetary system. We are going to examine them as a whole in order to propose to Parliament, which should decide which ones should be decided. We are going to inject greater liquidity into the economy in the face of the known episodes. We must work for fiscal balance and successfully carry out the debt swap. We must develop regional economies, reform the State and carry out effective social policies in the face of the crisis and the problems of many Argentines. And we need to promote a productive program. I have sent this message. A response is awaited. I know that in sectors of the Justicialist Party they are asking for measures in these areas and also for unemployment insurance. In the face of the acts of violence that occurWe must not be carried away by those who provoke violence. Beyond people, we must ensure social peace and I am willing to do so while preserving people and property; That is why I have dictated the state of siege. A prompt response from the Justicialist Party, however, is necessary. The picture of violence in the street that risks more dangerous situations cannot continue. I have ordered this noon that the Ministries of Finance, Finance and Taxes will depend on the Chief of the Cabinet of Ministers and that the other areas together with Infrastructure and Services, will be in charge of the engineer (Secretary General of the Presidency) Nicolás Gallo. We are going for a productive policy, for a change according to what the people need. I am willing to wait for the patriotic and grandiose response of Justicialism because it is my duty and, of course, I will not cling to personal situations because I myself, as I have done all my life, am willing to the maximum attitudes of greatness that are necessary for the good of the Homeland and the peace of Argentines. I call on those in positions of violence to put them down. We need peace to prevail among us.Thus we will find the direction and the path. And know also that I will do my duty to the end. I want to protect the present and future of Argentines. It is evident that governability is resentful and it may be due to multiple factors. The social complaint is not the least, nor is the opposition triumph of October 14. That is why I summon from my legitimacy, in the clear sense of institutionality, the leaders of the opposition, of the Justicialist party to together strengthen governability and participate in the leadership in this difficult time for the Republic. With the greatest breadth for the entire cabinet and without this being due to personal interests due to the function I exercise. We all have the duty to avoid greater evils to the Nation. I know of the commitment and responsibility of the Argentine democratic leadership. To this I appeal in the hope that we will avoid greater evils. I am not going to let violence rule among us. I am here to ensure peace and the rights of all. That is why I call for the abandonment of violent attitudes. I am acting in the sense of responsibility to introduce the changes they makeit is necessary to make it possible that in this difficult hour where the weight of situations that have been going on for years has fallen on the Nation, and that we can overcome them. For this I assumed the Presidency. That was my vigilance, my effort, my work as well as that of my ministers, to act with loyalty to the Republic and to the Argentine people. I will always continue in this line of loyalty and commitment. Thanks a lot. FERNANDO DE LA RUA | 0 |
Name of politician: Tsai Ing-wen Title of Speech: Campaign speech on the eve of 2016 presidential election Date of Speech: 15/01/2016 Category: Campaign speech Sources： https://www.hk01.com/%E4%B8%AD%E5%9C%8B/2609/%E5%8F%B0%E7%81%A3%E5%A4%A7%E9%81%B8-%E8%94%A1%E8%8B%B1%E6%96%87%E9%81%B8%E5%89%8D%E6%BC%94%E8%AA%AA%E5%85%A8%E6%96%87%E8%BD%89%E8%BC%89 Chinese Title of the speech: Tsai Ing-wen's speech on the night before the election Time: 15/01/2016 Words: 2802 Body of the speech: Taiwan's presidential election, Democratic Progressive Party presidential candidate Tsai Ing-wen's election opportunity is singing high, she spoke to supporters last night ( 15th), expressing her views on Taiwan's politics and democracy, calling on supporters to vote, the following is the full text of the speech: Finally, we have come here together. Just now, we were in Panqiao, where we accepted the result of our defeat four years ago. From there, we came to the end of this election campaign. Now, we are standing on Keda Grand Boulevard. Behind me, is the presidential palace. A lot has happened in this square over the past eight years. During the Wild Strawberry Movement, young people were here to claim the right to assemble and march. 200,000 people were here during the anti-nuclear march, calling for energy security. At the time of the Hung Chung Qiu incident, 250,000 people were here to protest against the government's blatant lies and cover-ups. At the time of the Sunflower Movement, we had 500,000 people here, defending democracy and opposing black boxes. However, the voice of the people, no matter how loud, stopped when it reached Kaidao. The presidential palace behind me is only a few hundred meters away from the people in the square, but the people in the presidential palace just can't hear the people's voice. The government is incompetent, the government is unintentional, the government is insensitive, and the government is insensitive to the suffering of the people. This is the general feeling of the people of Taiwan at this moment. However, the most touching thing about Taiwanese society is that even though we have had such a government in the past eight years, the positive energy of civil society has never disappeared, and it is growing stronger day by day. Tomorrow, we're going to unleash that energy. I, along with the Democratic Progressive Party, are just part of that energy. I have said many times that in this election, we are not going to defeat anyone, but to defeat the plight of this country. If you also agree with this positive energy, and if you also want to see changes in Taiwan's society, I ask you, tomorrow, to walk into the polling station and show your will and determination. Come out and vote, not just believe that Tsai Ing-wen can bring about change, nor just believe that the DPP will bring change. The point of coming out to vote is that we are using our own power to change the country. Standing beside me are representatives of all walks of life, my campaign team, think-tank scholars and experts with whom I usually meet to discuss policies, and good friends I have made at the grassroots level over the years. They were standing beside me today, and I saw so many villagers accompanying me on the last mile, and I didn't know what to say to express my gratitude to all of you. This election, along the way, my heart is full of gratitude. I am grateful for the support of the people, and I am also grateful for the mature democracy of this country. When my opponents threatened that if I didn't vote for them, Taiwan's society would be in turmoil. The people of Taiwan choose to believe in me and believe that I can use concrete policies to solve social unrest. When my opponents threatened that if I didn't vote for them, the Republic of China would perish. The people of Taiwan choose to believe in me, and I can use determination and perseverance to truly unite this country. When my opponents resort to smearing and confrontation, millions of people in Taiwan support me with actions. They reject the KMT's use of this method for elections, and they also reject any political party that uses this method to tear Taiwan apart. This is the silent majority. That's the power of silence. Opposites are no longer useful because we believe in dialogue. The intimidation card is also useless because we believe in reform. The Republic of China will not perish because of who is elected, because we believe that as long as there is democracy, the country will be stronger than before. Tomorrow, we will prove with our votes that the old politics of intimidation and antagonism will go down in history. The determination of the Taiwanese people to pursue a new era will eventually overcome everything. Dear people of Taiwan, the new era is just one step away. Taking this step is the first mile of reform. I hope that all the people of Taiwan will greet this third political party rotation in the history of Taiwan's democracy with a happy heart. This is the starting point of a new politics. I will use the five major political reforms to make Taiwan truly move towards unity. The black box will be a thing of the past. In a democracy, the president alone has the final say. If I am elected president, I will let the voice of the people become the basis for decision-making through the democratic process. Democracy is not just about elections, democracy is about how we live every day. In the future, on the basis of unity, we will push one by one, and we will carry out reforms. Taking this step is also the first mile of Taiwan's new economy. I will promote the five major innovative R&D programs and the new model of Taiwan's economic development, so that the mechanism of industrial transformation can be launched immediately, so that the wages of workers and the profits of enterprises can grow at the same time. Crossing this step is the first mile of the new society. We will take forward five major social stability projects, such as establishing a food safety management system, developing a community care system, and managing social housing. I want to make Taiwan's society truly move towards living and working in peace and contentment. This new era is just around the corner. Tomorrow, your vote is your vote for the new politics. Tomorrow, your vote is your vote for the new economy. Tomorrow, your vote will be your vote for the new society. Tomorrow, no matter how cold the weather is, I ask everyone to come out and vote. It doesn't matter if it's windy or rainy, no matter how far the way home is, I ask everyone to come out and vote. In a few minutes, the election campaign will officially come to an end. I would like to save these last few minutes especially for young people, especially first-time voters. I am the chairman of the Democratic Progressive Party, and I am proud of that. In the genes of this party, there is the spirit of the Taiwanese who will never give up. In the blood of this party is the desire of the Taiwan people to pursue democracy and freedom. I will never hide that the party I lead has fallen, failed, and lost the trust of the people. All I have done over the years has been to get this party back on its feet. The DPP has no party property, and we only have a firm determination to carry out reforms. Once again, I would like to ask you to take a look at the list of non-district legislators that we have nominated this time. Blue-green isn't as bad. Among the 18 political parties, I am confident that the DPP's list is definitely the best. Now these people are standing behind me. They are food safety experts, they are human rights lawyers, they are frontline social activists, and they are intellectuals who have been fighting for the fairness and justice of this society for a long time. Each and every one of them represents the DPP's determination to carry out reforms, and each and every one of them also represents the DPP's efforts to open the door, go out, and integrate with the progressive forces of society. If you care that there is no right and wrong in this country, these people are in the Legislative Yuan and will help everyone get back right and wrong. If you care that there is no justice in this society, these people will be in the Legislative Yuan to help everyone find justice back. In the nine-in-one general election last year, you went back to vote, not only to rekindle hope in your hometown, but also to let the whole world see your efforts. Because of you, Taiwan is shining brightly in the world. Tomorrow, I ask you, this country, to push it in the back. If you're still hesitating, don't think again. Get on the bus, get on the train, get on the high-speed rail, by any means, and you must go home tomorrow to vote. Please believe in everyone's original intention over the years, to save your country by itself, and now is the time to complete this task. Please vote for the best, please vote for the most professional, please vote for the party with the most complete lineup, vote for the party that has the most power to change the country. This week, our convoy swept back and forth from south to north. Along the way, there were many people who cheered us on and cheered us on. I was standing in the car and saw a young man holding the flag of the last time I ran for president to cheer me on. Perhaps, some people will feel that they have taken the wrong flag. However, in my heart, those flags from four years ago are the ones that move me the most and thank me the most. Thank you for keeping the flag of four years ago with you. Thank you for your willingness to believe that what I said four years ago is that one day we will come back. Tsai Ing-wen did it. Moreover, this time I came back with more Taiwanese people. Now, standing here, I am a stronger Tsai Ing-wen. I want to lead the people of Taiwan into the future and into a new era. Tomorrow is our last step. The long wait is coming to an end. I would like to ask all of you to turn your enthusiasm for Taiwan, your hope for change, and your dissatisfaction over the past few years into the driving force for reform. Come out and vote, I ask everyone, just your vote. Tomorrow I will walk into the polling office, stamp the ballot, and finish the last mile. The presidential vote was cast for (No. 2) Tsai Ing-wen and Chen Jianren. Political party votes, vote for Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) No. 1. Legislator votes are cast for DPP-backed legislator candidates. To change Taiwan, not a single vote should be missing. Tomorrow, the people take power back. Tomorrow, we will win Taiwan back. Tomorrow, we will use our votes together to make this presidential palace truly belong to the people of Taiwan. | 1 |
ADDRESS OF THE PRESIDENT TO THE JOINT SESSION OF CONGRESS
September 20, 2001
THE PRESIDENT: Mr. Speaker, Mr. President Pro Tempore, members of Congress, and fellow Americans:
In the normal course of events, Presidents come to this chamber to report on the state of the Union. Tonight, no such report is needed. It has already been delivered by the American people.
We have seen it in the courage of passengers, who rushed terrorists to save others on the ground -- passengers like an exceptional man named Todd Beamer. And would you please help me to welcome his wife, Lisa Beamer, here tonight. (Applause.)
We have seen the state of our Union in the endurance of rescuers, working past exhaustion. We have seen the unfurling of flags, the lighting of candles, the giving of blood, the saying of prayers -- in English, Hebrew, and Arabic. We have seen the decency of a loving and giving people who have made the grief of strangers their own.
My fellow citizens, for the last nine days, the entire world has seen for itself the state of our Union -- and it is strong. (Applause.)
Tonight we are a country awakened to danger and called to defend freedom. Our grief has turned to anger, and anger to resolution. Whether we bring our enemies to justice, or bring justice to our enemies, justice will be done. (Applause.)
I thank the Congress for its leadership at such an important time. All of America was touched on the evening of the tragedy to see Republicans and Democrats joined together on the steps of this Capitol, singing "God Bless America." And you did more than sing; you acted, by delivering $40 billion to rebuild our communities and meet the needs of our military.
Speaker Hastert, Minority Leader Gephardt, Majority Leader Daschle and Senator Lott, I thank you for your friendship, for your leadership and for your service to our country. (Applause.)
And on behalf of the American people, I thank the world for its outpouring of support. America will never forget the sounds of our National Anthem playing at Buckingham Palace, on the streets of Paris, and at Berlin's Brandenburg Gate.
We will not forget South Korean children gathering to pray outside our embassy in Seoul, or the prayers of sympathy offered at a mosque in Cairo. We will not forget moments of silence and days of mourning in Australia and Africa and Latin America.
Nor will we forget the citizens of 80 other nations who died with our own: dozens of Pakistanis; more than 130 Israelis; more than 250 citizens of India; men and women from El Salvador, Iran, Mexico and Japan; and hundreds of British citizens. America has no truer friend than Great Britain. (Applause.) Once again, we are joined together in a great cause -- so honored the British Prime Minister has crossed an ocean to show his unity of purpose with America. Thank you for coming, friend. (Applause.)
On September the 11th, enemies of freedom committed an act of war against our country. Americans have known wars -- but for the past 136 years, they have been wars on foreign soil, except for one Sunday in 1941. Americans have known the casualties of war -- but not at the center of a great city on a peaceful morning. Americans have known surprise attacks -- but never before on thousands of civilians. All of this was brought upon us in a single day -- and night fell on a different world, a world where freedom itself is under attack.
Americans have many questions tonight. Americans are asking: Who attacked our country? The evidence we have gathered all points to a collection of loosely affiliated terrorist organizations known as al Qaeda. They are the same murderers indicted for bombing American embassies in Tanzania and Kenya, and responsible for bombing the USS Cole.
Al Qaeda is to terror what the mafia is to crime. But its goal is not making money; its goal is remaking the world -- and imposing its radical beliefs on people everywhere.
The terrorists practice a fringe form of Islamic extremism that has been rejected by Muslim scholars and the vast majority of Muslim clerics -- a fringe movement that perverts the peaceful teachings of Islam. The terrorists' directive commands them to kill Christians and Jews, to kill all Americans, and make no distinction among military and civilians, including women and children.
This group and its leader -- a person named Osama bin Laden -- are linked to many other organizations in different countries, including the Egyptian Islamic Jihad and the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan. There are thousands of these terrorists in more than 60 countries. They are recruited from their own nations and neighborhoods and brought to camps in places like Afghanistan, where they are trained in the tactics of terror. They are sent back to their homes or sent to hide in countries around the world to plot evil and destruction.
The leadership of al Qaeda has great influence in Afghanistan and supports the Taliban regime in controlling most of that country. In Afghanistan, we see al Qaeda's vision for the world.
Afghanistan's people have been brutalized -- many are starving and many have fled. Women are not allowed to attend school. You can be jailed for owning a television. Religion can be practiced only as their leaders dictate. A man can be jailed in Afghanistan if his beard is not long enough.
The United States respects the people of Afghanistan -- after all, we are currently its largest source of humanitarian aid -- but we condemn the Taliban regime. (Applause.) It is not only repressing its own people, it is threatening people everywhere by sponsoring and sheltering and supplying terrorists. By aiding and abetting murder, the Taliban regime is committing murder.
And tonight, the United States of America makes the following demands on the Taliban: Deliver to United States authorities all the leaders of al Qaeda who hide in your land. (Applause.) Release all foreign nationals, including American citizens, you have unjustly imprisoned. Protect foreign journalists, diplomats and aid workers in your country. Close immediately and permanently every terrorist training camp in Afghanistan, and hand over every terrorist, and every person in their support structure, to appropriate authorities. (Applause.) Give the United States full access to terrorist training camps, so we can make sure they are no longer operating.
These demands are not open to negotiation or discussion. (Applause.) The Taliban must act, and act immediately. They will hand over the terrorists, or they will share in their fate.
I also want to speak tonight directly to Muslims throughout the world. We respect your faith. It's practiced freely by many millions of Americans, and by millions more in countries that America counts as friends. Its teachings are good and peaceful, and those who commit evil in the name of Allah blaspheme the name of Allah. (Applause.) The terrorists are traitors to their own faith, trying, in effect, to hijack Islam itself. The enemy of America is not our many Muslim friends; it is not our many Arab friends. Our enemy is a radical network of terrorists, and every government that supports them. (Applause.)
Our war on terror begins with al Qaeda, but it does not end there. It will not end until every terrorist group of global reach has been found, stopped and defeated. (Applause.)
Americans are asking, why do they hate us? They hate what we see right here in this chamber -- a democratically elected government. Their leaders are self-appointed. They hate our freedoms -- our freedom of religion, our freedom of speech, our freedom to vote and assemble and disagree with each other.
They want to overthrow existing governments in many Muslim countries, such as Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan. They want to drive Israel out of the Middle East. They want to drive Christians and Jews out of vast regions of Asia and Africa.
These terrorists kill not merely to end lives, but to disrupt and end a way of life. With every atrocity, they hope that America grows fearful, retreating from the world and forsaking our friends. They stand against us, because we stand in their way.
We are not deceived by their pretenses to piety. We have seen their kind before. They are the heirs of all the murderous ideologies of the 20th century. By sacrificing human life to serve their radical visions -- by abandoning every value except the will to power -- they follow in the path of fascism, and Nazism, and totalitarianism. And they will follow that path all the way, to where it ends: in history's unmarked grave of discarded lies. (Applause.)
Americans are asking: How will we fight and win this war? We will direct every resource at our command -- every means of diplomacy, every tool of intelligence, every instrument of law enforcement, every financial influence, and every necessary weapon of war -- to the disruption and to the defeat of the global terror network.
This war will not be like the war against Iraq a decade ago, with a decisive liberation of territory and a swift conclusion. It will not look like the air war above Kosovo two years ago, where no ground troops were used and not a single American was lost in combat.
Our response involves far more than instant retaliation and isolated strikes. Americans should not expect one battle, but a lengthy campaign, unlike any other we have ever seen. It may include dramatic strikes, visible on TV, and covert operations, secret even in success. We will starve terrorists of funding, turn them one against another, drive them from place to place, until there is no refuge or no rest. And we will pursue nations that provide aid or safe haven to terrorism. Every nation, in every region, now has a decision to make. Either you are with us, or you are with the terrorists. (Applause.) From this day forward, any nation that continues to harbor or support terrorism will be regarded by the United States as a hostile regime.
Our nation has been put on notice: We are not immune from attack. We will take defensive measures against terrorism to protect Americans. Today, dozens of federal departments and agencies, as well as state and local governments, have responsibilities affecting homeland security. These efforts must be coordinated at the highest level. So tonight I announce the creation of a Cabinet-level position reporting directly to me -- the Office of Homeland Security.
And tonight I also announce a distinguished American to lead this effort, to strengthen American security: a military veteran, an effective governor, a true patriot, a trusted friend -- Pennsylvania's Tom Ridge. (Applause.) He will lead, oversee and coordinate a comprehensive national strategy to safeguard our country against terrorism, and respond to any attacks that may come.
These measures are essential. But the only way to defeat terrorism as a threat to our way of life is to stop it, eliminate it, and destroy it where it grows. (Applause.)
Many will be involved in this effort, from FBI agents to intelligence operatives to the reservists we have called to active duty. All deserve our thanks, and all have our prayers. And tonight, a few miles from the damaged Pentagon, I have a message for our military: Be ready. I've called the Armed Forces to alert, and there is a reason. The hour is coming when America will act, and you will make us proud. (Applause.)
This is not, however, just America's fight. And what is at stake is not just America's freedom. This is the world's fight. This is civilization's fight. This is the fight of all who believe in progress and pluralism, tolerance and freedom.
We ask every nation to join us. We will ask, and we will need, the help of police forces, intelligence services, and banking systems around the world. The United States is grateful that many nations and many international organizations have already responded -- with sympathy and with support. Nations from Latin America, to Asia, to Africa, to Europe, to the Islamic world. Perhaps the NATO Charter reflects best the attitude of the world: An attack on one is an attack on all.
The civilized world is rallying to America's side. They understand that if this terror goes unpunished, their own cities, their own citizens may be next. Terror, unanswered, can not only bring down buildings, it can threaten the stability of legitimate governments. And you know what -- we're not going to allow it. (Applause.)
Americans are asking: What is expected of us? I ask you to live your lives, and hug your children. I know many citizens have fears tonight, and I ask you to be calm and resolute, even in the face of a continuing threat.
I ask you to uphold the values of America, and remember why so many have come here. We are in a fight for our principles, and our first responsibility is to live by them. No one should be singled out for unfair treatment or unkind words because of their ethnic background or religious faith. (Applause.)
I ask you to continue to support the victims of this tragedy with your contributions. Those who want to give can go to a central source of information, libertyunites.org, to find the names of groups providing direct help in New York, Pennsylvania, and Virginia.
The thousands of FBI agents who are now at work in this investigation may need your cooperation, and I ask you to give it.
I ask for your patience, with the delays and inconveniences that may accompany tighter security; and for your patience in what will be a long struggle.
I ask your continued participation and confidence in the American economy. Terrorists attacked a symbol of American prosperity. They did not touch its source. America is successful because of the hard work, and creativity, and enterprise of our people. These were the true strengths of our economy before September 11th, and they are our strengths today. (Applause.)
And, finally, please continue praying for the victims of terror and their families, for those in uniform, and for our great country. Prayer has comforted us in sorrow, and will help strengthen us for the journey ahead.
Tonight I thank my fellow Americans for what you have already done and for what you will do. And ladies and gentlemen of the Congress, I thank you, their representatives, for what you have already done and for what we will do together.
Tonight, we face new and sudden national challenges. We will come together to improve air safety, to dramatically expand the number of air marshals on domestic flights, and take new measures to prevent hijacking. We will come together to promote stability and keep our airlines flying, with direct assistance during this emergency. (Applause.)
We will come together to give law enforcement the additional tools it needs to track down terror here at home. (Applause.) We will come together to strengthen our intelligence capabilities to know the plans of terrorists before they act, and find them before they strike. (Applause.)
We will come together to take active steps that strengthen America's economy, and put our people back to work.
Tonight we welcome two leaders who embody the extraordinary spirit of all New Yorkers: Governor George Pataki, and Mayor Rudolph Giuliani. (Applause.) As a symbol of America's resolve, my administration will work with Congress, and these two leaders, to show the world that we will rebuild New York City. (Applause.)
After all that has just passed -- all the lives taken, and all the possibilities and hopes that died with them -- it is natural to wonder if America's future is one of fear. Some speak of an age of terror. I know there are struggles ahead, and dangers to face. But this country will define our times, not be defined by them. As long as the United States of America is determined and strong, this will not be an age of terror; this will be an age of liberty, here and across the world. (Applause.)
Great harm has been done to us. We have suffered great loss. And in our grief and anger we have found our mission and our moment. Freedom and fear are at war. The advance of human freedom -- the great achievement of our time, and the great hope of every time -- now depends on us. Our nation -- this generation -- will lift a dark threat of violence from our people and our future. We will rally the world to this cause by our efforts, by our courage. We will not tire, we will not falter, and we will not fail. (Applause.)
It is my hope that in the months and years ahead, life will return almost to normal. We'll go back to our lives and routines, and that is good. Even grief recedes with time and grace. But our resolve must not pass. Each of us will remember what happened that day, and to whom it happened. We'll remember the moment the news came -- where we were and what we were doing. Some will remember an image of a fire, or a story of rescue. Some will carry memories of a face and a voice gone forever.
And I will carry this: It is the police shield of a man named George Howard, who died at the World Trade Center trying to save others. It was given to me by his mom, Arlene, as a proud memorial to her son. This is my reminder of lives that ended, and a task that does not end. (Applause.)
I will not forget this wound to our country or those who inflicted it. I will not yield; I will not rest; I will not relent in waging this struggle for freedom and security for the American people.
The course of this conflict is not known, yet its outcome is certain. Freedom and fear, justice and cruelty, have always been at war, and we know that God is not neutral between them. (Applause.)
Fellow citizens, we'll meet violence with patient justice -- assured of the rightness of our cause, and confident of the victories to come. In all that lies before us, may God grant us wisdom, and may He watch over the United States of America.
Thank you. (Applause.)
http://www.c-span.org/executive/transcript.asp?cat=current_event&code=bush_admin&year=0901 | 0 |
http://www.predsjednik.gov.me/press-centar/izjave/18197/178386.html Presentation by the Prime Minister of Montenegro, Milo Djukanovic, at the opening of the CEFTA Summit on the topic of the Regional Cooperation Strategy for Overcoming the Economic Crisis, December 4, 2009. Dear representatives of the CEFTA countries, Ladies and Gentlemen, I cordially greet you all on behalf of the Government of Montenegro. Welcome to Budva, welcome to Montenegro. I am extremely pleased that Montenegro is hosting the CEFTA Summit, which will informally conclude our presidency. I believe that the Summit is another opportunity to show the commitment of all of us to the CEFTA idea and to send a clear message of our commitment to act together in the region, gathered around common European and Euro-Atlantic goals. The entire process of reconciliation and reintegration of the Western Balkans began with the Rojamont Process, which was the first initiative of the European Union, with the aim of calming conflicts in the territory of the former Yugoslavia. The process was based on the promotion of regional projects in the field of civil society, culture and human rights. After that, a regional approach was adopted, which implies the creation of political and economic conditions for the development of bilateral relations between the countries of Southeast Europe. To this end, in June 1999, in Cologne, the Stability Pact for Southeastern Europe was formed, which has great merits in signing bilateral agreements and reconnecting the regions of Southeast Europe into a single entity. CreateThe South-East European Free Trade and Single Market Area demonstrates the countries' strong commitment to strengthening mutual economic cooperation towards further integration. The creation of a single market space in the region aims to contribute to faster and easier accession to the European Union, as well as to the improvement of the position and role of states in international economic relations. Taken as a whole, it is an opportunity for the Region to look at real opportunities in terms of market harmonization, economic regulations, as well as mutual cooperation. By creating a free trade zone, the countries of the Western Balkans are unreservedly committed to economic and economic development, showing that they are capable of conducting a common economic policy, of taking responsibility and responsibility for the future of the entire region. By doing so, we show that everything we do has a driving motive in the idea of improving the quality of life of citizens in our countries, which can certainly be better achieved by stronger connections and better use of the development potential we have. For all countries in the region, the stabilization and cooperation process is a key factor contributing to obtaining stronger support from the European Union. Today, when the countries have already signed Stabilization and Association Agreements, the first prerequisite for membership in the European Union is in place. This marked a historic turning point in the EU's relations with the region. The signing of the Stabilisation and Association Agreement is a major incentive, butOf course, there is also the need to meet both political and economic conditions. It is also an obligation of the countries of Southeast Europe to direct their political, economic and institutional development towards the values and models on which the European Union is founded: democracy, respect for human rights and a market economy, especially today after the entry into force of the Lisbon Treaty and the new institutional arrangements within the EU, and its firm commitment to the open-door policy for the countries of the Western Balkans. In this regard, this meeting should also be seen as a contribution to the establishment of even better mutual relations. At the beginning of the 1990s, the Central European Free Trade Agreement (CEFTA) was signed in Central Europe, which is fully harmonized with the rules of the World Trade Organization, as well as with the obligations that the contracting parties have towards the European Union. The significance of the original CEFTA agreement and its great success is already reflected in the fact that all signatory countries at the time, except Croatia and Macedonia, are now part of the European Union. Since the signing of the Agreement, the countries of Central Europe have implemented economic reforms that have contributed to increasing competitiveness and productivity and enabled the protection of their markets through the use of free trade mechanisms. Strengthening trade ties and increasing trade volumes have had an impact on economic growth. Through the CEFTA agreement, the signatory countries have gained the necessary experience inmultilateral cooperation and prepare for accession to the European Union. Encouraged by such a positive experience, the international community decided to modernize the CEFTA agreement and join the region of Southeast Europe. At that time, many did not believe in this idea. However, as time passed, its importance grew more and more and today we are talking about CEFTA 2006 - an internationally recognized multilateral agreement, which has a very strong and positive impact on the region. The beginning of the implementation of the CEFTA 2006 agreement marked the beginning of work on the regional market where internationally accepted rules will prevail. Only the environment and those markets where economically accepted rules apply and where foreign investors have a safe and predictable environment for their decisions can count on a better economic future. Montenegro took over the Presidency of CEFTA 2006 on 1 January 2009. The objectives we presented when we took over the Presidency showed our full commitment and aspiration for this multilateral agreement to ensure a higher level of our cooperation. Today, when we can already talk about the end of our Presidency of Montenegro, I am pleased to point out that in the past year there has been significant progress in the implementation of the Agreement. On this occasion, I would like to point out the great progress that has been achieved in the part of the liberalization of the agricultural sector, which is expected to enter into force soon. ImportanceLiberalization for all of us is reflected in the fact that it leads to an increase in competition, and thus to an increase in the level of productivity and the degree of utilization. Over time, our companies, through exposure to a greater degree of competition, will be ready to place their products on the European Union market, where competition is extremely high, and business rules are precisely defined. The new liberalization has demonstrated our clear commitment to further integration and our common goal towards further and greater integration. The challenge is that within CEFTA, problems are not seen as obstacles, but as further drivers that lead to a stronger connection between us. We understand the agreement as a means that exists to help resolve them through agreements between the parties and in the spirit of internationally accepted rules. The ability and desire to solve the problems that exist is an indicator of our maturity for wider integration in the international community. The importance of international agreements and the ties we have built were especially important when the economic crisis that affected the whole world occurred. Some of the main objectives of the agreement are, among other things, to expand trade in goods and services and encourage investment through fair, stable and predictable rules, and to remove barriers to trade between the signatories. Statistical indicators show that the decline that regional trade had at the time ofThe crisis is milder than the decline that the region has had for the rest of the world. This fact alone instructs us to turn to the region and take advantage of all the opportunities that the strengthening of such cooperation offers us. Improving the business environment in the region can only have a positive effect and increasing trade can be one of the ways out of the crisis. Nowadays, when globalization is becoming more and more recognizable, small economies, with small markets such as the individual markets of CEFTA signatories, will only be able to fight for their place if they are connected. The great importance of this agreement is reflected in its contribution to making the region a much more attractive area for foreign investment. The exceptional importance of foreign direct investment for countries in transition is reflected in the fact that they contribute to the acceleration of economic growth and the modernization of the economy. The success of attracting foreign investment depends on the economic environment, as well as the country's readiness to adapt the environment to the standards applicable in developed countries. The entry of foreign capital also leads to an increase in productivity and efficiency, and thus the competitiveness of the entire economy. The success of an agreement can be seen through its impact on business, the economy and the lives of the population. CEFTA was signed with the aim of improving the business climate that would be conducive to investment, trade and higher employment. One of the successes of this agreement isand the level of liberalization in the region. In fact, the reduction of customs duties or their elimination also leads to a better supply of the market and, ultimately, to cheaper products. By strengthening trade ties and strategic partnerships within the region, space is created for the creation of new jobs, which is also made possible through the process of dynamic harmonization of legislation in trade, customs, agriculture, investment and other related policies, in accordance with WTO standards. The success of this agreement is also in the positive change in the image of the region, which is accompanied by greater certainty in the application of the legal framework during its implementation. The agreement has also contributed to the uniform rules in force in the region, which has achieved a much higher degree of transparency and equality of rules, which is of invaluable importance for foreign investors. By simplifying the procedures, it is easier for foreign and domestic investors to choose this space for their activities and accept a greater degree of interconnection, which is especially reflected through joint ventures and joint appearance in third markets. The economic development of Montenegro in recent years, until the end of 2008, was characterized by high rates of economic growth, a surplus of the public sector budget, a significant increase in deposits, relatively low public debt, constant growth of the employment rate, extremely high inflow of foreign direct investments. The Montenegrin economy, as small and open, and at the same time highly dependent on the movement ofRegional and European markets are much more exposed to risks than large economies. The occurrence of the global economic crisis in the fourth quarter of last year, its continuation during this year and forecasts for the next period, determined the main assumptions for the preparation of the budget for the next year and the conduct of economic policy in the period from 2010 to 2012. In the economic policy for 2010, the main goals were to preserve stability and re-achieve, at least minimal, economic growth. Namely, we think that in the first half of next year we will continue to face the challenges of the crisis, while we predict positive trends for its second half and, as a result, a positive growth rate of 0.5% on an annual basis. Our plan is to continue to focus on the consequences of the crisis in the future, and at the same time to continue implementing measures that should help accelerate economic development in the medium term. The first step on this path is to adjust budget spending, while the priority is still to continue improving the business environment and creating conditions for attracting foreign direct investments. This refers to further adjustment of tax policy, elimination of business barriers and significant investments in infrastructure that create the basis for the future balanced regional development of Montenegro. Montenegro also pays great attention to cooperation with international financial institutions, as well as the implementation of thetheir recommendations. Today, there is continuous communication with representatives of the IMF and the World Bank. In this sense, our goal is to create a sustainable system, which can function optimally even in the conditions of the crisis, while leaving potential financial support from international financial institutions as an additional possibility and source for adjustment if the macroeconomic and fiscal crisis scenario is realized. Montenegro, in line with its foreign policy commitments on strengthening regional cooperation, has shown its full commitment to the implementation of the CEFTA agreement and regional integration in the past period. We are of the opinion that only through the joint efforts of our countries does this region have a bright European and Euro-Atlantic future, so I see the work within CEFTA as a joint preparation for the difficult obligations that await us. The chairmanship of the CEFTA Agreement is a significant experience for Montenegro, which will take over the chairmanship of the Central European Initiative, the South-East European Cooperation Process and the Adriatic-Ionian Initiative next year. I think that together we can express our satisfaction that all our countries have made significant progress in the process of European and Euro-Atlantic integration since the beginning of the implementation of CEFTA in 2006, as well as the region as a whole. The European Commission's decision on the visa waiver will come into force on December 19, with the expectation that other countries in the region will be in this status in the near future. This will allow for fasterthe flow of people, goods and capital, the acquisition of new knowledge and the raising of the personal and social standard of our citizens, which makes our European perspective closer and more prospective. Finally, I wish our esteemed colleagues and friends from Serbia, which is taking over the presidency of the Initiative, a lot of success in further work that will strengthen our unity. I firmly believe in the commitment of our countries to CEFTA and express the readiness of the Government of Montenegro for further active and constructive participation in the next phases of joint cooperation. Thank you for your attention. | 0 |
Name of politician: Chen Shui-bian
Title of Speech: Candidate Chen’s speeches on 2004 presidential election TV debate
Date of Speech: 14/02/2004
Category: Campaign speech
Chinese Title of the speech: 陈水扁2004总统选举电视辩论申论+结论
Time: 中華民國93年02月14日
words: 3402
Statement：
吴董事长、各位提问人，可敬的连先生，各位嘉宾，亲爱的国人同胞，大家午安。
今天是历史性的一天，也是我们台湾民主历史的第1次，更是华人社会的第1次。其实在4年前原本就有这样的机会，可是当时的连先生拒绝了，让我们又等了4年。不过我们也非常感谢主办单位以及社会舆论的促成，才让我们在今天又写下历史。
今天同时也是情人节，阿扁在此要祝福普天下的情人，包括阿扁与阿珍这样的旧情人，以及一四代的新恋人，都能够珍惜所有，真爱长久。
在情人节很多人都喜欢送玫瑰花，也让阿扁想起小王子里边的故事。小王子说，我对我的玫瑰花有责任。这句话最让阿扁感动，因为作为一个国家的领导人，对这一块土地有责任，对2300万的台湾人民及后代的子孙更有责任。
顾台湾，拼未来，顾今民，拼幸福，就是阿扁的责任。结合人民的力量，相信台湾，坚持改革就是阿扁的责任。拼经济，大改革，谋台湾成为一个正常、完整、伟大又美丽的民主国家，也是阿扁的责任。台北101大楼，这是现今世界的最高大楼。阿扁非常高兴在市长的时代，曾经为它打下一些基础。国家的建设跟盖大楼其实都是一样的，基础一定要稳固，才能够盖得高，站得稳。就像我们有一句客家的谚语，是这样讲的：主要酒穷站得稳，不怕东南西北风。我觉得这句话非常的有意思，但是过去的50年挺清楚的，在国民党政府的时代，由于黑金的影响，由于党国的部分，由于司法的不公，不断的逮捕是我们国家的基础，动摇我们国家的根本。阿扁觉得非常的遗憾。
我们再想看看，在4年前，如果没有政党轮替，我们政党可能退出军队吗？今天的军队国家化能够这么样的落实吗？如果没有政党轮替，刘冠军会爆发吗？今天有可能把国安的密帐全部缴过来充实国库吗？一样的，如果没有政党轮替，今天这一些呼风唤雨的黑金人士怎么可能会跑到国外去？很可能今天站在连先生、宋先生身边的又是伍澤元，梁柏薰、陳由豪或者朱婉清等人。我们真的没办法想象。
我们希望能够来这一个相信台湾，来这一个坚持改革。但是有些人却是嘴巴讲一套，实地做一套。也就是说我们把改革，当做是我们的信仰，但是有人把它当作是这一个习惯，我们真的非常的不习惯。就像我们都了解到这一些特权超弹以及掏空银行的案件，大概就有这一个两兆5000亿之多。在阿扁的努力之下，这三四年来我们光是打消呆账，就超过了一兆2000亿。
今天在野党不帮忙也罢，竟然还扯后腿。包括RTC这样的一个重建基金的法案，到目前为止还没办法通过。其实这一个反对改革的案例实在太多了，包括“阳光三法”也反对，包括立法院席次要减半也反对，当然也包括这一个政党不当取得财产的条例也反对，包括司改的方案也反对。我们真的没办法想象，为什么要反对？反对改革怎么样能够拼经济？其实我也知道，我们大家也知道说，目前的状况之下，我们已经要建立今民对国家、对社会的信心。不能说一个人，他这样没有工作的时候，那你去那里，你不会安慰，也不会鼓励，你竟然说，啊，你实在有够可怜，啊你是有够惨的，你这样要怎么办，那你前途都已经没有了，那你日子是要怎么样过呢？结果两个人抱在一起还大骂人都是阿扁太笨。但是我觉得不可以这样，我们应该要鼓励他说，眼泪要擦干，应该要坚强自己，不要忘记，还有机会，只要努力，重新出发，一定会成功。我相信这个就是阿扁跟连先生最大的人格特质的不同。
阿扁对一句话，印象非常的深刻。艰困中成长的人有最这一个美好的理想。阿扁相信这句话，就是我们台湾的精神。台湾知足的精神，在有限的条件里边，在最恶劣的环境之下，我们要开创无限的最大可能。
所以我们相信台湾，坚持改革，我们一定做得到，请支持。
台湾第一，改革第一，而且这一个有主见、有主张，而且抗压性最强的，我们水莲再配一定可以连任成功，谢谢！
Conclusion：
主持人，可敬的连先生，各位嘉宾，各位提问人，亲爱的国人同胞，非常感谢有这么好的机会。其实，我更要感谢让我有说明的机会。
阿扁绝对不是一个善变的人，像阿扁的发型十年永远不变。虽然我太太受伤坐轮椅，我爱她也不变。我不会打她。我相信如果真的改变了，让黑金回来，这是大家所愿意的吗？
让伍澤元回來，讓朱婉清回來，讓陳由豪回來，讓回來，大家願意嗎？回來以後沒事，大家願意嗎？剛才我們連先生特別提到人格的特質。當然，兩個人的人格的特質完全不一樣。我是這一種出生的人，但是我非常地進取，非常地積極，我奮鬥不懈。所以我要跟全國的同胞大家共同勉勵，因為每一個人都是台灣之子。我們要相信自己，要相信台灣，我們不要放棄，最後一定會成功。環境再困難，挫折不要怕，不要哭，也不要跪，我認為這一些都是非常重要的，不要遇事退縮。沒有主張，沒有主見。其實我講沒有主張，沒有主見，不是阿扁的創建，而是你的對手在四年前他就這樣講，說連先生是一個沒有主張，沒有主見的人，沒有資格做國家的領導。
我們人格特質另外一個不一樣的地方是，阿扁永遠相信，人民最大，不是政黨最大。所以你說要改變，再讓以黨嶺政，黨國不分，特別過去幾十年所霸佔的國家、人民的財產沒辦法處理，這是人民所願意的嗎？
所以，也因為人民最大，所以我們願意把權力交給人民。包括過去爭取國會全面改選，爭取總統直接民選，包括我們即將舉行的公民投票。因為我們相信人民是最大的，我們相信人民的智慧跟能力。
剛才連先生特別提到，要擱置國家的主權。這個就是最危險的地方。這也是為什麼几年来，阿扁这么样的坚持。这些事情可以搁置，但是主权绝对不能够搁置，主权绝对要坚持，要坚持台湾是一个主权独立的国家。依照我们现行的宪法，我们的国号叫中华民国。我们必须要维持目前的现状。我们不希望看到目前台湾主权的现状受到任何的改变，包括受到任何武力的威胁。所以我真的没办法同意连先生刚才说要搁置台湾的主权。这才是2300万台湾人民最不放心的地方。
320公民投票，这是普世价值。我们着的要以办喜事的心情，来迎接公民投票那一个伟大日子的到来。当全世界有那么多的国家、地区与公民可以享受公投的基本权利的时候，我们要感谢天，感谢地。2300万的台湾人民终于拥有公投的权利。我们可以守护台湾，可以守护我们的土地，可以守护51：49；可以守护我们的子孙，可以守护我们的幸福。所以我希望连先生，真的你不要阻挡。你可以不同意，但是你不要阻挡。320挺多人要搭游览车，希望游览车可以让我们一些要去的人可以坐的到。不要阻挡，否则到时候历史自会有公断。
几年来，阿扁频频地下乡，最远的地方东瀛，乌丘，太平岛阿扁都去过。高山的基地：松山，乐山以及丹山阿扁都去过。那是我们的国家，这是我们心爱的土地。有我们最伟大的人民。
阿扁真的非常感谢，不管阿扁到哪里，到军中，到偏远的山区跟哪边，跟这些岛农、渔民，这些村妇走过来，握住阿扁的手，那些人都已经90岁了，他又在那边等3个小时。他只要阿扁说一句话，阿扁，你要坚持哦，然后一个80几岁的老奶奶，她坐轮椅过来，她说，哎，阿扁，你不能输，一定要赢哦，台湾都靠你了。阿扁，我真的非常的感动。有一次，有一位老农夫走过来，他说，他没心情去干活。因为他非常担心，他跟我讲，他说：阿扁啊，当选哦，不可以落选哦。因为如果你落选的话，那个蓝色的旗，天天说天天蓝，每都是好天，那不就没下雨，我们这些干农活的要怎么办？那肯定不能够天天天蓝啊，也要有好天气，也要下雨呀，这是个自然的法则。让我很敬佩，连这样干农活的人都有这样的观念。那国家也一样啊，不可能说每天都是好天气，也是会下雨呀，就像是下海的渔民一样，下雨的时候他要补破网，好天气的时候他要出海去抓鱼。政府也一样，这几年以来，我也补了很多破网，全都是你留下来的。国民党留下来的这些破网都要我来补。我还要出海抓鱼呢，还要给大家有个大丰收，还有一个很好的收入，让大家能够过得更好，这就是几年来我的心情的写照。也是我的政府的团队，大家上上下下，大家共同努力的一个结果。我们应该给大家更多鼓励和肯定的掌声，否则对阿扁的团队是非常不公平的。那么多的公务员，那么多的国人同胞，不分彼此，大家这么样的打拼，应该给他更多支持、鼓励、跟感谢的掌声。
非常感谢今天主办单位，让我们这么好的机会。感谢我们提问人，更感谢大家热情的参与。320只有一个选择，那就是要继续支持，台湾第一，改革第一，我们第一号，第一好，水莲再配，一定可以连任成功。
特别人格的特质，必须要选择一个有主张，有主见人。不要选一个遇事退缩，变来变去的人，特别不能选一个对一个国家的主权可以搁置，不敢坚持的人。我希望大家320欢欢喜喜来投票，来公投，相信台湾，再写历史。谢谢大家。
Google Translate：
Chairman Wu, questioners, respectable Mr. Lian, distinguished guests, dear fellow Chinese, good afternoon.
Today is a historic day, the first time in our democratic history in Taiwan, and the first time in Chinese society. Actually, such an opportunity originally existed 4 years ago, but Mr. Lien at the time rejected it and let us wait another 4 years. However, we are also very grateful to the organizer and the public opinion for making it possible for us to write history again today.
Today is also Valentine's Day. Here, I would like to bless all the lovers in the world, including old lover like me and my wife, as well as new lovers of one or four generations, can cherish everything and love for a long time.
Many people like to send roses on Valentine's Day, which reminds me of the story of the little prince. The little prince said, I am responsible for my roses. This sentence moved me most, because as a leader of a country, he is responsible for this land, and he is even more responsible for the 23 million Taiwanese people and future generations.
It is A my responsibility to take care of Taiwan, fight for the future, and care for today's people. Combining the strength of the people, believing in Taiwan and adhering to reform is my responsibility. It is also my responsibility to fight for the economy and carry out major reforms to make Taiwan a normal, complete, great, and beautiful democracy. Taipei 101 Building, which is the tallest building in the world today. I am very glad that in the era of the mayor, he laid some foundation for it. The construction of a country is actually the same as building a building. The foundation must be stable to build it high and stand firmly. Just like we have a Hakka proverb, it goes like this: The main wine poor stands firmly and is not afraid of the northwest, southwest wind. I think this sentence is very interesting, but the past 50 years are quite clear. In the era of the Kuomintang government, due to the influence of the black gold, the system of the party state and judicial injustice, they continuously shook the foundation of our country and destroyed the essence of the country. I felt very sorry.
Let's look at it again. If there were no party rotations 4 years ago, could the army be independent from the party? Can the nationalization of the military today be so implemented? If there is no party rotation, will the black-gold case of Liu Guanjun break out? Is it possible to use all the secrete “national security accounts” to enrich our treasury ? Similarly, if there is no rotation of political parties, how could these powerful and privileged people who owned a lot of “black gold” fled abroad? It is likely that Mr. Wu Zeyuan, Mr. Liang Baixun, Mr. Chen Youhao, or Mr. Zhu Wanqing are standing next to Mr. Lien and Mr. Soong today. We really can't imagine.
We hope to come to this one to believe in Taiwan and to this one to persist in reform. But some people talk about it in one mouth and do it in the field. In other words, we regard reform as our belief, but some people regard it as a habit, and we are really very unaccustomed to it. As we all know about these cases of privileged super bombs and hollowed out banks, there are probably as many as two trillion and 500 billion. Thanks to my efforts, over the past three or four years, we have eliminated more than one trillion and 200 billion yuan.
Opposition parties today don't even help, they are still hindering. Bills including a reconstruction fund like RTC have so far failed to pass. In fact, there are too many cases of opposition to reform, including the "Sunshine Three Acts", including the halving of the number of seats in the Legislative Yuan, and of course, the regulations on the improper acquisition of property by this political party. Against. We really can’t imagine, why should you object? How can opposition to reform fight the economy? In fact, I also know that we all know that under the current situation, we have to build the people's confidence in the country and society. Can’t say a person. When he doesn’t have a job like this, then you go there, you won’t be comforted or encouraged, and you say, ah, you ’re pathetic, ah, you ’re miserable, you want to What to do, then you have no future, so how do you live your life? As a result, the two people hugged and scolded each other accused that I was too stupid. But I don’t think so. We should encourage him to say that his tears should be wiped dry and he should be strong. Don’t forget that there is still a chance. As long as you work hard and start again, you will succeed. I believe this is the biggest difference between me and Mr. Lien.
I was very impressed by a sentence. People who grow up in hardship have the most beautiful dream. I believes this sentence is the spirit of Taiwan. In the spirit of contentment in Taiwan, in the limited conditions and under the harshest circumstances, we must create unlimited possibilities.
Therefore, we believe in Taiwan and insist on reform. We will definitely do it. Please support it.
Taiwan is the first, reform is the first, and this one has the opinion, the opinion, and the most stress-resistant.
Conclusion:
Moderator, respectable Mr. Lian, distinguished guests, questioners, dear fellow Chinese, thank you very much for having such a good opportunity. Actually, I want to thank you for giving me the opportunity to explain.
I am definitely not a fickle person. Like my hairstyle has never change for ten years. Although my wife was injured in a wheelchair, I still love her. I won't hit her. I believe that if it really changes, let black gold come back. Is this what everyone wants?
Would you like Wu Zeyuan to come back, Zhu Wanqing to come back, Chen Youhao to come back? Will you like them be fine when they return? Mr. Lien mentioned the characteristics of personality just now. Of course, the personality traits of the two are completely different. I am a kind of person who born in low class, but I am very aggressive, very positive, and I work hard. Therefore, I would like to encourage everyone in the country, because everyone is a son of Taiwan. We have to believe in ourselves, we have to believe in Taiwan, we must not give up, and we will succeed in the end. No matter how difficult the environment is, don't be afraid of frustration, don't cry, and don't kneel. I think these are very important. No claims, no opinions. In fact, I said that there was no opinion, no opinion, not the creation of myself, but your opponent said it four years ago, saying that Mr. Lien is a person who has no opinion and no opinion, and is not qualified to be the leader of the country .
Another different of our personality traits is that I always believes that the people are supreme, not the political parties. So Mr. Lien, you said that you need to change. You want to let the party and the government, which employs party-state system, makes no different between the party and the government come back. You will also let the case of embezzle the property of the country and the people in the past few decades have no way to deal with. Is this what the people want?
Therefore, and because the people are the supreme, we are willing to give power to the people. These include the fight for a full re-election of Congress in the past and the direct election of the President, including our forthcoming referendum. Because we believe that the people are the supreme, we believe in their wisdom and capabilities.
Mr. Lien just mentioned in particular that the sovereignty of the country should be put on hold. This is the most dangerous place. This is why, for several years, I insisted so much. These things can be put on hold, but sovereignty can never be put on hold. Sovereignty must be upheld. Taiwan must be a sovereign and independent country. According to our current constitution, our country is called the Republic of China. We must maintain the status quo. We do not want to see any changes to the current status of Taiwan's sovereignty, including any threat of force. So I really can't agree with what Mr. Lian said just now that Taiwan's sovereignty should be shelved. This is where the 23 million people in Taiwan are most uneasy.
With 320 referendums, this is universal value. We want to welcome the great day of the referendum with a happy mood. When so many countries, regions and citizens in the world can enjoy the basic rights of the referendum, we have to thank the God and thank the lands. The 23 million people in Taiwan finally have the right to vote. We can protect Taiwan, we can protect our land, we can protect 51:49; we can protect our children and grandchildren, and we can protect our happiness. So I hope Mr. Lien, please don’t intervene. You can disagree with us, but you should not block. Many 320 people want to take a tour bus. I hope that the tour bus will allow some of us who want to go to take a ride. Don't block, otherwise there will be arbitration in history.
In the past few years, I have frequently travelled to underground villages. The farthest places have been Dongfang, Wuqiu, and Abian in Taiping Island. Alpine bases: Songshan, Leshan, and Danshan. I have all been there. That is our country, this is our beloved land where has our greatest people.
I am really grateful, no matter where I went, in the army, to the remote mountainous areas, or to these island farmers and fishermen, these village women come over and hold mys hand, and those people are already 90 At the age, he waited there for another 3 hours. He only needs to say a word, Bian, you have to insist, and then an 80-year-old grandmother, she came in a wheelchair, she said, hey, Bian, you can’t lose, you must win, Taiwan depends on you Already. I am really touched. Once an old farmer came over and said that he had no mood to work. Because he was very worried, he told me, he said: Bian, you are elected, you can’t lose. Because if you lose the election, the blue flag says that every day is blue, every day is good, then it will not rain. What should we do if we are working in agriculture? It must not be blue every day. It also needs good weather and rain. This is a natural law. I admire it. Even people who do farm work like this have such a concept. The country is the same. It is impossible to say that it is good weather every day, and it rains, just like a fisherman who goes to the sea. When it rains, he has to repair the net. When the weather is good, he goes out to catch fish. The same is true for the government. Over the past few years, I have also made up a lot of broken nets, all of which your KMT left. I have to make up the broken nets left by the you. I have to go out to catch fish, and I have a big harvest for everyone, and a good income, so that everyone can have a better life. This is a portrait of my mood for several years. It is also a result of my government's team. We should give everyone more encouragement and affirmative applause, otherwise it will be very unfair to my team. With so many civil servants, so many compatriots of Chinese nationality, regardless of each other, we should give him more support, encouragement, and applause for his hard work.
Thank you very much for the organizer today, so we have such a good opportunity. Thanks to our questioners and thank you for your enthusiastic participation. There is only one option for 320, and that is to continue to support it. Taiwan is the first, reform is the first, we are the first, and the first is the best. Water lotus will be re-equipped, and we can definitely be re-elected successfully.
Special personality traits must choose a person who is assertive and opinionated. Don't choose a person who retreats when things go wrong, especially someone who can't hold on to the sovereignty of a country and dare not insist on it. I hope everyone 320 will rejoice in voting, come to the referendum, believe in Taiwan, and write history. thank you all. | 2 |
Leader: Emil Boc, Prime-minister of Romania Title: Speech at the launch of the democrat-liberal candidates for the local elections by the president of the Democrat-Liberal Party, Emil Boc. Date: 6 May 2012 Length: 1370 words Link: http://www.politicaromaneasca.ro/files/fisiere/discursBoc.pdf Speech of PDL President Emil Boc at the launch of the Liberal Democratic candidates 6 May 2012 , Polyvalent Hall Welcome back! And welcome to our launch event for the PDL candidates for the June 2012 local elections. Welcome to Bucharest! My dear colleagues, in politics it is the same as in life, and in life we know well that true characters and real people are known and we recognize them when we are in difficulty. For the better, there are many with us, both personally and as a party, but those who truly believe in the PDL and believe in our value remain in difficulty. For this, I thank you because, no matter how difficult it was for you and how difficult it is for us, this authentic fiber of the PDL will help us win future political battles, as we have won them all, since 2004. I know that it has not been an easy thing to build a wall in these yearsaround the PDL and to resist in these difficult times. I tell you again, very openly and in all sincerity, we have no reason, we, the pedelists, to regret what we have done or to be ashamed of what we have done. I want you to know that through what you have done together with the PDL, you have avoided and we have avoided this country from ending up in the nightmare of Greek debts or in the Spanish nightmare of what unemployment and inflation mean. You did this, and this party, I repeat, should have been ashamed if it ran away from such a responsibility and did not defend Romania from the hardships it has gone through. This party sacrificed its votes and image for Romania to go through this period of economic crisis and I am convinced that the political reward will also come. The important thing is to be intelligent and to know, at the right time, how to reap the political fruits of our work. For this, dear colleagues, I thank you for being real people, true characters, that is, you are true pedelists. This is the strength and power of the PDL. Yes, it's true, I've made mistakes sometimes. In these years, there were also people who opportunistically stuck to us. It was aa party that from 7% exceeded over 30%/, inevitably they were also opportunists. Now, here, look how many of us there are, folks. Look what this hall looks like. This hall is full of authentic people, of people who, I repeat, put their shoulder to the test not only when it is good for us. For this we appreciate you and for this we will go together to win the next elections. The PDL has taken Romania out of the storm of the economic crisis. If today our country stands tall in the face of the storm, which is still in Europe, it is thanks to you, due to the fact that the right thing was done in time and in time, so that Romania is not brought to its knees by the economic crisis. So trust that through what we have done, through the competition we will enter in the coming days, we will give the PDL what we all know we will have - the return to government in December. The PDL's objective is very clear: the first battle that follows is always the hardest, and the battle of the local elections is really a hard battle. to formThe Government and continue the government, but the first step will be on June 10, the date of the local elections, when we will reconfirm the percentages we had in 2008. The 869 mayors and the 14 presidents of county councils will be the basis and the nucleus for our return to government in December 2012. I want you to know that what is being discussed these days, the topic of salary reintegration, is 100% the product and effort of the PDL. This was and will be possible, thanks to the efforts that the PDL governments, represented by me and Mr. Ungureanu, have made it possible for us to discuss these things today. I want you to know that, ever since the letter with the International Monetary Fund, in December 2011, and in the report on the 2012 budget, we have been preparing this measure. In the economy, you should know that there are no miracles that happen overnight. The European Commission or the International Monetary Fund would not accept any kind of wage replenishment, if we were not economically prepared; however, this is what the Liberal Democratic Party did. We have taken those necessary decisions, but now, I repeat, the country is able to stand up straight in the face of the economic difficulties in the European Union and you should know that in theOutside the country, many people wonder how this country succeeded. How did it manage to go from an economic downturn of minus 7 in 2009 to +2.5 in 2011 and to continue economic growth in 2012. How did we manage, from a potential deficit of minus 14, if we had followed Tariceanu's policies, to reach a 3% deficit in 2012. This is what those in the European Union are trying to do today, in order to save the euro. Today, Romania has one of the lowest public debts in the European Union. If we had thrown ourselves into populist policies, Romania would have been in the nightmare of Greece or Spain, at least, today. Because this party and you have made sacrifices, for this, Romania is stable, for this we must have the courage and dignity to stand in front of any Romanian and explain these things, because I tell you once again: we have every reason to be proud that we are PDL-ists, for what we have done for Romania, And I am convinced, as I told you, that the political reward will also return, in the next period./Rduinu/SDM2 In conclusion, a few words about what we have in front of us, from a political point of view. It is veryClearly: the Liberal Democratic Party will not vote for the Ponta Government. It is not possible to vote for a government, a penal government, full of incompatibilities and which, the first measure it proposes is to increase the number of government portfolios by 16%. This is the form of respect of the PSD, of the USL towards the Romanians, increasing the number of ministries at a time when Romania and Europe still need a lot of attention and prudence. For them, however, the most important things are the stumps - whether they are governmental or of another nature - and the satisfaction of the private and group interests of those in the USL. Otherwise, how do you explain proposing a government with a lot of people with criminal problems and incompatibilities? How do you explain the fact that this government, which Ponta announces, has as its first objective to give up what Romanians voted for in 2009, namely to reduce the number of parliamentarians to 300? What respect do these people have for democracy and for the vote given by our people, given by Romanians, in fact, in the referendum? These are profound forms of violation of the respect required in a democracy. What government can this be that proposes an extremely controversial character to the Ministry of Education,Which aims, first of all, to kill state education, to introduce, again, theft from the baccalaureate and mediocrity in Romanian education? Such a minister, such a government will never be supported by the PDL. This education reform that we have done with such difficulty and you see that the appreciations are everywhere in Europe and Romanians have seen what it means to have a correct baccalaureate and to make everyone receive a diploma that has coverage behind it. What does the USL actually want? To return, again, to the diploma factories without coverage. They bury Romania, because they bury performance. With such a government, the PDL will never agree and will militate against such an approach. We have to defend all these healthy things that we have done, even if they cost us politically: that it is the education reform, that it is the justice reforms, that it is the reform of the Labor Code, these are healthy things that give a different way of thinking in this country. These things must be defended by us, because they represent the health of the Romanian political system. For this, dear colleagues, we are going to enter the local electoral battle. I will stand by you and, together, we will win the electionsLocal. May God help us! | 1 |
REMARKS BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF INDONESIA ON THE 95TH NATIONAL AWAKENING DAY AND THE OPENING OF THE INDONESIAN PRODUCTION EXHIBITION 2003 Jakarta, May 20, 2003 Source: https://kepustakaan-presiden.perpusnas.go.id/speech/?box=detail&id=15&from_box=list_245&hlm=1&search_tag=&search_keyword=&activation_status=&presiden_id=5&presiden=megawati Ladies and Gentlemen of State High Institutions, Ministers, Governors and Members of MUSPIDA Jakarta, Ladies and Gentlemen, Assalamu'alaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh, Greetings to all of us, Today we are witnessing two events at once that not only have a close correlation, but are also important in the course of our national life. By listening to the development of the situation in recent times, I consider that we can raise this event as the right momentum to renew the spirit of our awakening as a nation. If I'm not mistaken, in the context of thinking, building our life and national spirit this year is 95 years old. If this is true, then until now only about four generations of us have lived in the atmosphere of national life, which we have been building slowly, with great difficulty. There are not many nations in this world that are as plural and scattered as we are. Even if there are other nations that are as pluralistic as ours, they live in the same region or continent, which is why it is not too difficult to cultivate a spirit of nationalism. Our peoples live separately, and only with a strong spirit of togetherness to build the futureTogether, we can have a foundation for our national life. So far, we have assumed that our national spirit is steady, strong, and strong. However, in recent years we have become aware that the spirit of nationality, as well as other spirits, turns out to be something dynamic in nature. The spirit of nationalism can be strengthened if the people feel that their welfare and security as well as the peace of their daily lives increase and improve. On the other hand, the spirit of nationalism can decline if the economy deteriorates, poverty and misery develop, and the security and tranquility of daily life are not guaranteed. In short, the spirit of nationalism also declines if the performance of the nation-state that accommodates the spirit of nationalism decreases. Thus, ahead of the centenary of the rise of the national spirit, we indeed need to reflect on the performance of our national state, especially in the field of welfare and security. The preamble to the 1945 Constitution clearly affirms the four goals of the state: protecting the entire Indonesian nation and all Indonesian bloodshed, promoting public welfare, educating the nation's life, and participating in implementing a world order based on independence, lasting peace, and social justice. With such content, the Preamble to the 1945 Constitution is indeed a political contract with the essence and crystallization of the entire spirit of the national movement that began in the early 20th century. Therefore, on this occasion, I askWe all pay attention to two important things in the dynamics of our national and state life in recent years. First, we still adhere to the political contract stated in the Preamble to the 1945 Constitution. Second, we have been, are and will continue to continue the national reform movement, which we carry out simultaneously and cover a very wide field, both in the political and governmental, economic, social, and even cultural fields. The scope of the national reform is so broad that it not only allows disorientation among the perpetrators, but also gives rise to various worrisome excesses. Nowadays, there are quite a lot of complaints, criticisms, and even blasphemy from the public against the implementation of the national reform. Reform is said to be like losing direction or even being impressed that it has been manipulated and abused. We have discussed, deliberated, and agreed on the basics of the entire national reform movement in the articles of the 1945 Constitution that we have amended four times. In summary, the 1945 Constitution after the amendment has provided a design, design, or blueprint, for a modern Indonesia that we hope will be more able to prosper and provide a sense of security to all people. A high state institution has been abolished, namely the Supreme Advisory Council. Several new state institutions were formed, such as the Regional Representative Council, the Constitutional Court, and the Judicial Commission. PrincipleThe separation of powers, commonly known as the trias politica principle, is carried out more consistently, which is manifested in the transfer of legislative authority from the President to the House of Representatives, and the strengthening of the authority of the Supreme Court. Human rights, which were originally only slightly regulated in the old 1945 Constitution, have been more fully enshrined in the updated 1945 Constitution. More than that, for the first time, the President, Governor, Regent and Mayor will be elected directly by the people. The 1945 Constitution that has been updated very clearly gives great respect to the Indonesian people who have the sovereignty of this Republic. Therefore, I hope that all the people will really and seriously study their rights and obligations of the state, which have been listed in detail in the amended 1945 Constitution. These state rights and obligations are a package and are not two separate things from each other. It is impossible to simply claim rights but ignore obligations, or otherwise give obligations without granting rights. Various state institutions have been established to protect and fulfill these rights, both civil and political rights, as well as economic, social, and cultural rights. Thus, at least formally, we have prepared ourselves to take part as one of the modern nations in the world.What we must do further is to make it a reality, both through the authority of the government ranks, and through the daily life of the community. Do not forget that according to our laws and regulations, the obligation to respect and protect human rights is not only on the shoulders of the state and government, but also the obligation of everyone! At the same time, I also specifically ask for attention, that in addition to demanding and enjoying their rights, all people must also fulfill their state obligations. The state obligation can be routine such as paying taxes, but it can also be an essential thing such as defending the Nation and State. I deliberately emphasize the obligation to defend the Nation and State, especially in today's critical situation, when our country is threatened with division due to the separatist movement. I believe that you have been closely following all the latest developments in the country. Together with the House of Representatives of the Republic of Indonesia, as in Papua, the Government has promulgated a solid legal basis for a special autonomy for the Province of Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam. Moreover, the Government has patiently held protracted negotiations with representatives of the separatist movement calling itself the Free Aceh Movement, and even treated them with great respect, both domestically and abroad. But I also believe that youalso closely follow the development of the government's efforts and its results. The Free Aceh Movement does not comply with the various agreements that have been made. Armed attacks, extortion, and finally developing as acts of terrorism, have been carried out systematically and widely, so that it is not possible at all to guarantee security and fulfill the obligation to prosper the people in the area. It is something very burdensome, if in the end, in order to maintain the integrity of the Nation and State, as well as to maintain the integrity of the territory of the Republic of Indonesia, and so that human rights and laws are maintained and respected, I have established the enactment of a state of danger with a level of military emergency for the entire area of Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam Province. I ordered that an integrated operation be launched in the turbulent region, which included not only security restoration operations, but also humanitarian operations, law enforcement, and government consolidation operations. I hope that this action will gain the understanding and support of all Indonesian people, including groups that take part in the name of democracy and human rights. The current government policies, including those that appear to temporarily restrict human rights in the area, remain based on constitutional principles. The 1945 Constitution stipulates in Article 28 J paragraph (1) that "Everyone is obliged to respect the human rights of others in the order of life in society, nation and state." Therefore,Constitutionally, it is very wrong to uphold democracy and human rights in a way and attitude outside the framework of society, nationality and statehood. Parallel and balanced with the rights of every citizen, it is also his obligation to participate in defending, defending, and building the life of the nation and state within the same framework of nationality and statehood. On this occasion, I also call on all Indonesian people to carry out their obligations as citizens in a firm, consistent and rigid manner. Take this attitude, and don't be dual. I cannot ignore the mandate of the founders and defenders of this nation and state just to fulfill the wishes of a few separatists, whose leaders have actually become foreign citizens. I am sure that most of our brothers and sisters in the turbulent area are still in red and white spirit. Ladies and gentlemen, this is the context of welfare and security as well as peace of life and its relation to the national reform movement that I would like to reveal in commemoration of the National Awakening Day in 2003. As a challenge, everyone knows that we still have a long way to go. But that's what we have to deal with. Not only patience, we also need seriousness and determination. As much as the problems we face, so are the limited resources we still have. No matter how difficult the situation is, we continue to move forward, especiallyin realizing welfare, and as far as possible relying on our own abilities. In the midst of determination and hope to continue to build competitive economic capabilities, we also increase our desire to do all of this by continuing to reduce our dependence on foreign sources of financing. In summary, in this context, we must all continue to improve our national production capacity, and at the same time strengthen the domestic market as a support. Big or small, the success of all of that in the end also depends on our attitude to support it. Only through the concrete support we show by prioritizing the use of domestic production will we strengthen the foundation of our economy. For this reason, along with the spirit of revival that we commemorate today, I call on all Indonesian people, especially to all levels of government at the central and regional levels, to pioneer and prioritize the use of domestic products to meet needs, especially those whose requirements have been technically fulfilled by the national production. With these hopes, and by saying Bismillahirrahmanirrahim, I now declare that the 2003 Indonesian Production Exhibition is officially opened. May the Most Merciful God always bestow strength and protection on all of us, in carrying out our duties and devotion to this beloved nation and country. Thank you. Wassalamu'alaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh. Jakarta, May 20, 2003 PRESIDENTREPUBLIC OF INDONESIA, MEGAWATI SOEKARNOPUTRI Source: http://www.lin.go.id/news.asp?kode=200503POLA0001 Collection: National Library of the Republic of Indonesia, 2006 4 | 0 |
The President of Georgia attended the ceremonial opening of "Ilia Lake" with welcome everyone! It's really amazing what we're seeing here. Most of you are a resident of Kvareli. You know, four months ago, a fifth of this lake was debatable. It was a swampy, old reservoir. I don't fly by plane because I'm avoiding roads, it's just that Georgia seems very good on top. However, the best thing I can do is when you're face-to-face, looking you in the eyes and I hear you say. When I fly by helicopter the beautiful views fall apart. At this time, I see how small our country is. Whichever side you look at, on the right or left, its natural borders, the Caucasus ridges can be seen. Because the country is so small it needs special care. It is our duty to ensure that every every one of the Mtkvaris of this country is well done. When you look from a helicopter, you see how beautiful and picturesque our country is, and at the same time, how much work needs to be done. Some of the land is still uncultivated and uncultivated. We have so little land that it has to be fully processed. Land processing means more income and prospect in our families. I was late to come here today, as the High Commissioner of the European Union for Foreign and Security Affairs, the Vice President of the European Commission, was the main representative, who spoke about the possibility that Georgian citizens will soon be able to travel to Europe with visa-free travel. We will have free access to EU markets. That is why with one hand we fight on foreign fronts. This battle is even the same.It is for Georgia's independence. This is a continuation of the battle we are in. No one will say that Georgia lost any war. Georgia will be held until it is defeated, as long as we have a jin until we put our hands down until we give up, until we believe that our country will finally be whole. We are here in Ilia 's homeland. To this day, the main political science for me comes from Ilia Chavchavadze. Recently, the Georgian magazine "Tabula" published letters from Ilia Chavchavadze. It is astonishing how modern Ilia thinks. It is astonishing how he writes about ethnic groups and religion, Georgian wine. He writes that Georgians have the best and most wonderful wine in the world, but we need to learn how to bottle, store and market this wine. It is astonishing how the banking sector worked back then. Nowadays, many banks are opening in Georgia. Yesterday I opened the beautiful building of the bank. It is amazing how Ilia understood the special importance of the Georgian system. There are several lakes in Kvareli. There is already Lopota, Kvareli Lake. With Kvareli friends, after much thought, we decided that no name would fit this lake as the name of Ilia, because this lake is especially beautiful and attractive. When we talk about Ilia Chavchavadze, we should remember that Georgia was not independent in Ilia's time. At that time, Russian gendarmers, Russian chaplains, stood here, just as they stand in Abkhazia and the small town of Tskhinvali. Nonetheless, Ilia did not doubt that Georgia is free.and had to be independent. Then what God has made known to today's Georgians, whom God has given to in fact not in the whole territory, (although it is legally whole) a free state. They still mourn slavery, a vassal state. They still want to be under someone's control, to receive instructions from someone. You may feel that your country does not value you enough and you do not have the pedestal that you deserved, but this is not enough reason to hate and sell your country. Perhaps the reason for this is in the head of such politicians, their inability. Maybe it's because a lot of politicians spend a lot more time enjoying themselves than thinking about their own people. Most of them, unfortunately, do not care at all what people live with us every day, and that's why this happens. This is not an excuse to refuse the freedom of our country, to run, to hug the enemy, because nothing is above freedom. Everything that is done in Georgia - this lake, the renovated center of Kvareli, with its museums, Nekres, Grammy, everything we have done in recent years and what will be done in the future - is a direct result of the knee-jerk labor of our independent nation of Georgia's freedom. In 2005, we started painting the center of Tbilisi. At the time, they often said, they are only interested in Tbilisi. However, of course, we continued the amenities of the Tbilisi Center. In Tbilisi, in no era, no king, no government, or Georgia was built during a short period of independenceAnd done as much as it has been built in the last five years. In the next two years, more than twice as many will be built in the last five years. However, Georgia is not just Tbilisi. Then we switched to the rebuilding of Batumi. Batumi is not just the pride of Georgia. From the Black Sea to Eastern Europe and Istanbul, there is nowhere near the construction of the scale as here. There is no such beauty architecture, such rapid development. More economic activity for upbuilding will produce its results. In past years, for example, Kutaisians often said that the president is flying over Kutaisi and does not pay attention to us. This is not the case. It turned out that Kutaisi becomes the parliamentary capital in the wake of the development of Batumi. The most beautiful buildings are being built in Kutaisi, the most sophisticated infrastructure. The development of the city is underway. When the construction began in Kutaisi, naturally, the question arose: "What did Kakheti do? Everything takes place in western Georgia, in particular, in Anaklia, Poti, Batumi, Kutaisi. When will you come to the ridge here?" despite the fact that we resumed the Sighnaghi and Kvareli center as soon as we came to power, there were many more jobs. This lake has been started and has already been refurbished. "Ilia Lake" is the beginning of a new phase for Kakheti as a whole. Because it's all available to all of you. Next year in Georgia will be the year of Kakheti. Next year there will be more construction in Kakheti than has been in any region of Georgia in the last 7-8 years. The genetic code of Georgian statehood is created in Kakheti, Alaznisveli. With this genetic codeTogether, both our alphabet and our vineyard are created. In Kakheti, in the territory protected by their enemies due to these mountains, people with exceptionally talented, hard-working and unparalleled patriotism live on this fertile land. My friends, I want to tell you that we have big plans. Next year a very large construction begins in Telavi. We have very interesting projects planned in the field of agriculture for Lagodekhi, Gurjaani, Sagarejo, Dedoplistskaro. In Akhmeta, Tusheti and Khevsureti, restoration works are started on our most important historical monuments. Construction works of roads will continue. You know that Gombori road was made, works are underway on other roads, including the most difficult roads of Tusheti. We are working to ensure that the water supply system is maintained. You know, rehabilitation works are underway in many regions of Kakheti, including Telavi. As you know, water has always been a big problem for Kakheti. The following summer, in the heat, when all the rivers dry up, nothing is better than swimming in this lake. As soon as this period comes, I will join you. Until then, this lake will be fully filled and completely blue. I would also like to tell you that we are working very sports infrastructure. We are working on the construction of swimming pools in Kakheti. You know that the sports infrastructure was done here. What you saw in Kvareli the so-called "Geocell class" I saw on TV in the "Geocell" advertisement and I thought we should do the sameFor Georgian students. I met with the representatives of this company and asked: Do you want to do a good job? It's not about "terrorization" of business, I asked them to do such classes. The first time where this class was to be done or not in Ilya's homeland. In the main schools of Kakheti, we should have similar classes everywhere. A child who lives in a very needy family, where every white person matters, must have the means to gain knowledge through modern technologies. It is noteworthy that before the Rose Revolution, every second citizen in Georgia, or 52 percent of the country's population, was poor. After our efforts, these official figures are down to 17 percent. However, this is not enough, from Vaina, even more than five Georgians are below the poverty line. I've seen a lot of poor families. Many of them are sadly adaptable to this situation. Many of them have their hands. I thought a lot about how we should change it all. First of all, we need to increase social assistance and pensions. I also thought that a child who has a computer who is taught by an American, English or Australian teacher with new methods in the first grade, whose teacher receives more salaries (when the teacher passes the exam with a salary of 1000 GEL and can have more), such a child will enter the house in a completely different way when he returns to a poor family with this little netbook, a small computer, will play these games, with a little bragging about saying to the family members "How do you do?" and so on,He will be a contributor to a different psychology in his family. We must overcome poverty in every way. We don't have any children or any 80-year-old grandparents for poverty. My grandmother is also in her 80 ' s. I would like to say that I have a great sympathy for the generation that has brought us so far. To the generations that lost the most, because in the 90s, when people thought they had achieved something, at that time everything collapsed and collapsed. Unfortunately, people have a feeling that an entire generation has been lost. The generation did not disappear, but simply lost the opportunities they deserved. Today, our main goal is to get back to these opportunities as much as possible. My friends, except for all the other ups we are starting, a new hotel of incredible beauty is being built on this mountain. This hotel is built by one person that I just met - Gia Tsidelashvili, who started doing business in the wine industry after the 2006 embargo announced by Russia. He founded the company "Teliani Valley", which, despite the embargo, created the best distribution network in new countries, new markets, new outlets and practically from scratch the company has gained great popularity in the world. You may have different opinions on quality, but the fact is that where you go in the world there is a "Teliani Valley" created. Then he created a second company and built his chateau that works today, developed and sold it. Now he built such a chateau in Telavi, near Shuamta, similar to whichAlthough I have traveled a lot and have seen the best hotels in France or Spain, I have not seen it and I can say that it is the best in hotels of this style. Do you know why? Because it is made with love and heart. The project is also a mission and every detail is made with its own hands. Another beautiful chateau is now building on this lake, a mountain, to see and relax on this lake, many foreigners will arrive, spend money, buy many souvenirs made by our hands, and all this will be a new source of income for our inhabitants. Therefore, it can be said that Gia does not work for herself alone. Such new businessmen create future Georgia. They are not afraid of either an embarrassment or a hopeless situation. They know that their homeland is to be built by their hands, with their determination and love to be done. So, of course, I want people like Gia to be many. But, so far, we have a few such men in Georgia, and if anything expresses this term, which Gia Pirdiashvili does with this upbringing, I think this is the word brilliance. We have one of the highest state awards - the Order of Excellence and I want to transfer it to Gia Pyrashvili on your behalf. I would also like to say a big thank you to all the people who built it. Because I know that such things do not end in 5, 4, and 3 months. But alsoEveryone knows that both of us and I are impatient. Nothing has been happening for so many years that it is better for everyone to work at night, hold their hands, be able to do the impossible, and still build. In the meantime, the fastest in the world we have learned to build everything. Both impatience and patience have positive results. We set an example for the whole world by doing so. I would like to thank Ramaz Nikolaishvili, your governor, to the Governor here, especially all the engineers, workers who worked day and night because they were doing Georgian work and knew that they contributed to the construction of Georgia. I have not brought orders for them here, although all of them deserve this word--excellence. Thank you. | 1 |
We start - Bidzina Ivanishvili's speech in Freedom Square 'My dear people, welcome! I am happy to stand with you the citizens of Georgia and our homeland! I have no homeland other than Georgia! You have already granted me Georgian citizenship! I am a citizen of Georgia because no one loves me like my people, our Georgia! I am happy that together we are starting a fight for a united, strong, democratic Georgia! Today, we have gathered here responsible for our past, present and future. Our unity, our abundance, proves that it has not gone in vain to fight and dedicate our ancestors. Recall the heroes fighting for a better future for Georgia. Recall those who died on April 9, 1989, near this square. Recall those who were victims of unheard of government violence on the night of May 26 last year. Let us honor their memory with a minute of silence... My dream has always been a strong, developed, happy Georgia. My dream was a Georgian state as a society of free people, a state where every citizen of it is equal before the law, where they respect human dignity and everyone has the opportunity to succeed in their own talents and labor. That was my dream, and it remains that way today. All my life, as far as possible, I have tried to be in the service of not any government, but in the service of the country; Using my resources to help establish state institutions, I tried to help people overcome the difficulties of the transition period, butIt turned out that it was not until the end of this transition period that he did not come to an end. The government was changing, but the country was at an impasse from one impasse to another. Even today, the spin in this enchanted circle has already reached a critical limit. Sadly, we now have a foolish ruler who is losing his sense day by day! All of us see this well. They also see those who are still forced to comply with its illegal, in many cases, anti-state decisions! We are well aware of who and what we are dealing with. I have made it clear that the recklessness of the government has come to the point that it is already a serious threat to the Georgian state. I saw that if it continues like this, we will all lose our homeland. Therefore, being in politics, fighting political struggle to change the ruling regime is not my desire, but my duty. This is the duty of each of us, every citizen of Georgia, this is our work of dignity! The parliamentary elections, which are to be held in the fall, are a matter of presence and absence for our country: we will definitely win! However, the desire alone for victory is not enough, even the dedicated work for victory is not enough, it is not enough for victory, it is not enough for self-sacrifice, for victory it is necessary to have a well-thought-out, clear plan that will turn both desire, self-sacrifice and hard work into a single bed and turn to one goal. I have an understanding and planning of the process from start to finish to the goal, this is my character. 7 months have passed since my first statement and I assure you that everything is going the way I plannedAnd I had a thought. We have come to this thoughtful plan to this day and, I assure you, from today the processes will be irreversible, it is already impossible to stop the starting processes, let alone turn these processes. No matter what the government plans, no matter what it does, this battle will surely come to an end and end with our victory! Over the past seven months, we have been able to unite the opposition into one team of political spectrum. And that, it wasn't that easy. My colleagues had to persuade me to temporarily postpone all disputed issues and, depending on the state interest of our country, agree on a unified platform. During these months, our team has done a tremendous job. We formed a political coalition "Georgian Dream", we were able to create regional structures - headquarters throughout Georgia. We have been doing this in the face of hysterical violence and unbridled violence by the authorities. We were able to do this because in this battle we are on the side of the will of the Georgian people, who are not used to living in slavery. On our side is the modern political and cultural tradition, on our side are countries that have invested democracy and freedom in the foundation of the state. And there is one cowardly man against us - tradition, modernity, reality, who has no argument other than lies and violence. We are launching a pre-election campaign today and I am happy to be with you in this fight, next to Georgian citizens, next to my homeland! Our goal is not to defeat anyone, but to win Georgia. Today we startThe fight to dramatically change the lives of every citizen of Georgia for the better. I know very well how to do this, because I work from childhood, I know well what it means to be in a family with many children. I also know the price of peasant labor, I have experienced the severity of working along with my studies. At the cost of hard work, I also achieved great success in business and maintained my integrity, but this was not an easy task. I also know that one person cannot be happy, no matter how successful you are if there are many tribulations in your homeland. That is why I will give myself permission and say to the high echelons of government and Georgian businessmen: no personal material well-being can make you happy when your people are unhappy, when more than a million and a half people are below the poverty line, when a large part of the population is drowned by bank debt, when innocent people suffer behind bars when the territories of your country are occupied. It must end! Today we are beginning to fight to make the main value and concern of the state a person and that all citizens are equal before the law. We are starting to establish a free business environment, promote entrepreneurship, create guarantees of property inviolability and social protection of employees, which ultimately ensures that unemployment is overcome and jobs are created. The problem of unemployment should be minimized in a short time. Everyone should be able to find a job that suits their own abilities and thus support the family, and we will be able to do so! EspeciallyIt is important to employ young people so that they have the prospect of a hard work and successful career in their homeland and not anywhere else. We are starting to fight for a fair trial and the release of law enforcement agencies from political pressure to bring justice back to the people. We begin to fight for the unification of Georgia to make a whole, democratic, and well-functioning Georgia a full-fledged and worthy member of the United Nations, NATO, the international community. We have developed a detailed program for socio-economic and cultural development of the country in all directions. We will not promise anything that cannot be fulfilled and what we cannot do. Each of our promises is real and well numbered. Real politics, real steps, this is what I promise. We will not do a miracle, but we will do the best we can. During the election campaign, we will present our plans and with you, with your participation, we will give the final look at the Georgian Development Program. This time, I will stop with a couple of words about our priorities. If the priority of this government is to strengthen and maintain its own power, our priority will be the freedom and well-being of every citizen. There is no greater value than human life is. Caring for the life and health of its citizens is the primary duty of a civilized state. Today we are starting to fight to overcome the catastrophic situation in the healthcare system. For the vast majority of citizens, medical care is inaccessible. It is expensive to lie down in a hospital, expensive drugs, it is expensive to do surgery. We are today the first in Europe and in the post-Soviet space with the mortality of adults,We are today the first in the mortality rate of mothers and children under 5 years of age. Our policies in health care will be focused on people, every citizen. We will destroy monopolies and create a competitive environment. We offer a free health care insurance package to all citizens of Georgia, not every other, as the Georgian authorities promise to the people, and we know the price of its promise. Today we are starting to change the governance of the country so that all citizens have access to quality education in the shortest possible time. It is necessary to operate a school in all villages, most of which were closed under the pretext of the so-called optimization. The problem of education depends not only on the question of education, but also on the attachment of the population to the place, saving it from emptying historical corners. Many of our teachers have gone through many hardships, and in almost unpaid conditions they have not refused to perform their professional duties. Now, they fear that they may be dismissed from schools without any explanation. We promise them that they will be given the opportunity to do decent activities, have a proper salary, social protection and, most importantly, no one can be dismissed from their jobs because of personal or political motives. Today we begin the fight for putting the village on its feet. Today, the village is empty and broken in the waist. The pheasant lacks technique, seeds, lacks fuel, lacks fertilizer. We will do our best to ensure that a significant share of the rise of the Georgian economy falls on agriculture. Today, it is to the point that it is often difficult for a peasant to harvest a crop that matches taxes and other expenses. We haveWith the proper experience and upon coming to power, we will bring this experience to the flesh throughout the country. We have developed programs to put each peasant, each family, revitalize the village, which ultimately means the revival of our country. Promote the creation of farming, family and co-operative farms in the country. We will create a special fund that will help everyone who is employed in agriculture. In doing so, the peasant will be attached to the village, the youth will be stimulated, and the country will be held in the year. We are starting to ensure that retirees have such pensions that they can live with dignity; To honor our veterans of war and labor and provide them with appropriate social benefits. We have a clear plan on how to overcome and solve these problems. We are starting today to change the situation of Georgia and its entire population for the better, towards justice and equality tomorrow. We are launching a full-fledged election campaign and we are already working extensively in our country and abroad. There is a lot of talk about overcoming fear, and that Georgian voters will not be able to make free choices with electoral bins because of fear. I thought so, though today I was convinced that talking about courage and inhibition of fear with people in a city that did not scare even the most brutal invader is ridiculous. Georgians cannot be afraid of Saakashvili. In fact, this is not a fear, it is a mistrust that has arisen for our people, because many times there are many times left to be slain by politicians. So today, first of all, we have your trustExtractable. This time your hope will not be disappointing, civic dignity will not be violated. We will be with you until the end. And today, here, solemnly, I promise that I will fight with you to the end, so that we can all make our dream come true together! My dream is to have a day when my four children will live in a country where they will be judged, not based on social status, but on what they represent! Our dream is to have each person in the service of their homeland, to be happy and to be happy. Our dream is to protect all human rights, freedom of thought and freedom of speech in Georgia; The court be fair, the media - independent, business - untouchable. Our dream is to give our proud soldiers and police officers the opportunity to serve the state with dignity, not to any authorities. Our dream is a country where no one will need to move from their homeland to find Lukmapur, and Georgians scattered around the world will also return. Our dream is Georgia where our IDPs can live in their homes. Our dream is common - Georgians, Ossetians, Abkhazians, Jews, Azerbaijanis, Armenians, Russians, Greeks and other nations - to peacefully restore the unity of the country and create a country that will be acceptable to everyone! Our dream is to create a country that our contemporaries and future generations will be proud of! Our dream is to make Georgia a free, democratic, worthy member of the European community! From today, we will bring our words to our fellow citizens living in Georgia or outside Georgia; We will reach out to everyone -Every city, every region, every village! My dear people, my comrades! In this battle we need each other! Only by standing together will we win this battle! We start from today because we believe and strongly believe that we will win the elections, Georgia will win, the Georgian people will win, together we will create a better future and fulfill the Georgian Dream together. My dear people! At the end of our present meeting, once again I want to say a big thank you to everyone for coming here. Today we started an election campaign, we started with you. From tomorrow, our headquarters will be launched with full load – everywhere, throughout Georgia. We are waiting for you all! Actively engage in work! The participation of each of you is very important. We will not stop working for a second. No city, no village, no village will be left to our attention. Kutaisi is waiting for us, such rallies will be held in other cities and by autumn we will clench the whole of Georgia into one fist! We will definitely win this battle, we promise!! Remember, by winning elections in the fall, our dreams begin to be fulfilled!! ~ | 1 |
Name of Chief Executive: Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero Name of the speech: Speech by the President of the Government of Spain, José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero, at the presentation in Spain of the V CILE Date: 2010 Location: Chile Source: http://congresosdelalengua.es/valparaiso/hemeroteca/sala_prensa/discurso_zapatero.htm Madam Minister of Culture of Chile, Mr. Director of the Royal Spanish Academy, Madam Director of the Cervantes Institute, dear ladies and gentlemen, From the other side of the Atlantic, precisely from Chile, once came the song of a poet who consoled us in some of the sad moments of our history, a poet who led, as the title of one of his great works said, to "Spain in the heart": Pablo Neruda. He did so using that ancient and beautiful language in which, like Neruda, so many Chilean poets have written: Gabriela Mistral, Vicente Huidobro, Nicanor Parra, Gonzalo Rojas; a language that today is the language that communicates, the link that unites, millions of people around the planet. For Spaniards, Chile is a beloved and brotherly country with which we have shared, in addition to literary emotions, the wounds and hopes of history. And we know well what unites sharing these feelings! That is why I am so satisfied, as president of theGovernment of Spain, to be able to present the Fifth International Congress of the Spanish Language, which will be held next year 2010 in the Chilean city of Valparaíso. It is an International Congress of the Language that has been organized by the Cervantes Institute, the Royal Spanish Academy with all the American Academies and the Government of Chile, whose Minister of Culture I would like to thank very especially for the effort she has made to be here with us today. It is a Congress that reaches its fifth edition, fully consolidated as one of the most important forums to analyze the present, robust, and the future, even brighter, of our common language, of that heritage that we have in common and of which we are more proud every day. It will be a great event with no less than two hundred speakers from all Spanish-speaking countries and other areas of the world. Spanish is today one of our best certainties, the bridge over which the minds and hearts of more than half a billion human beings around the planet run; a figure that is constantly increasing, and not only for demographic reasons, but also because of the effort and work of those whohave made it one of our main hallmarks: scientists, thinkers, media, educators... Let us remember just a few facts to gauge the magnitude of our language: it is the third most spoken in the world, behind Chinese and English, and the number of Spanish speakers is growing at an annual rate of 10 per cent. It is the official language of more than twenty countries and the second in the United States, where by the middle of the twenty-first century it will be spoken by 130 million people, as we have been able to learn thanks to the excellent study promoted by Cervantes, that Atlas of Spanish in the United States, recently presented. The Spaniard therefore maintains his wide and safe course, oblivious to the turbulence, if not gales, that in these times shake us all. And it is precisely at times like the present that we can perhaps best appreciate what it means to have a language that opens the doors to the world and allows us to promote economic and cultural exchanges in global society. There is a growing interest in the possibilities of Spanish. This is demonstrated by the proliferation of studies on the economic value of our language, which highlight its importance as a source ofwealth and development for our countries. And there are tangible realities, such as that of our publishers, who are taking advantage of the opportunities offered by Spanish to build one of the most solid, modern and exciting cultural industries. The industrial fabric linked to books deserves recognition and support, both for its business efficiency and for its ability to spread our culture and our values. This is a good opportunity to highlight the effort and success of those who work in the sector, and to ask them to continue to do so with the same tenacity, despite the short-term difficulties we are experiencing. His example will be present in Chile, along with that of all those who make Spanish one of the most integrating and dynamic cultural references in the world, because the relevance and greatness of a language is the exact reflection of the way of being of those who use it and enrich it with its use. When we promote meetings like this, around a language as creative as ours and in a continuous process of expansion, to analyze how it grows and transforms, we are only looking at the growth and transformation of societies through the future.those of us who belong to ourselves. It is particularly necessary, then, to study the deployment of Spanish in the educational field, within the framework of the Knowledge Society and in Research, Development and Innovation, because here we are playing with the future of our well-being and our way of life. An effort must be made to promote the presence of Spanish on the Internet, which, although also growing, does not yet correspond to the strength it holds in other areas. I value the initiatives that are being promoted by the Cervantes Institute and other Spanish and Ibero-American institutions to achieve this objective, to increase that visibility. Strengthening our language is inseparable from the strengthening of an Ibero-American space of knowledge in which thinking, speaking and creating in Spanish is, at the same time, the faithful expression of what unites us and of the respect that Spanish speakers feel for diversity and for different identities and cultural peculiarities, because Spanish is characterized by being a welcoming language, as the Cervantes Institute is demonstrating by disseminating the richness of both the co-official languages and the Ibero-American indigenous languages, without which the greatness of our heritage is inconceivable.America has a leading role because it is naturally called upon to broaden the cartography of our language. More and more, America is going to be the laboratory and the engine of the Spanish of the future. Not surprisingly, at this meeting in Valparaíso, special attention will be paid to the implementation of Spanish language studies in non-Spanish-speaking countries, such as Brazil, where the Government has decisively promoted its teaching in a far-reaching action, or the United States, where the growth in the strength of Spanish is extraordinary. It is the America with which we are going to celebrate our common history, since from now on these Language Congresses will be part of the activities to commemorate the Bicentennials of Ibero-American Independence, which will serve to better recognize and honor our fraternity and to forge a more intense collaboration between all. The Valparaíso Congress is, in this sense, the first cultural academic act of the program of activities to commemorate the Bicentennial of Chile. In 2010, then, the great family of Spanish-speakers will meet in Chile, "long petal of the sea, and wine and snow", as Neruda himself described it. Chile, which has givena lot to this language and this culture that we share. Some of the greatest creators in the Spanish language are his and their figures are present at this Congress in the form of a well-deserved tribute to poetry: The immense, oceanic Pablo Neruda, in whose voice the voice of many men fit, committed in the deepest and most historical sense of the word, capable of looking into the eyes of others and of understanding and denouncing their suffering. Also the recognition of another great poet, Gabriela Mistral, the other Chilean Nobel Prize winner, a fighter for equality from her humble origins as a rural teacher, who vindicated her condition as a woman at a time when her word and her presence on the public scene were insignificant. Gabriela Mistral was a true lover of Spanish, feeling and spreading with intensity what she called "the adventure of the language". Together with Neruda and Mistral, another Chilean poet, Vicente Huidobro, forming one of the most powerful triads of contemporary poetry in all languages. Today, the Chilean Minister of Culture will inaugurate a plaque in Madrid in tribute to Huidobro as a testimony to the enduring mark of his work,of his solidarity with Spanish writers and of the constant relationship of friendship, forged through the word, between Chile and Spain. In the Congress of Chile, in that city with the mythical name that is Valparaíso, he will have his recognition, his grateful tribute, the clear and profound words of two other great indispensable poets of Poetry in Spanish: on the one hand, Nicanor Parra, an original, exciting poet, a poet who vindicates, through his work, life and respect for nature; a man who warns us, with shrewd delicacy, that the Earth is not ours, that "it is we who belong to the earth". And the great Gonzalo Rojas, winner of the Cervantes Prize in 2003, a poet of love, knowledge and civic awareness, is the one who tells us that "we are imagination open to great changes, and love and freedom at the same time". Chile of poets, Chile of writers and Chile also of politicians and citizens who have known how to defend and affirm civic conscience above all historical vicissitudes. From Spain, we have always shared and understood their pain and their enthusiasm, their struggle and their ability to cement a democratic, oriented societytowards justice and human dignity. Precisely, this Congress will be one of Michelle Bachelet's last official acts as president of Chile and I appreciate a symbolic dimension in that it will take place in the company of language and words, that is, the most valuable tools for democracy and freedom. Friends, I wish the Congress a success, a new tribute to Spanish, to which we owe so much, and I congratulate in advance its organizers present here: The Cervantes Institute, which offers itself as the common home of Spanish throughout the world and continues its exceptional work of disseminating our language and our culture, consolidating its presence on all continents. To the very noble and respectable Royal Spanish Academy, and the Academies of the Spanish Language of Ibero-America, who will present at this Congress the Academic Dictionary of Americanisms, an important contribution to the knowledge of the plural and diverse reality of our language. And, of course, to the Government of Chile, which has welcomed this initiative with great affection and is making a great effort, a poetic effort, to make the Congress as relevant as it iswere the previous four. I am sure that it will be so, a memorable appointment for the future of our language, for our future, because, as Gabriela Mistral wrote, "a language is a space to go out to meet another; the best of us is there." Thanks a lot. | 0 |
The Sydney Morning Herald
Tony Abbott's final speech as Prime Minister of Australia
Updated September 15, 2015 — 1.46pmfirst published at 12.53pm
https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/tony-abbotts-final-speech-as-prime-minister-of-australia-20150915-gjmx45.html
Thank you for being here.
This is not an easy day for many people in this building. Leadership changes are never easy for our country. My pledge today is to make this as easy as I can.
There will be no wrecking, no undermining and no sniping. I've never leaked or backgrounded against anyone and I certainly won't start now.
Our country deserves better than that.
I want our government and our country to succeed. I always have and I always will. I've consistently said in opposition and in government that being the prime minister is not an end in itself; it's about the people you serve. The great privilege that I have had is to see the wonder of this country like few others. And I want to thank the Australian people for giving me the honour to serve.
Yes, this is a tough day, but when you join the game, you accept the rules. I've held true to what I've believed and I'm proud of what we've achieved over the past two years.
Three-hundred thousand more people are in jobs. Labor's bad taxes are gone. We've signed free trade agreements with our largest trading partners, with Japan, with Korea and with China.
The biggest infrastructure program in our country's history is under way. A spotlight is being shone into the dark and corrupt corners of the union movement and Labor's party-union business model.
We've responded to the threats of terror and we've deployed to the other side of the world to bring our loved ones home.
The boats have stopped and with the boats stopped, we've been better able to display our compassion to refugees. And despite hysterical and unprincipled opposition, we've made $50 billion of repairs to the budget.
Of course, there's much that I had still wanted to do. Constitutional recognition of Indigenous people. Getting the kids to school, the adults to work and communities safe. I was the first prime minister to spend a week a year in remote Indigenous Australia and I hope I'm not the last.
Then there's the challenge of ice and domestic violence yet to be addressed. Australia has a role to play in the struggles of the wider world: the cauldron of the Middle East; and security in the South China Sea and elsewhere.
I fear that none of this will be helped if the leadership instability that's plagued other countries continues to taint us. But yes, I am proud of what the Abbott Government has achieved. We stayed focused despite the white-anting.
Of course, the government wasn't perfect. We have been a government of men and women, not a government of gods walking upon the earth. Few of us, after all, entirely measure up to expectations.
The nature of politics has changed in the past decade. We have more polls and more commentary than ever before. Mostly sour, bitter, character assassination. Poll-driven panic has produced a revolving-door prime ministership which can't be good for our country. And a febrile media culture has developed that rewards treachery.
And if there's one piece of advice I can give to the media, it's this: refuse to print self-serving claims that the person making them won't put his or her name to. Refuse to connive at dishonour by acting as the assassin's knife.
There are many to thank for the privilege of being Prime Minister. First and foremost, I thank my family for allowing me to be the absentee spouse and parent that politics entails. I thank Margie for her grace and dignity throughout my public life. I thank my party for the privilege of leading it. I thank the armed forces who are serving our country and defending our values, even as we speak.
I think my staff, who have been absolutely unceasing in their devotion to our party and our country, especially my chief of staff, who has been unfairly maligned by people who should've known better.
Finally, I thank my country for the privilege of service. It is humbling to lose, but that does not compare to the honour of being asked to lead.
In my maiden speech here in this Parliament, I quoted from the first Christian service ever preached here in Australia. The reverend Richard Johnson took as his text 'What shall I render unto the Lord for all his blessings to me?'
At this, my final statement as Prime Minister, I say: I have rendered all and I am proud of my service. My love for this country is as strong as ever and may God bless this great Commonwealth.
Thank you. | 0 |
SPEECH of the President of Romania, Traian Basescu, at the conference on "Germany and Romania - partners in Europe" (Berlin, November 10, 2011) Hello. I begin by thanking the Minister, the Vice-President, the Professor, and all of you for the opportunity you give me to present some thoughts, but not only thoughts, and some facts that have happened or will happen in Romania. Of course, I will not miss the opportunity to express my point of view on the crisis and on the Europe of today and tomorrow. But, above all, I am in Berlin together with a delegation whose first objective is to strengthen the Romanian-German bilateral relationship. If we look at the figures, as presented by Minister Westerwelle, they show us that, at least from Romania's point of view, Germany is a first-rate strategic partner. Last year, trade between Romania and Germany - I recall, in a year of crisis - was 14 billion euros, and they were balanced, without consistent deficits on one side or the other. This year the growth is almost explosive, and it was presented by Minister Westerwelle, we have increases in trade of 18% to 30%. This means that,for Romania at least, Germany is a vital partner. We have no doubt that such figures are also important for Germany. But, very important is that the realities of last year and this year mark the perspective. It is obvious that Romania and Germany are linked not only politically, economically, and by history, but also by the minorities of the two countries living on the territory of the other state. I would say that, beyond being for us the first trading partner within the European Union, Germany has assumed, together with us, our path towards the EU. We joined the European Union on 1 January 2007, but from entry to full integration is also a long road, in which Germany is one of our main partners and supporters. If we come to today, because such a meeting cannot fail to bring us to what is happening today in Europe, and not only in Europe, I would say that in everything we do we must take into account a fundamental word, valid also for politicians, valid also for our peoples, And that word is trust. The first element that everyone, from heads of state to ordinary people, needs.And, if we refer to what is in the bilateral relationship, I must tell you that it seems to me that, at least from a political and economic point of view, this relationship is already defined by the word trust. I, and I have also noticed in the discussions with President Wulff, and in the discussions with Chancellor Angela Merkel, and in the discussions I had with German politicians, that both of us trust each other's policy, but we also trust our economies. I am confident that the Romanian economy can continue to be a good partner for the German economy and market, as I am convinced, and you are confident that the performance of the German economy has a reliable partner in the Romanian economy and in the Romanian market. But, at least as far as we are concerned, we understand that the stage at which the Romanian economy is is not enough and the fundamental problem on which we have focused our efforts in the last 2-3 years is the increase in the competitiveness of the Romanian economy. In fact, the results that are measured in the figures that show Romania's macroeconomic stabilization after the 2009 slippage, can only be the result that we ourselves had in the Romanian economy through consistent structural adjustments that allowedreturn to a stabilised macroeconomic system. Of course, stabilization is not enough. We need to consolidate this stability, and it can only be done by continuing the policies to increase the competitiveness of the Romanian economy. As far as we are concerned, we are convinced that each country within the European Union, implicitly Romania, has the obligation to look at its policies through the prism of two areas. The first is the one related to the national effort. We must understand, and Romania has understood and demonstrates that it has understood this in the last two years, that a stronger Europe does not mean waiting for the structural funds to come, waiting for the funds for the common agricultural policy to come and being content to develop on these resources. It is categorically insufficient. Our contribution to the consolidation of the European Union is primarily linked to the national effort. A consistent contribution to the future of the European Union is not possible without a consistent national effort. As far as we are concerned, we understood that the national effort must be materialized by increasing competitiveness, but simply stating the concept of increasing competitiveness is not enough. You can all witness what, for example, Romania did in a very difficult year, in 2010,precisely to become a more competitive country. We have adopted four new codes for justice: the Civil Code, the Code of Civil Procedure, the Criminal Code, the Code of Criminal Procedure. Not only have we adopted them, the new Civil Code is already a reality that works in the Romanian justice system, and we are gradually introducing all the Codes for the modernization of justice, understanding in this way to respond not only to the needs of Romanian citizens for a more efficient justice, but also to the frequent requests of the business community. We want a more efficient, faster, fairer justice, with results as quickly as possible. Also in what is called increasing competitiveness, we found, after evaluations that went many years ago, that the Romanian education system generated too much unemployment at the end of college or at the end of high school. This led us to a radical amendment of the Education Law that began to be implemented with the beginning of the 2011-2012 school year. The essence of this new education law was to bring education closer to the needs of the economy, leaving much of the curriculum, which until now was established at the level of the Ministry, to adapt the training to the regional economic needs. And I can also tell you the percentage, 25% of the study hours areleft to the discretion of each school for the adaptation of the curriculum. An essential step taken last year and which has already entered into force - note that last year we adopted and implemented many laws - was the amendment of the Labor Code. The Labor Code had become a brake on the economy through extremely rigid approaches to the dismissal and hiring of the workforce. The new Labor Code profoundly liberalized the labor force, on the labor market while establishing extremely severe sanctions, including criminal sanctions, for the use of undeclared labor. I can tell you that the results have been exceptional. In a very short time, more than 200 thousand employment contracts came to the surface, reducing the use of undeclared labor. But these are the good ones. I can also tell you about the bad things we did last year, about the ones assumed with a heavy heart by politicians, but convinced that there was no other solution. Here too, it was about the drastic measures to reduce the costs of functioning of the state and the exaggerated social costs in relation to Romania's potential. Salaries in the public sector have been reduced by 25%. From last yearAnd so far, 183 thousand employees have been laid off in the public sector, a public sector that had 1.4 million employees and the objective is to reach 1.1 million by the end of next year - 1.1 million that also include teachers, and doctors, and the army, and the police and all state institutions, including the local administration. Also, in the social sector, social aids have been reduced by more than 15%, and at the moment we have a law that reduces social programs from 54 to 9 social programs at national level. The objective of this reduction is to address those who really need social protection because they cannot and do not address in an exaggerated way those who could work, but it is better to receive social aid from the state. if you have noticed, although there were street demonstrations, they were at a limit of what was bearable, which is why, here in Berlin, I would like to thank the Romanians for understanding the major command that Romania had last year and this year. Namely: a stateleaner, less spending, as well as social aid better focused so that resources can go to development. I can tell you that from a political point of view it was extremely difficult and expensive to carry out such a program, of structural adjustment. It was difficult and politically costly, but those who ultimately bore the costs directly were the 22 million Romanians. The fact that Romanians have understood that we cannot advance without a high-performance Romania and that we must take measures, which we have not taken for 20 years, believing that the welfare state is something that comes to us by itself, is the great gain of this crisis, the great gain for Romania. I repeat, Romanians are not happy about the measures that have been taken, because nobody likes austerity, but from the behavior of this nation I understand that it has accepted the idea that we cannot spend more than we produce. As for the figures, in order to see the impact of these measures that I have talked about, I can tell you that in 2010 Romania's budget deficit, of the consolidated state budget, was 6.5 percent, this year we will have a deficit below4.4 percent, and the budget already passed in the first reading by the Government has a deficit for 2012 of 1.9 percent, and our goal is to have 2013 with a zero budget deficit. The external debt is 33% of the gross domestic product, so we still have room to borrow, but we have found something that I think everyone has noticed outside the Eurozone: it is not enough to have a low degree of indebtedness, you also have to find cheap money when you want to borrow, and today money has become more and more expensive, which makes us very cautious in increasing the public debt of the eurozone. Romania. Moreover, not only is money expensive, but you risk not finding it when you need it, as a result of the direct capital flows mainly to Asia lately. So the lesson of the crisis for us was to reanalyze the concept of the welfare state. My conclusion, which is not yet ideologically adopted by anyone, but is implemented at least by the ruling parties, is that you cannot build a welfare state before making a high-performance state, and our goal now is the high-performance state.I have another conclusion that I would like to tell you as a head of state, as a man responsible for his nation during his mandate: the Maastricht criteria are not a guarantee that once fulfilled you can also perform. This was probably one of the big problems that led to such gaps within the eurozone. That is why, although we have not changed our objective of integrating into the euro area in 2015, it is clear to us that we could relatively easily meet the Maastricht criteria, if we look at the budget deficit and the degree of indebtedness, this crisis has shown us that without a well-functioning economy it is useless to meet the Maastricht criteria. This is the reason why, if you look at the official program announced for the next period, Romania has resumed privatization processes, particularly targeting two sectors: energy and transport - especially rail transport. Of course, I will not talk about what is already happening with European money - the launch of the highway construction program and so on - but we have large coal-fired energy complexes and it is clear to us that their yields and pollution levels must also be brought up to modern standards. That is why it wasWe have taken the decision to privatize large coal-fired power complexes in the next period and here, I dare say, we are particularly interested in German investors who own coal-fired power generation technologies. We know that there are modern technologies in Germany and, if you want, take it as an invitation, at least look at the privatization offer in Romania in terms of electricity production - a sector that, until this year, was not offered for privatization. We are also interested in the privatization of rail transport. Of course, we know that there are not too many interested in passenger transport, but the Romanian Railways Freight Transport Company will be offered very soon for privatization. We also believe that, given Germany's tradition in rail transport, Romania's rail transport company can be of great interest. So that there is no confusion, in Romania there is a company that manages the infrastructure, another company that manages the passenger transport and another company that manages the freight transport. Last but not least, Romania does not capitalize on agricultural potential, agricultural production, at the parameters at which it could be capitalized. Already this year, for example, we have reached quite a lot of agricultural production.I would say comparable to those in the developed states of the European Union, in terms of agricultural production, but the processing industry is very poorly developed. Therefore, another area of favorable investments, given that the raw material is located in Romania, is the food industry. And we know that there is interest in Germany in the development of organic food production. Last but not least, I want, especially due to the appearance of articles - surprisingly for me - in the mainstream press in the European Union, to highlight the opportunities for investment in tourism. For those who don't know, 30% of Romania's forests are still virgin forests. Forests untouched by man, which can be of extraordinary tourist interest. Not only the forests, but also the beauty of the country is conducive to the development of agrotourism, to the enhancement of what we still have untouched by civilization, but in a civilized way, in a civilized tourism. It can be done, of course, with fairly consistent investments. We have policies to stimulate such investments, but it is clear that Romania alone does not have the capacity to quickly capitalize on these advantages. Last but not least, because we are in a bank with which we have a special tradition in collaboration, Deutsche Bank,I have to express my small surprise that we still don't have any German bank in Romania. Of course, we benefit from many Greek, Austrian, Italian, French banks, but we would also like a German bank, if possible. There were a few things I wanted to tell you about Romania, I want to touch on a subject that has not always been dear to us: corruption. If I didn't talk about him, there might be a suspicion that I'm running away from him. I am not running away from it, those who know what is happening in Romania can confirm that the Romanian institutions, the prosecutor's office, the police, are becoming more and more efficient in the fight against corruption, in the fight against organized crime and at the moment, I, as head of state, admitting that we have not yet solved the problem of corruption at a satisfactory level, I must tell you that it is starting to be difficult for us to hear labels: "there is corruption in Romania". I want to tell you that the fight against corruption has become more and more efficient and we would be very happy if the companies that possibly know about acts of corruption would tell us with whom the act of corruption occurred, under what circumstances. Because it would help us enormously if we were informed who conditioned an actof receiving bribes or undue benefits. It is just a parenthesis that I wanted to make, I repeat, we are concerned about the phenomenon and we are fighting against it, we have never given extenuating circumstances to officials, but there is another thing that confuses us. Many times - and we must admit this - we have officials who are not trained to the standards of officials in the European Union. Unfortunately, we did not notice in time, in the 90s, the need to have well-trained state officials. I noticed it late, I noticed it when I was already in full contact with Europe, with companies that wanted to make investments and many times their bureaucratic approaches or ignorance generated the feeling that they did not want to do it, waiting for something. It is an explanation that I give myself, without saying that Romania has solved the problem of corruption. But I want to assure you that the efforts are huge in this regard, and when I say huge, I say it with all responsibility. I would conclude by saying a few words about what I, the head of a state on the edge of Europe, think about the European Union: it is the only boat in which we can all save ourselves. No one is saved individually. My belief is that we,Europeans, we have two perspectives. One, to be at the helm of the globalization process, along with two or three other major players, or the other, to be in the area where we react to the processes generated by globalization. If we want to be at the helm of the globalisation process, we only have the solution of a well-integrated Europe, a united Europe. If we want to be where the effects of globalization are endured, we have only to be divided and believe that we can save each of us individually. No one will be saved individually, neither Germany, nor Romania, nor Hungary, nor Poland, and in the end, Germany will not be very important either. All of us together, the European Union of half a billion citizens, can be at the helm of globalisation. None of us, however, individually, can be there. That is why Romania pleads for the courage to assume the United States of Europe as a medium and long-term objective, an objective that must be achieved step by step, through successive amendments to the Treaty, so that the conditions of the Treaty allow us an accelerated integration process, but strictly controlled from the point of view of the performance of eachCountries. This is what, in a few words, I would say that we all need equally - Romania and Germany; equally, to France and Italy. And I would conclude by saying that I have confidence in Europe. Thank you very much. Department of Public Communication 10 November 2011 | 0 |
Viktor Orbán's speech at Kossuth Square April 23, 2002 I greet you all and all of us with affection. Those who have come and those who are with us at home. We all know what happened on the seventh of April. On the seventh of April, the first round of elections, there were also many of us. There have never been so many of us as there were on that day. Two million three hundred thousand of us professed faith in our common cause, in the Hungary of civil society, and voted for civic cooperation. For the first time since the collapse of socialism, the ruling party alliance received more trust and love after four years of work than it had four years earlier. We not only preserved the trust of the supporters of the FKGP, the Hungarian Democratic Forum and Fidesz in 1998, but also increased it with the trust of another two hundred thousand citizens. Consider that four years ago, in 1998, the outgoing government lost the trust of one million people. Dear friends, on the seventh of April there were many of us, but still not enough. There were not enough of us there for the civic future to gain confidence from Hungary for another four years already in the first round. Although we won in twelve out of twelve counties, it was a balanced result. Why weren't enough of us there? First of all, perhaps because tens of thousands of people with FKGP sentiments were, I believe, filled with sadness and despair what happened to the party closest to their hearts. I believe that tens of thousands of agricultural people stayed at home because they were discouragedfrom elections. For them, however, elections are particularly high. I ask them to remember that under the previous government, we could only prevent land from being handed over to foreign hands through referendum initiatives. I ask them to believe that without them we will not be able to protect Hungarian farmland. Why were not enough of us there, Ladies and Gentlemen? Why weren't we enough? Secondly, perhaps because there were many people who could forget what happened in Hungary between 1994 and 1998. There may have been hundreds of thousands of people who forgot that in 1994 the majority believed the soaring election promises and received a Bokros package in exchange for their trust. I ask them to think together about how difficult it was for families when child benefit, GYES, was taken away from many people, GYED was abolished, tuition fees were introduced, and the value of pensions was ruined. Dear friends, ladies and gentlemen, Anger is a bad counsellor! I ask you not to be angry, just remember, just remember. Remember: if we don't learn from our mistakes, they are not worth committing. Those who do not remember the past are doomed to relive it. Why weren't enough of us there? Third, perhaps because there were those who were afraid. Because many, perhaps hundreds of thousands, have been enmeshed by fear-mongering professionals. For months, people have been alarmed that the minimum wage has been raisedHundreds of thousands are losing their jobs. Then with the government taking away the free Sabbath. Then with millions of foreign workers arriving in Hungary. Let us remember: for months now, people have been alarmed by the non-existent racism, anti-Semitism and persecution of Gypsies that have engulfed them all. They projected the spectre of a fascistic country ejected from Europe. So, dear friends, ladies and gentlemen, this is freedom: anything can be destroyed with it, and everything can be built with it. I believe that hundreds of thousands of people did not actually vote against us, but against the dark nightmares. I ask them to come together and consider whether the election results prove that the fever dream is over. The people of Hungary have once again proved that our country is a free and democratic country, where no one can be disadvantaged or privileged because of their birth or origin. The Hungarian people have once again proved that our country can compete with any Western European country when it comes to freedom, democracy, human dignity and self-respect. It has been proven that the citizens of Hungary are not racist or hateful, Hungary its citizens just want to live, they want to live as Hungarians in Europe. Ladies and Gentlemen, Those of us gathered here ask Hungary citizens to continue what we started four years ago, to continue building civic Hungary. Do not forget, often failure is caused bycauses the horse to be pulled back while jumping. Four years ago, we were moving out of a world where benefits were promised instead of decent work and income. We set out from a world where having children meant poverty for many, and we started out of a world where the Hungarian entrepreneur started the competition at a miles disadvantage compared to his foreign competitor. We have started to move out of a world where pensioners' pensions were ruined and if they worked, they were punished with taxes. We finally started to get out of the world where the uphill roads were blocked with tuition fees for those from below. And we set out to emerge from a world where the Hungarian farmer was abandoned and condemned to an unequal struggle. We started our way out of a world where the power of circumstances overcame our souls again and again and held our hands. We started to get out of a world where we were always told why we couldn't do anything. We finally began to believe in ourselves, in each other, and in the power of our common will. That is why the country is being built, tens of thousands of homes are being built, roads, bridges and railways are being built. This is why the National Theatre is already standing, Millenáris has been built, the National Museum has been renewed, this is why the bridge between Esztergom and Štúrovo is renewed, and why there is a status law and a Hungarian university. Ladies and Gentlemen, dear friends, HeadedOut of a world where we feared rather than trusted in what the future would bring. And we have entered the world where the Széchenyi Plan could be born, to tame, make the future predictable, tangible and secure. The Széchenyi Plan has been born, which helps, encourages and unites the disintegrating will of all of us: millions of Hungarians. And we have entered a world where big capital and financial capital dressed as socially sensitive parties no longer form governments. We have entered a world where, since 1998, self-conscious citizens have restored their rights and strengthened their communities. Because it is good not to forget that Hungary form of government is a republic and not a joint-stock company. Of course, ladies and gentlemen, we Hungarians, our homeland, also need significant large capital and financial capital, but it must operate in its proper place and within its sphere of responsibility. It is the responsibility of the governments of the day to create peace and harmony between big capital and citizens in mutual interests, and governments have the duty to always be on the side of citizens. And we have entered a world where Hungarian entrepreneurs can finally become general contractors in building their own homeland. Of course, we also need foreign capital. We absolutely need. But their interests must not take precedence over those of Hungarian entrepreneurs, because Hungarian small and medium-sized enterprises give to two million people and their familiesthe opportunity to earn a living. And we have entered that world - Ladies and Gentlemen, - where we all boldly and openly profess that the homeland is more than ten million Hungary. We have entered a world where we can work boldly and openly for the cross-border reunification of the Hungarian nation in culture, economy and public life. We have entered a world that most closely resembles a busy railway station, from where more and more trains depart into the future. If someone did not reach one, feel free to board the next. With the abolition of general tuition, tens of thousands of young people got on the train to the civilian world. More and more modern trains are departing and reaching their destination faster and faster. Today, eighty thousand people take advantage of student loans. Some were looking for the train of creating a home instead. On the first train, the builders of new apartments traveled. The second train could be climbed by second-hand home buyers. And for those for whom even this ticket turned out to be expensive, who were seated on the flight to ten thousand new rental apartments. We don't need a new timetable, it's worth scrolling through the existing one, everyone can find their own train in it. In recent weeks, we have heard a lot about division. But if as many of us have come together like never before in Hungary for any cause, let us say this: uniting the country's citizens with political rhetoric is notbut can be done by deeds. With programs and actions that we all support, in which everyone sees their potential and that of their families. Cooperation can be created not with promises, but with loans, subsidies and social housing necessary for home creation. Cooperation can be created not with words, but by abolishing tuition fees and introducing student loans. Cooperation can be created not with words, but with family tax allowances, GYED and education support. And cooperation, Ladies and Gentlemen, is not possible with the Bokros package, but with the Széchenyi Plan. Joining forces is all well and good, but it is not enough. We want more: national unity. The unity of the nation will only be born from cooperation if all of us, regardless of party affiliation, can say yes. The world from which we started has been squeezed by genders, the world we have arrived in is made spacious by yeses. Those who always say no can't because they can't build a future. He who always sees only shadows may block the path of light. Ladies and Gentlemen, We stand on the border of two worlds. We have to choose. My advice to you is: let us say yes to civic values together. Life is more than that, because life - ladies and gentlemen, dear friends - is more than just a struggle to make ends meet. What makes it more beautiful makes it beautiful. Let us say yes to family, to children, to freedom, to human dignity, to our faith, and let us say yes tofor our country! And you can all hear that from all these yeses, national unity will be born. Ladies and Gentlemen, dear friends, So let us ask the most important question: what is the task? We have come together today, so many of us have come together so poignantly, that our voices will be heard far away. So many of us have come together to make our voices reach those who did not recall the years between 1994 and '98 before their decision in the first round of elections. We ask them to remember. So many of us have come together to reach the farmers in the countryside who stayed home on April 7. So many of us have come together to give our voices to those who have been deceived by nightmares. So that they can hear our voices in the farthest corners of the country, so that they can feel that they are not alone, because we are with them. This is important: we are with them, and this is important, very important, but not enough! I am glad that we managed to fulfill our first commitment at the University of Physical Education. After all, we agreed to meet again and everyone would bring at least one person with them, and everyone would bring at least one with them. This is important, very important, but still not enough, because the decisive moment will come on Sunday, 21 April, when we will respond to theKey question: No or yes? And not only here we have to say yes, on that day we have to bring everyone who wants to say yes. Those who are here now must be there, and everyone must bring at least one more person with them on Sunday. There must be more of us every day until the elections. What we started at the University of Physical Education and continued here today must live on, because on 21 April there must be not only more of us than ever before, but just enough. If there are enough of us, and perhaps this is the most important thing, if there are enough, it will happen. The civilian forces will win and Hungary will win. And now, - Ladies and Gentlemen, dear friends! - before saying goodbye to you, I would like to say what is most important and which perhaps has a much stronger validity than just one election. Please listen to me and, if you can, take the following thought with you. There may always be those who hate you. But they can only win if you hate them too. Therefore, we believe in the power of love and cooperation. So we believe and continue to believe in the power of love and cooperation. God bless them all! Go Hungary! Go Hungarians! | 1 |
http://gov.ro/ro/stiri/participarea-premierului-dacian-ciolo-la-deschiderea-bucharest-forum Discourse by PM Dacian Ciolos at the opening of the Bucharest Forum 3,170 words Dacian Ciolos: First of all, I would like to thank the Aspen Institute for what it has been doing in recent years, as Mr. Geoana said, also putting through these kinds of debates, Romania on the map of regional and international forums and creating an environment for in-depth debate both through the content, but also through the way it is organized, a debate that I think we need more and more. Beyond what is happening, I know, in the media, in civil society, in the discussions that take place more or less in-depth or superficial, I think that we need from time to time moments when we can sit down and discuss, we can simply exchange opinions, in order to have a deeper understanding of the challenges we face. And I propose that I structure my brief intervention on the skeleton proposed by the Aspen Institute for this debate which, as far as I understand, intends to develop the debate around the ideas of stability, resilience and opportunity - three things that are, of course,my point of view, successive but related to each other. And of course, I said, resistance-resilience, because we can translate the word resilience in English as resistance, but I think that in the Romanian sense it is good to use the term resilience as well, and I will come back to this. First of all, we are talking about stability, and here I would make the difference, from my point of view, stability does not mean stagnation. Having a stable framework means having well-established roots to be able to grow, to develop and to be able to structure. And around this idea and this objective we have structured our governing program from the beginning because we said that in this rather volatile environment both from a political point of view, and from an economic point of view, so from this regional environment of which we are a part, quite volatile, we need in Romania more than ever signs of stability precisely to give perspective and development, And all the more signs of stability in an election year, of stability, balance and objectivity as much as is possible when you are pushed to make decisions, to make decisions in some moments in order to be able toit goes on. And also from this perspective, I repeat, because I have said it several times over the last few months, but I feel the need to say it once again, also from this perspective and I personally said at the beginning that I assume this position of Prime Minister of Romania this year and for this mandate and precisely to strengthen this objective that we have set for ourselves, of stability, balance, objectivity, I have also said that I will not run in this year's parliamentary elections and I will not join a political party or I will not create a political party precisely in order to be able to focus my credibility, as much as I have it, my energy towards a project, even if it is short-lived, that would give meaning to this stability, but who can and push things further, using all the positive, constructive, proactive forces that want to support or get involved in this project. Of course, this does not mean that there is no life after the parliamentary elections. I hope there will be an active life. Of course, there are projects that have been started and that we will not be able to complete until the end of this mandate, but it seemed to meimportant and significant to be able to give this signal. So, stability was a priority assumed by this government and, from our point of view, this stability, which should not be stagnant or not mean stagnation, we wanted to accompany it with signs of predictability, predictability in economic policies, in fiscal policies, predictability in the decisions we structure. Because the prospects, the development potential is not capitalized by economic or social agents who can make the most of these resources, if there is no predictability. And I believe that stability, together with predictability, creates a minimum framework necessary to encourage those who can capitalize on these resources to do so. To invest and invest in such projects. That is why we have assumed the continuity of some reforms where we felt that they were going in the right direction and where we saw signs that they were going in the right direction. That is why we have applied measures that were decided by the parliament in the past years and started to be implemented by the previous governments, in the field of economic policies, fiscal policies, social policies. But, at the same time, we have also launched new reforms, whichWe considered them necessary, or we launched new reforms or because we considered them necessary and indispensable, even, to enhance the potential for economic development and social reform. And I am thinking here first of all of the field of public administration, of the state in general, where even if we have not been able to achieve the ambitions we had at the beginning and due to the political framework specific to this year, but we have shown signs of a different way of doing administration, or at least of a desire to do administration differently, an administration that is more open to the citizen, more transparent, more objective and more efficiency-oriented. But here too it is only a beginning and a much deeper approach is needed, which clearly, clearly needs political support not only declaratively, but assumed for the changes that we can declare that we support now in an election year, but that it is more difficult to support when it comes to putting them into practice. But certainly, from my point of view, it is inevitable in Romania in the short term in the immediate future a reform of the administration, in which we have to decide very clearly how we combine the political objectivesof some parties and governments, which reflect the vision of the parties with the role of the public administration to implement these policies. And not only to implement these policies during a government's mandate, but also to ensure a minimum of continuity, because without this we cannot talk about stability, we cannot talk about predictability and without this we cannot do politics and development in the long term, but only a short-term partisan policy with an electoral objective once every four years or as we have, once every two years, two years or so, because we have also interspersed the presidential elections between the parliamentary elections. So there is almost no second year in which you do not have an electoral approach, if we do not find another mechanism to combine political objectives with implementation structures. But beyond that, also for stability, predictability we also need the trust of citizens, and from my point of view the public administration should not only be an instrument of the government to implement the policies of that government, but also be a clear instrument of connection, of connection in real time and on real-time problemsbetween society, between citizens and between those who govern or public institutions. Because, otherwise, without this connection, trust decreases slowly, slowly, as much as it exists, and, at a certain moment, we look at each other with suspicion continuously. Public institutions look suspiciously at citizens, taxpayers. And, in turn, citizens look with suspicion at the ability of the state, of public institutions to work in their interest. We have been forced, determined to launch reforms or to continue certain reforms in some areas where crises have arisen. Crises have arisen, from my point of view, precisely because a critical mass of needs for change and reform has accumulated, which have been swept under the rug for a long time precisely because there was this electoral succession and which, at a certain point, come to the surface. And in this way we had to approach things in the field of health, where the expectations were very high to do a lot of things in the short term and where we assumed some things. First of all, the people in the system - and that is why we wanted to approach the salary policy in a coherent and clear way. We are talking not only about percentage salary increases, but about a rebalancingof the health salary system, a process that we have started and that must be continued, but also in the health infrastructure part, where it is clear, at the moment, that we will not be able to talk about a non-performing health system, but functional, without having a long-term and coherent approach to investments in the health field, investments in health infrastructure, and I am thinking here, first of all, of hospitals. And we have an approach here, I think it will be for the first time, let's hope that there will be continuity, but it will be the first time that we will approach investments from a strategic perspective. In general, investments in the health sector were decided from one year to another, each minister decided at the beginning of the year where to give more money, to which county, to which hospital. We want to have a coherent multiannual approach, to combine the possibilities that the state has to invest in the medium term in health infrastructure with partnerships with the private sector. And here I want to emphasize, once again, it is not about the privatization of the health system, but it is about a partnership in the construction of the basic infrastructure in health, of buildings, effectively,of hospitals where, as such systems work in other countries, you can have a partnership in which a private person comes and invests in that building. After investing, he makes a contract with the state. He, as an investor, will also manage the respective infrastructure, which he will make available to the state, to the public health system, which will come with the equipment, which will come with the staff and which will apply its health policy, the health programs in buildings that will be privately managed and for which the state will pay a kind of rent, leasing for a period of several decades. It is a way to make better use of resources and to ensure a better performance of the administration of these buildings, these infrastructures. Also with an integrated approach in this idea of stability and continuity, of predictability, but with more efficiency, we also looked at the way we approached the construction of this anti-poverty program or a program of coherent social policies, which would lead these social policies towards certain objectives, towards a better integration, both social, but also economic, of those who are disadvantaged or those with problems. And here we started fromInstruments already existing in public policies, some financed from the national budget, others from European funds, which we have put together in a coherent vision, much clearer, more understandable for the beneficiaries or for those who have to apply them at local or regional level. And also in this idea of continuity, we also approached the investment policy, both public investments and the stimulation of private investments, in the sense that, in public investments, we wanted to ensure the continuity of the development of the projects that have been started. I am referring here, first of all, to transport infrastructure, road transport infrastructure more precisely, where we did not have the ambition to launch new projects at any cost only for reasons of visibility or PR, but we wanted to ensure continuity on the projects that have been started and which, very many of them, have been blocked, for various administrative reasons, when I took over the government. And, at the moment, I can say that work is being done on practically all the construction sites in the road transport infrastructure, but also on the rail transport infrastructure, where we have ongoing projects. We have also continued the very clear approach not only for our internal need, but also to givethe clear signal abroad that Romania remains committed to the fight against corruption and to supporting the justice reform, where we have also come up with a strategic approach, on the one hand, we have finalized the anti-corruption strategy and we wanted to have a very applied and very clear strategy for the institutions that would apply it, but we have also taken the decision to operationalize that agency for the recovery of confiscated assets, which we had on paper for a long time, which was not functional and due to its non-functionality the decisions of the justice system were not always very efficient either. And also with the idea of stability, predictability, we have also started to work on a vision of economic development that we have called "Competitive Romania", which we have submitted to public debate, and I would like to thank Mr. Vasile Iuga for the support he has given us by moderating objectively and professionally the debate we wanted to launch around these ideas-projects that we have proposed. The objective now, after we have completed this debate and we have a document, is to transfer the result of this action to the presidential commission that will work on the country project to propose this strategy, this vision as a starting pointof the economic and development component of this country project. Speaking now of resilience, of resistance, I differentiate between resistance and resilience because resistance in my sense means braking or it can mean braking, resisting change, resisting evolution out of fear, fear of uncertainty, out of insecurity, and I differentiate it from the term resilience, which means the ability to resist changes but without stopping them from having the effect or the energies of change, to avoid disturbing a certain coherence in the process of development due to these energies of change, to cope with aversions without disturbing the process of development. And here I think that first of all to talk about resilience in Romania, given the geostrategic, geopolitical context, the volatile evolution that we see of the economy at regional level, at international level, I think that we still need to have in the center of attention what was brought to light as an expectation, including from society at the end of last year, namely, the way we do politics, the way the parties approach politics and approach the relationship with society in this idea of ensuring development. I still believe that we have an opportunity, I would say,in which we still do not have extremist parties/.../ not only as a façade, to attract the electorate at the time of elections, but in depth, in substance, in the way of approaching, as I said, the functioning of the state, the relationship with the citizens, the economic development policy. And I believe not only that we need new faces, we also need another way of approaching the relationship with the citizen from a political point of view. I, at least, personally feel that people need honesty and weakness very much and when you want to say things directly, I think the problem is not if you say them directly, but the sincerity and honesty with which you say them and the way you then reflect what you said in what you do and in what you are. And I don't think this is that difficult, and despite or beyond the specific way of functioning of the parties and their need to be financed in a certain way, to ensure a continuity of their territorial structures, I think we need at the moment a positive, constructive imagination to find solutions in such a way as to make these parties work morealmost in relation to the citizen. And here, from my point of view, it's not just a Romanian problem, it's not just a Romanian problem, it's a feeling that I had during the four and a half years, in which I visited practically all the member states. But I think that in Romania more than in other parts of Europe, precisely because we still don't have parties in politics with a profoundly populist and extremist approach, even if there may be signs in some of them of trying to attract a potential electorate or to stimulate it in this direction, so I think it's not too late to be able to make this reform. And from my point of view, Romania's resilience as a state and as a power, its capacity for development in the coming years will depend a lot on how we approach this reform in politics. Of course, here I was talking about regional perspectives. As Mr. Geoana said, Romania is in a region where it has no choice, it cannot stand aside, it must play a role, it is pushed to play a role, because from the point of view of economic relevance, of size, as a people, as a state,we are expected to be involved in regional stability and balance and here we also have the chance of this transatlantic partnership, of very good collaboration within NATO, and I believe – I will come back to this subject – of the opportunity to become a much more relevant actor at European level in the European Union, but here, I think that to the extent that we, in Romania, we have a clear idea and a clear reading of the situation in the region, to the extent that we have this clarity, we will also be able to capitalize on the relevance we have in this area, and this is the way we approached the preparation for the NATO Summit in Warsaw this year and the proposals we made and that we now have to materialize. This is the way we approached the strategic partnership with the US, both from the point of view of security, where we are talking at the moment about tangible results, and probably precisely because they are tangible results, we also have certain reactions from certain parts of the region, but where I had the opportunity to discuss with our partners in Washington, with the United States Embassy here, precisely to growThe relevance of this partnership we need to strengthen now, in addition to this security component, to strengthen the economic component in the strategic partnership with the United States. And it is also here that we need to look at or approach things from this perspective and in the way we play our cards, so to speak, in the Black Sea area, both from a security perspective and from an economic perspective, and I hope that this topic will be debated and deepened because, I think this is one of the most relevant places where such discussions can take place. We are talking about security, I am certainly thinking of energy, the ability to ensure energy security, and to become a player in ensuring energy security at regional level. And here, this year we insisted on the one hand on the materialization of the BRUA project of that gas pipeline that goes from Bulgaria and that connects the Black Sea and this area with its resources and potential with the center of Europe and from there with the rest of Europe, it is an ongoing project, on which work has begun, already the connection component with Bulgaria under the Danube is almost completed /.../ | 1 |
Name of Executive: Dr. Wolfgang Schüssel
Title of Speech: Opening of the Salzburg Festival
Date of Speech: July 23rd, 2006
Location: Salzburg – Salzburg Festival
Source: https://www.ots.at/presseaussendung/OTS_20060723_OTS0019/rede-von-bundeskanzler-wolfgang-schuessel-anlaesslich-der-eroeffnung-der-salzburger-festspiele
Speech by Federal Chancellor Wolfgang Schüssel at the opening of the Salzburg Festival
Vienna (OTS) - This year is a very special year for Salzburg, for art. We are celebrating the 250th birthday of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, and Salzburg is paying tribute to the great son of this city with an incredible programme. The highest artistic perfection is intensified here by the aura of the place, for the preservation of which, it may also be said, the citizens of Salzburg cannot be thanked enough. This includes not only the baroque façade, but also the way of life in which listening to music and making music are an everyday exercise, and it also includes hospitality, which is something very special. At this year's festival, we will not only experience Mozart cultivation in a truly encyclopaedic breadth, but also important world premieres and premieres of contemporary composers.
I join in thanking the team, which is headed by Helga Rabl-Stadler. But my thanks go above all to the two artistic gurus, if you may say so, the guiding stars Peter Ruzicka and Martin Kusej. When Peter Ruzicka announced in 2002 that he would bring all Mozart operas to Salzburg, either in his own production or in really outstanding third-party productions, thus enabling a unique synopsis, many critics laughed, smiled and smiled. It was rumoured that he would not be able to bring it together, and if he did, then it is actually to be criticised. And actually, we are all looking forward to the fact that it is possible to hear something like this this summer.
In retrospect, an era is coming to an end, at least for the two artistic directors. But it will be a really significant artistic epoch that will be associated with the names of Peter Ruzicka and Martin Kusej. Therefore, a big thank you from me as well.
In January, Austria was able to invite the genius of the city to a special kind of birthday party in Salzburg. As a prelude to the Austrian Presidency, this was a discussion of European issues for the future. We deliberately wanted to bring art and culture into the European discussion. And "The Sound of Europe", the title of this international conference, this sound of Europe surrounds us all. It is built up as a joint reflection, questioning and judging. It is present when we try to define what Europe actually is, when we appreciate peace, prosperity and prosperity and at the same time express concerns.
The voices of European history and culture since antiquity, since Christianity, unite in the sound of Europe. It is at once a hymn of praise, a cry of lamentation, a chorus of brothers and also a sudden dissonance.
The Governor has already pointed out the "rubbing of images" right now in the Middle East, Lebanon, Africa and other places. In a treatise inspired by international terrorism, the great French lateral thinker André Glucksmann stated the return of hatred as elementary violence. I quote: "Boundless hatred is circulating in the world; sometimes glowing and ruthless, sometimes creeping and cold. Stubborn and stubborn, he wreaks havoc. The traditional war has come to an end; the war of terror knows no end in its immeasurable rage". Hatred, Glucksmann argues, lurks everywhere like the plague of Thucydites as an essentially spiritual current that takes possession of the bodies and minds of communities. The mini-cocktails of horror ignited by the new terror may be just the beginning, the philosopher warns.
The counter-model to this, and I say this deliberately because it should also be part of our own understanding, is offered by the cultural sociologist Gerhard Schulze. He argues that our modern society should not only be shaped with clarity of thought, but also with feeling. And it refers to a term that we have been trying to bring into the European discussion over the past six months. That is the question of the European way of life. The people of Europe, Schulze writes, must know what they want. They need to recognize the value of their lifestyle. And, according to Schulze, the question is not so much who are we, but who do we want to be?
That it is not easy for artists in such a social context is something no one has recognized more strongly and experienced worse than Mozart. Every generation is shaken by the turbulence of its era. Some forget that Mozart experienced the French Revolution at the height of his short life. And if you have Alexander Kluge in your ear, who wrote about 30 years ago in his book about "The Artists in the Circus Dome": "In view of the difficult world situation, only one thing helps: to increase the degree of difficulty of art". That's an interesting point: to increase the difficulty of art.
Four months ago, we invited the European Foreign Ministers here to Salzburg, and we discussed the Balkan perspective together. It was on this very day, coincidence or not, that Slobodan Milosevic died. On this day, all European Foreign Ministers and all the Foreign Ministers of the Balkans sat together here in Salzburg and reaffirmed the prospect of accession for the Balkans. This was and is a counter-model against hatred and division. And we must oppose this "culture of fear", this term I owe to Paul Zulehner, this fear as one of the main sources of solidarity with other forces, forces and bonds.
Jacques Lacan speaks of this field of tension in which man moves. One is longing, which is excessive and bursts space and time. The other is the realization that this is not possible, because every human being is finite. We do not meet this requirement. The desire is excessive, the reality is moderate. And it is precisely the longing of each individual to be unique and not interchangeable that is often overcome in art. We experience some of these moments of happiness in art, where everyday life is overcome, where this longing is suddenly palpable. That doesn't happen too often. Ernest Hemingway writes in "For Whom the Bell Tolls": "Three times in life the earth shakes". May it wobble a few times this summer! | 0 |
Nicolas Maduro's full speech at the funeral of Hugo Chavez (March 8, 2013.) Dear Doña Elena; Dear daughters, sons, grandsons, granddaughters, brothers; teacher Hugo de los Reyes; relatives of our Commander President, father and guide, Hugo Rafael Chávez Frías; Dear and esteemed presidents, prime ministers, prime ministers, princes, from the four latitudes of our planet who have come to express, with their love and their presence, all the support and solidarity to our glorious people of Venezuela, to our Commander Hugo Chávez (Applause). We thank you from our hearts for having come from your lands to bring us this great tribute and to bring us with your embrace and your word the encouragement we need in this hard and tragic hour in the history of this twenty-first century. Dear leaders who are here; social movements; political and social leaders from all over the world who walk the streets with the people (Applause); dear comrade Gustavo Dudamel, maestro Abreu, who have brought the music of our children and young people to fill the soul of this pure man who we have here with fresh wind (Points) (Applause). Compañeros and compañeras of the Bolivarian government of President Hugo Chávez;Fellow governors: Here we are, at the head of it, as we would never have wanted to be. With the most immense pain that can fit into our humanity, here we are, Comandante. Yesterday a lady told us – and when she told us we felt the right dimension of what has happened – giving us encouragement: Have strength, because he, his soul and his spirit were so strong that his body could no longer stand them and he was freed, and now his soul and his spirit are expanding through this universe, filling us with blessings, of love; gathering all the blessings of all religions, of all peoples, of all the love that there may be in that universe to bring it to us, and so we know it is, Comandante, and we feel it (Prolonged applause). In prayers they say that it is time for forgiveness, and you taught us the most infinite love, which reached forgiveness in the most difficult circumstances. There has been no leader in the history of our country more vilified, more insulted and more viciously attacked than our Commander President. Never in two hundred years has so much been lied about a man, neither here nor in the world; nor our Bolívar, they certainly betrayed him, but they did not dareto vilify him, neither in his time nor after his time. But neither lies nor hatred could do it, because here is our Commander. And why couldn't they? Do you know why you couldn't, dear Heads of State who have brought their purest love for this man, beyond ideologies and political borders? Because our Commander had, from within, the most powerful shield that a human being can have, which is his purity, his truth. His shield of purity of Christ's love, of true son of Christ, saved him from injury, from infamy, and here he is undefeated, pure, transparent, unique, true, alive forever, for all time, for this and all future times! Commander, they couldn't beat you! They will never be able to defeat us! They never can! (Prolonged applause and shouts of "Chavez lives, the struggle continues!") We, in life, were loyal to him. All, all, all the great men of this Venezuelan land... And we learned that because he taught us, we didn't know it; Many of us, almost as children, joined the revolutionary ranks and walked different paths, some in military ranks, like the generation of military sons;I ask them to stand (They stand up). Here are your children, Commander! (Applause.) Here is your Bolivarian Armed Forces made people, made spirit, made flesh, with their rifles, with their sword! (Applause.) An army of peace is our Armed Forces, of liberators! (Applause.) And we have been traveling since we were very young, 11, 12 years old, some from our homes, with our fathers, our mothers, but never on the road to the redemption of our homeland, never, ever, we knew about our history. If we want to correctly build the legacy left by Hugo Chávez, the first thing that must be recognized is that he made us rediscover the true history of our homeland, he raised the flags of the Liberator Simón Bolívar, he embodied them; He embodied them and taught us love and forgiveness. He also taught us to love our history. That is why today we say, from our hearts — I ask permission from your children and your mother — Commander, here, you undefeated, we in your name, with the love of Christ, forgive those who have wronged you. Be free of all the blame that they tried to cast on you (Applause). In that history to all our leaders, starting with the greatest ofall of them, Simón Bolívar: he was forbidden to enter the united provinces of Venezuela; the Grand Marshal of Ayacucho was threatened with execution if he touched land in the provinces already separated from Colombia the great, Colombia the first, Colombia ours, which is beating with the desire to be born, to be refounded again. They all died expelled from here by those who sent us and betrayed us. Some betrayed Bolívar, and he died there in the great homeland, in Santa Marta, there, where one day our Commander went to sit down with President Juan Manuel Santos and shake his hands and say: "We are going to work together, together!" and so it was, President Santos. Thank you very much, thank you very much (President Santos stands up and nods) (Applause). The Grand Marshal of Ayacucho, his corpse was left lying in the ground, and the poor of the land kept it until they could take it to Quito. He was hidden for 70 years, lost, that great Bolivarian general Eloy Alfaro had to come, in 1900, to vindicate him, to take him out of ostracism and take him to where he had to be, in the Cathedral of Quito, there with our brothers, with President Rafael Correa and with the Bolivarian people of theEcuador (Applause). Why did the final hour of the great ones who founded us, of those who went on foot, barefoot from here from the Caribbean to Potosí to give us freedom, have to be like this? Why so much betrayal, so much envy, so much selfishness? Why so much evil? Because of the interests that were imposed, which were not the supreme interests of the homeland that had been born, which were not the supreme interests of the peoples. Those were times of confusion and the forces did not give the great Bolívar and the great Sucre to unite the land and the people they had liberated. We had another great one here, Ezequiel Zamora, general of the sovereign people, redeemer, who had to raise the betrayed flags of Bolívar. And he also died of a bullet, on January 10, 1860, when he was coming to Caracas with his victorious troops with their feet on the ground and toothless. This was taught to us by our teacher and father. And Cipriano Castro, 100 years ago, oil had already appeared in our Venezuela, and a nationalist man like Cipriano Castro got sick and left in 1908, and the ship that carried him had not finished setting sail when the betrayal of the Vice Presidentin office he prevailed, and Venezuela had 30 years of the worst dictatorship we have known in the twentieth century. And they came for our oil, they plundered it. Venezuela was the world's leading oil producer in the 1920s. Our country has been looted! So, Commander, you once told us that speaking from the Presidential plane you read this story to Commander Fidel Castro, Commander in Chief of the libertarian peoples of our Latin America and the Caribbean. He told us that Commander Fidel Castro, after listening to him in silence, attentively, told him: Hugo, how sad that story, I didn't know it; but be assured that neither you nor I will die like this. When we have to leave, we will leave with our victorious peoples, standing, with the blessing and love of the righteous men and women. Fidel's word was fulfilled: Here you are, Comandante, with your men, standing, all your loyal men and women, as we swore before you. Loyal, even beyond death. And you, Acting President of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, Commander-in-Chief of our Armed Forces,here in your homeland, in your land, under the command of your command, of your single command! We have broken the curse of treason and we will break the curse of defeat and regression! (Prolonged applause.) We've broken that curse, here's the Sword drawn, and their eyes looking at Christ. In the days leading up to it, in the days, hours, before the announcements of December 8, a group of comrades visited him in Havana: Diosdado, comrade and brother of these battles, but, above all, of those to come, Diosdado Cabello Rondón, revolutionary, also pure of soul, son of our Commander Hugo Chávez (Applause); the comrades Rafael, Elías, Cilia. There he was accompanied as always: Rosa, María, Rosinés, Hugo, Adán, all his siblings; comrade Jorge Arreaza, life partner of our beloved Rosa Virginia and whom our Commander adopted as his direct son. And in a very hard morning it was my turn to get there to his room, Jorge and I were together – Jorge always writing everything in his notebook – and there, well, the Commander asked us to help him with a task. He told us: "I think I have to write some final words,as a testament," and he gave us, as always, an order: "Hugo Chávez's will. Help me with a script, some ideas for me to sit down and write in these hours." We did not comply with that order, we could not, it was impossible. He had already carried out that order, because the entire life of our Commander has been a testament: his word, his passion, his action, his work, his people. The people of Venezuela are his testament. The humble of this world, the poor, the hopeless, the oppressed of all times and all hours, we, the grandchildren of the slaves, are their living testament. He left his will signed and sealed by the people. The first of them here is (Shows the Constitution). If anyone wants to know who Hugo Chávez really is and wants to tear the veil of lies, of the media scoundrel, of the global psychological war against this man, let them know this letter made by him, his Constitution, approved by the people, discussed by the people (Applause), and know his letter and his action. Everything we are today is here (Shows the Constitution), here is our guide. If anyone has any doubts about something, here it isthe supreme word of the homeland, the letter of Peace, the letter of all. When this Constitution was discussed, we took to the streets to debate, and a referendum was called and some Venezuelans came out to call for a "No" vote, because it would not be approved. Well, how is life, Commander Chavez told us in that year 1999, we were constituents, and he said: "Well, patience, what is fair, is just, and this letter will be recognized by everyone sooner rather than later." Today we can say, Comandante, that this is everyone's Charter; even those who opposed it today assume it as their own. Welcome everyone! Venezuela is for everyone and belongs to everyone, and this Charter is our guide to unity, peace, coexistence (Applause); It is a letter to make revolution, democratic revolution. If you want to look closer to what our undefeated Commander dreamed of — as Army General Raúl Castro said yesterday, in his words in Santiago de Cuba — if you want to know what he thought the Venezuela of this twenty-first century should do, Jorge, comrade, his will was written by him himself in June 2012, in his own handwriting; he knowsElías Jaua who was executive vice president, direct collaborator of the certain will of Commander Chávez. Here he left us five historical tasks, five historical tasks, of a thought that is part of a system of values, of principles, inspired by Bolívar, our founding Father, by the liberators; inspired by the wisdom of our indigenous peoples, by our great Guaicaipuro, inspired by Christ. If anyone can ask or would like to ask what a man or a woman is like, a human being when he assumes himself to be a true son of Christ, our redeemer, and consecrates himself and gives his life, his body, all his spirit for a people, for the oppressed, for the poor, he will have to recognize that Hugo Chávez was an authentic Christian of the street. a Christian, a redeemer in Christ, a protector in Christ of the poor of this land and of all the lands of the world (Applause). So he left us with five historic tasks, absolutely cohesive, democratic, because after a democratic debate in this homeland of conscious and free men and women, our people approved our Commander's will. He never lied in politics, or anything. When he discovered on his own that in capitalism—andexcept in neoliberal capitalism – it was impossible to stabilize society, to give equality and happiness to the peoples, and it was impossible to sustain true democracies with stability, one day in December 2004 he told us: "I am going to raise the flags of our American, indigenous, Bolivarian, Christian socialism; We are going to boldly dare to build that dream of humanity and democracy: socialism." And here he leaves a system of principles, values, five. The first of them: "To maintain and consolidate the independence conquered in these 14 years of democratic, popular and Bolivarian revolution" (Applause). The second: "To build our socialism, diverse, democratic, our American" (Applause). The third: "To build Venezuela as a powerful country, within the framework of the great power of Latin America that is going to be built in the coming years" (Applause), and that we saw standing here represented by the diversity of presidents who have come here. We have to be a great power. It was right here, dear presidents, right here in this courtyard where cadet Chávez was trained. What was life going to say that 30 or 40 years later that cadet was going to be presiding over the Foundation of the Community ofLatin American and Caribbean States, which President Sebastián Piñera of Chile has worthily presided over, to whom we thank for all his generosity and all his respectful and affectionate expressions for President Hugo Chávez (Applause), and which today is presided over by Army General Raúl Castro Ruz, and the Cuba of dignity at the head of this organization (Applause). Fourth objective: To build a world of balance, Bolívar, of balance, the balance of the universe, without empires. Here are some representatives that we welcome and appreciate; Jesse Jackson, but there are also former Congressman Bill Delahunt and Congressman Gregory Meeks, whom I have greeted, who have been sent by President Obama. Welcome! We love and love all the peoples of our America; but we want relations of respect, cooperation, and true peace. We want, and this is what Commander Chavez wrote, a world without empires, without hegemonic nations, a world of peace that respects international law, that is capable of meeting to cooperate, to live, to be fair on equal terms. And why can't it be possible, if here is all the will of one world, all the political force of one world? And Latin Americait has the historic task of making that new world, of uniting us in diversity and saying to the world: Here is Latin America, the one of the liberators! Here we are standing together! This world has to change, Commander! (Applause.) And a fifth objective, which I am going to read, because without this the very existence of the human species will be impossible, and because, in the end, that fifth objective is the one that gives coherence to the entire wording of this testament that Commander Hugo Chávez left us. The fifth objective is very simple, and we say it with the greatest humility, but with the greatest anguish for humanity. Commander Hugo Chávez says: Fifth historical objective: "To contribute to the preservation of life on the planet and the salvation of the human species. There will be no capitalism, no socialism, no of our religions, if we are not able from wherever we are, with our ideological, political and religious beliefs, to save this planet, to put an end to nuclear bombs, to eliminate all that force of destruction, of pollution of rivers, of seas, of warming the planet." Here, Commander, is your will. Several years ago the Commander President, sometimes, when there were pressing moments, orwe made mistakes, he always told us: Nicolás, Elías, Rafael, Yadira, Jorge, what are you going to do when I die? We always told him: "Don't say that, Comandante, please...!" "What are you going to do when I die, how are you going to do?!" He left everything arranged; it is now up to us whether we do it or not. We call on all our people to do so. What are we going to do when you die, Commander? You can go in peace, from our prayers and our love in Christ and from our hearts we wish you the greatest peace that in that area of life, in that new plane you can have. And what are we going to do? Continue, continue together, continue together people, armed forces, with their Constitution, with their Political Testament, with their example and with our love! Continue to protect the poor! Continue to give food to those who need it! Continue to contribute to the education of our children! Continue building the great homeland! To continue building peace, peace, peace of our continent, the peace of our people! So, Commander, mission accomplished, Commander President! The battle continues! Chávez lives, the struggle continues! (Shouts of:"The fight continues!") Long live Hugo Chávez! (Shouts of "Long live!") Long live our people! (Shouts of "Long live!") Long live love and union! (Shouts of "Live!") Until victory always, Comandante! Link: http://desar.me/profpcm aux/Venezuela/NicolasMaduro_en_funeral_HugoChavez_8marzo2013.pdf | 2 |
http://www.predsjednik.gov.me/press-centar/izjave/18135/159107.html Cetinje: Speech of the Prime Minister of Montenegro, Milo Djukanovic, at the Solemn Academy in honor of the Independence Day and 150th anniversary of the Battle of Grahovac May 21, 2008 Cetinje Dear Mr. President of Montenegro, Dear Mr. President of the Parliament of Montenegro, Your Excellency, Distinguished descendants of Grahovac warriors, Ladies and gentlemen, Tonight we celebrate two important historical events - the restoration of the independence of Montenegro and the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Grahovac. anniversary of the Battle of Grahovec. The events in whose glory and honour we have gathered tonight on the capital city of Cetinje encourage us to reflect, over and over again, on freedom as an ideal of lasting importance throughout human history, not only Montenegrin. As we are taught by the experience of the new century, which we ourselves are witnessing, we affirm essential spiritual values with a heightened sense of ethnic and cultural diversity, for the histories and traditions of all local cultures - we celebrate them through our common Montenegrin, Balkan and European heritage. 1858. - 2006.! The time gap between the glorious dates is large, but both in our historical treasury represent a unique expression of the Montenegrin spirit - both, we could say, triumphantly testify to a unique, free and self-confident Montenegro. The Grahovac scene from May 1858 is our precious legacy. In the battle between David and Goliath, in terrible war skirmishes, the Montenegrin army overpowered the mighty Hussein Pasha's corps. The Ottoman Empire ofThe U.S. suffered an unexpected defeat for everyone except the Negroes. As in Krusi, on Carev Laz and Vučji dol, symbols of our warrior and libertarian honour - a sound ode to Montenegrin courage and chivalry was written on Grahovec. In May 1858, from an unequal duel between a small Balkan principality and a large Ottoman power, Prince Danilo I Petrovic Njegos announced to Europe that Montenegro must be respected and that Montenegrin freedom has no price. Today, a century and a half away from the famous Grahovac victory, we look at the past historical time as extremely turbulent and difficult. And it is precisely in the perceived dynamism of that historical time and space that the historical truth about the Montenegrin people and the Montenegrin state becomes clear. Equally undeniable, there are also written brave efforts of Danilo I and Nikola I Petrović Njegoš, the international recognition of the state of Montenegro at the Berlin Congress in 1878, as well as the facts of public and behind-the-scenes politics about the national humiliation of Montenegro in 1918. - on the disappearance of Montenegrin statehood and the deletion of the name of Montenegro from the geographical map. However, the Grahovac legacy, as well as libertarian legacies similar to it, have always strongly inflamed our state-building determination: in 1941, through the Montenegrin national uprising, as a unified anti-fascist front, when we joined the democratic coalition of the free world; andafter the collapse of fascism, after another victory in May, in the state union of equal Yugoslav peoples, when we returned the honorable name to Montenegro; as well as in the bloody Yugoslav denouement, during the last decade of the 20th century, when, despite the whirlwind of war, we preserved peace and precious interethnic harmony in Montenegro. Ladies and gentlemen, the unstoppable state-building maturation of Montenegro in our days was crowned with victory in the historic referendum on May 21, 2006. From a rifle to a pencil, in less than a century and a half. The history of Montenegro would never be understandable without looking at the facts about the uncertain internal and external political circumstances just before and during the referendum process, in fact, without insight into the complex process of democratic maturation of Montenegro. Therefore, in the face of contemporary Montenegrin history, we can solemnly announce in a celebratory superiority: we have restored Montenegrin statehood by pursuing a wise and thoughtful policy; we succeeded in the results of the established economic self-confidence; inspired by the best Montenegrin libertarian and civic tradition; strengthened by new and renewed institutions; Armed with the utmost patience and tolerance of all citizens; With careful application of the highest European standards and manners of European political culture. We have freely and democratically decided to manage our own destiny in our own country. But let's also say that, May 21, 2006 is not only the date of the historic Montenegrin plebiscite, but much more than that - it is a dateA step forward in the era of a new social and economic reality of Montenegro. Such a Montenegro is a reliable homeland of good neighborliness, the European and Euro-Atlantic idea of integration. Her commitment to the development strategy on the main course of integration is not a question of choice, but of the natural belonging of our country to Europe and the civilizational flows that it inherits. We have witnessed our belonging to the European idea in the language of dialogue and agreement, the language of democratic rationality. The Euro-humanist idea to which we are dedicated is to the individual man, to his protection and improvement of his quality of life, to the establishment of high standards in all spheres of life. Finally, by confirming on a daily basis that entering a new era of development means adopting top European experiences - both in the field of economics and legislation, and in the field of protection of human rights and freedoms - Montenegro has made its European perspective quite certain. Ladies and gentlemen, celebrating, tonight, the winners of Grahovac, as well as the fearless heroines of Grahovac, Montenegrin mothers, sisters, women - allow me to express my special admiration for the ruler of our glorious dynasty - for Prince Danilo I Petrović Njegoš. A warrior, a politician, a statesman, a Montenegrin patriot. A visionary. A strong, modern, reformist ruler. During the dramatic and crucial decade of his rule, he strongly strengthened Montenegro's international position and decisively enhanced the Montenegrin state-building idea with numerous achievements in the political, diplomatic and cultural fields. LadiesAnd gentlemen, dear friends, Many fateful historical events for Montenegro took place in the month of May. That is why it is no coincidence that the people sang our anthem a long time ago: OH BRIGHT MAY DAWN We are proud of our history, but we are not prisoners of it. For today's generations, it is an identity stimulus for our European future. In the glory of the hero from Grahovac, Prince Danilo I Petrović Njegoš, as well as Mirko Petrović, Duke of Grahovec, in honor and on behalf of the generations that are growing up for the feats and merits of the new Montenegro - may our holiday vow always be the same: MAY MONTENEGRO BE ETERNAL! | 0 |
President Bush Attends Graduation Ceremony for Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agents FBI AcademyQuantico, Virginia
October 30, 2008
THE PRESIDENT: Thank you. Mr. Director, thank you for your kind introduction and thank you for your leadership. Proud that you invited your wife, Ann, here to be with us. I thank the Attorney General for joining us today. Members of the FBI Academy staff, distinguished guests, family and friends, and most importantly, members of the graduating class: Thanks for having me.
I am so pleased to be back to the FBI Academy, and to share with you this special day. When you walk across the stage, you will receive your badge and your credentials. You'll become special agents of the FBI. You will take your place on the front lines on the war on terror. I thank you for stepping forward to serve your country during this important time. And on behalf of all Americans, I congratulate the Class of 08-14. (Applause.)
This academy has prepared you for the privileges and responsibilities of carrying the badge. Over the past 20 weeks, you have passed rigorous academic and physical requirements. You have spent hours practicing your aim on the firing range, combing the streets of Hogan's Alley, and navigating the Academy's "gerbil tubes." (Laughter.) As part of your training, you were all forced to endure the sting of pepper spray -- which you learned wasn't half as bad as the cafeteria food. (Laughter.)
To reach this day of accomplishment, you have all depended on the wisdom and advice of your instructors. They took a diverse group that includes combat veterans, police officers, firefighters, lawyers, language experts, and computer specialists. And they turned you into an impressive class of FBI special agents. Your instructors are proud of your accomplishments -- and I know you are grateful for their leadership.
To reach this day of accomplishment, you depended on the support of your loved ones. While you were away training for this academy, some of them were really sweating out the training for you. (Laughter.) And Rick mentioned a lot of you were packing bags. I'm thankful you didn't mention Crawford, Texas. (Laughter.) And so are you. (Laughter.)
But the point is, America owes your families a great debt. And we thank you for standing by your side -- thank them for standing by your side during this moment of training and the service you'll be rendering to our country. We welcome the families here today. (Applause.)
Members of this class join the FBI during a momentous time in our nation's history. Earlier this summer the FBI celebrated its 100th anniversary. Unfortunately I wasn't able to attend the official ceremony. So I asked the Attorney General to speak in my place. To be honest, I was somewhat concerned that he might not live up to my high standards of oratory. (Laughter.) He told me I had nothing to worry about. (Laughter.)
The Bureau has come a long way since its founding. Over the past century, the FBI has grown from a small team of 34 investigators to a powerful force of more than 30,000 agents and analysts and support professionals serving around the world. The FBI has pushed the boundaries of forensic science -- from mastering the art of fingerprints to pioneering the use of DNA evidence. The FBI has inspired generations of children to dream of joining the force. (Laughter.) Sounds like I inspired one or two myself. (Laughter and applause.)
In every era, the FBI has risen to meet new challenges. When mobsters brought crime and chaos to America's cities during the 1920s and '30s, the G-Men of the FBI brought them to justice. When America entered the Second World War, the FBI stopped Axis agents from carrying out attacks on our homeland. During the Cold War, the FBI worked long hours to protect America from Soviet spies. In all this work, the FBI has gained an incredible record of achievement and has earned the admiration of the entire world. America honors all the fine men and women who have served in the ranks before you.
As you go forth from this Academy, you're going to write a new chapter in the FBI's storied history. In the years ahead, your assignments will be as diverse as the FBI's mission -- from dismantling organized criminal networks, to pulling the plug on online predators, to making white-collar criminals pay for defrauding hardworking Americans. And just as your predecessors adapted to meet the challenges of the past century, there's no doubt in my mind you'll respond with courage to confront the emerging dangers of this new century.
Those dangers became clear on September the 11th, 2001. On that day, 19 terrorists brought death and destruction to our shores. We became a nation at war against violent extremists. And we must not rest until that war is won. (Applause.)
More than seven years have passed without another attack on our soil. And this is not an accident. Since 9/11, we have gone on the offense against the terrorists abroad -- so we do not have to face them here at home. (Applause.) We stand with young democracies in Afghanistan and Iraq and beyond as they seek to replace the hateful ideology of the extremists with a hopeful alternative of liberty.
Here at home, we've transformed our national security institutions and have given our intelligence and law enforcement professionals the tools and the resources they need to do their job, and that is to protect the American people. We formed a new Department of Homeland Security. We created a new Director for National Intelligence. We established a program at the Central Intelligence Agency to interrogate key terrorist leaders captured in the war on terror. We worked with Congress to pass legislation that allows our intelligence professionals to quickly and effectively monitor terrorist communications while protecting the civil liberties of our citizens. If al Qaeda is making a phone call into the United States, we need to know why and to whom they're calling in order to protect the American citizens. (Applause.)
The FBI has played a vital role in doing the most important job that government has, and that is to secure the American people from harm. Since 9/11, the Bureau has worked with our partners around the world to disrupt planned terrorist attacks. Most Americans will never know the full stories of how these attacks were stopped and how many lives were saved. But we know this: The men and women of the FBI are working tirelessly to keep our nation safe -- and they have the thanks of the American people.
The FBI's leadership in the war on terror has required a dramatic change of mission. Before 9/11, terrorism was viewed primarily as a criminal matter. The FBI focused more on indicting terrorists after an attack than on stopping the attack in the first place. For example, after the terrorists targeted the World Trade Center in 1993, FBI agents succeeded in tracking down several of the killers. They obtained indictments against them and they put them behind bars. And that was good work. But eight years later al Qaeda returned to finish the job.
Immediately after 9/11, the FBI made preventing terrorism its top priority. The FBI you join today is focused on collecting and analyzing intelligence -- so we can figure out what the terrorists are planning before it is too late. Over the past seven years, we have more than doubled the number of intelligence analysts and translators on the force. We've enacted the Patriot Act to ensure FBI analysts and investigators have the information they need to protect our nation. We created the FBI's new National Security Branch -- bringing together divisions responsible for counterterrorism and intelligence and counterespionage.
The FBI you join today is working more closely with partners at all levels of government. At the local level, we've increased the number of FBI Joint Terrorism Task Forces from 35 to more than 100. These task forces bring together federal and local law enforcement agents. They have helped break up terror cells in places like Portland, Oregon; Buffalo, New York; and northern Virginia.
At the national level, we created the National Counterterrorism Center, where the FBI is working side by side with the CIA, the Homeland Security Department, and other federal agencies to track terrorist threats and prevent new attacks. We created the Terrorism Screening Center to consolidate watch lists from different agencies into one master list.
At the international level, we've deployed the FBI to foreign countries to help track down the terrorists. Since September the 11th, the FBI has opened 16 new offices overseas. Two of them are in Kabul and Baghdad -- where hundreds of FBI agents are serving alongside our brave men and women in uniform.
The FBI can be proud of all these accomplishments. These changes were difficult, and they were necessary. We've transformed an agency founded a century ago to meet the challenges of the 21st century. And thanks to the vision and determination of the FBI, America is safer today than we were on September the 11th, 2001. (Applause.)
In the midst of this rapid change, we can be confident that one thing will never change -- and that is the character and courage of those who carry the badge. We see this character and courage in the story of an agent named Leonard Hatton. A bomb specialist for the FBI, Lenny had investigated terrorist attacks around the world. So when he saw smoke rising from the World Trade Center on September the 11th, 2001, he immediately understood the danger. With complete disregard for his own life, he ran to the scene to help others escape. And when the towers came crashing down, Lenny died beneath them. Earlier that same morning, Lenny had told his wife, "Just another regular day at work." Well, for a man like Lenny Hatton -- who always put others before himself -- it was another day at work. We must always honor the memory of this good and faithful servant -- and we vow that those who have given their lives in the war on terror shall never have died in vain. (Applause.)
As new special agents, your charge to keep is to carry out this mission. I ask you to defend the values of fidelity, bravery, and integrity that you have learned here at this Academy. I ask you to carry out your duty to protect the lives and liberties of the American people. If you follow these principles, your careers will take you far, this agency will uphold its solemn responsibility, and America's security will be in good hands.
I want to thank you for sharing your graduation with me. I'm inspired by your examples of service. I wish you all the best in the future. May God bless you. (Applause.)
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Speech by Salvador Sánchez Cerén at the closing of the campaign - San Salvador Good evening, how are those moods? You feel an energy! An energy of yours! Of a victorious people, of a people that wants to build peace, the future, and progress of El Salvador. Thank you, thank you for being here tonight! I want to start by telling you what I did in San Miguel and an energy that shook San Miguel, what I asked Santana and Santana himself shook, the city of logic shook. But today here the question is simple: who are you going to vote for on February 2? It is not heard, by whom? Fmln is you. It is my party, where I was born, where I was forged, where I fought all my life, I carry my soul, I take my heart to FMLN, we have fought all our lives for the humble people, for the poor people and we have received the gift of the Salvadoran people, they gave us victory in 2009, we removed ARENA from the government, they will not return! And I want to join in all that recognition, from all these men, from me and Oscar that we want to say to Medardo, our secretary general Medardo González, Thank you Medardo forto lead us to the second electoral victory, thank you, the Salvadoran people thank you infinitely, your wisdom, your firmness in leading this country. No wonder, we have someone who trained us. Someone who made us sensitive to the problems of the people, someone who also made us firm before justice that we fought all our lives to that man who is my brother who is my political father, this tribute is yours, on your eighth anniversary because we are going to give you victory in the first round and the Savior is on the path you built. The path you built taught us to love our people, and I know what we have done now. Óscar says that it has been a strong, constant, permanent work, we were in front, but we count on your energy. Without you we would not have traveled that path, thank you brother, fmlnistas for accompanying us and for making what I asked of you from the beginning come true. I asked them from the beginning to open our arms, to open our hearts to the Salvadoran people, and now the Salvadoran people have their hearts set on the FMLN, if there are more of us we will win the first round. You haveSeen, they have felt it, the people are waiting for the parties not only to defend them but to make them participate, the people, after more than 22 years of living democracy, no longer want to be objects, they want to be the subject of changes and the citizens must be made way, the doors must be opened and we say Oscar and I, we are not only asking you to vote, Oscar and I are asking you to work with us these next 5 years to continue changing EL Salvador. Here it is, here are our witnesses, a loud applause to all those who have committed themselves to this struggle who do not belong to the FMLN, but who know that the FMLN is the only party that will continue to transform this country. There are more than 80 citizens, political, and popular forces movements. The people have understood that when their problems begin to be discussed, when their problems are debated, when they are taken into account when forming a government program, those people understand why we say we have played fair and we are going to continue playing fair. We don't play with fear, we don't play with lies. The Salvadoran peopleHe is brave, no one terrifies him anymore, not even with the campaigns of fear, we defeated them in 2009 and we will defeat them on February 2. That is why I always say that now we are more, and if we are more we are stronger, and if we are stronger, we go forward, always forward. The people are united, and if the people are united, the people believe in the causes, in the transformations and changes, that people have a clear path, they have a clear future, that is why the vast majority of the Salvadoran people have already decided to vote for the FMLN and not to stop the triumph in the first round. But tonight you see a smile on my face, guess why, because Margarita my wife is with me. You know that I am a family man, here are my daughters, there among you are my grandchildren. They have been working with you there because Margarita has forged in them a spirit of solidarity with the Salvadoran people. Margarita is my lifelong companion in the face of problems, in the face of good things she is always with me, but more than everything, more than everything, more than everything, she as Barba asElda, they are not on par with anyone. Because women are the fundamental basis of this society, if women have a future, if women have opportunities, this country will change. I believe in the family, I love you Country, listen to what a woman says: I love you country, that's why they love Vanda because she gave her heart to the Salvadoran people, and the Salvadoran people gave their heart to Vanda. I want to tell you that when we work for the family, when we work for the family we have young people, a loud applause for young people is tremendous our youth. That is why our youth is not the present, it is the future. These young people have the right to have a united family, a family that gives love to its children, that gives love to the homeland and if we have a united family, we have the people united, and if we are united we have the blessing of God, and if we have the blessing of God we are a country with a future. with progress, with hope, with development. But in 2009 you already told the governments of privilege, in 2009 the governments of privilege ended. They were left in the pastnow we won it, and our president Funes, a man who is not afraid of the truth. President Funes governs for all Salvadorans. A round of applause for our president, who initiated the transformations. You see him, he is a man who is not afraid of the truth, who has his pants on tightly, and has told the right the truth, they believe that his campaign is going to prevent the Salvadoran people from continuing to want to continue loving President Funes. And President Funes is in the heart of the people and he is not going to allow the Salvadoran people to abandon him. I want to say to our president, look, thank you, thank you, thank you. Let me tell you that the people united will never be defeated! I want to tell you, if you will allow me, that my party, Oscar and I, tell the president that he has made the best decision by respecting the will of the constitutional chamber and I tell you why? Because the president of the Republic respects the Constitution of this country and we are going to govern respecting the laws because that is what we learned throughout this struggle of the Salvadoran people. TheSalvadoran people cannot stand injustice. And in the 60s the people said "Enough is enough" to so much suffering and they rose up and fought and opened the way to peace because we signed the peace accords, and I feel honored to be a signatory of the peace accords, a believer in democracy, a lover of peace, a lover of progress, a lover of unity, lover of the dignity of persons. And you also heard why Dr. Vanda Pignato has decided to vote for the FMLN has decided to support us in this campaign, why? because she knows that a country is dignified, that a country is great, when women occupy the role that corresponds to them in society. Thank you Vanda for opening hope for our women, for our families, for the Salvadoran people. it corresponds to the Salvadoran people. Vanda personally I thank you, I thank you enormously. And I know you, I know your story, a lifelong fighter. A lifelong fighter, but above all as a Salvadoran woman at heart heard it now, that is why the Savior opened her heart to her and Vanda is in the heart of the peopleSalvadoran. We will be an honest people, listen well, Oscar and I will make an honest government, responsible for that is why we are going to continue these changes that President Mauricio Funes has initiated. We are going to continue with the school package, I am also proud to have worked with the president and delivered the school package. But my greatest gift is that I have traveled all over the country and the first thing I find is a clean look, it is a happy look, it is a look of gratitude, it is our children who come out and hug me and say thank you in my ear for giving me shoes, for giving me uniforms, for giving me school supplies. And if the children embrace me, I also see in the faces of their fathers and mothers, I see in their faces hope, joy, I see in their faces that they are in a new time, in a time of change. Since 2009 the FMLN has governed with President Mauricio Funes, that opened hope, that opened the future, the Salvadoran people, that is my greatest satisfaction. That is why I am sure that on February 2 the Salvadoran people will participate to vote for the FMLN.to vote for the future, to vote for progress. And if we see a participatory government, I told them from the beginning: I believe, I really believe in democracy. And democracy is not simply voting, democracy is simply participating, this government opened the doors to the Salvadoran people, to girls, young people, to women, to the elderly, to our people with disabilities, it opened the country to them and they became actors. I tell all of you you must be actors these 5 years. Because be clear, we have earned the right to govern for another 5 years, 5 more years of progress, 5 more years of development. That is why we continue to play fair and we will always play fair because the people consider that the best campaign is the FMLN because we have played fair, clean thanks to you, thank you for being part of that successful campaign that we have had. Without you we would not have had that possibility. That is why I say that those who dream that they are going to return to the past should forget about it completely. Of course we are not going to go back to the past, that's why you already listened to Oscar, you listened to Medardo, you listened toVanda. What are the missions they have on February 2, guarantee that vote. These last days we have to continue working, try to buy all the votes you want, but the Salvadoran people are not defeated by buying votes. The Salvadoran people are brave, they have thoughts, they are not objects that are manipulated. It has been 22 years since the signing of peace agreements, it has been 22 years of living in democracy and the Salvadoran people know what their rights are. Don't be fooled, don't be intimidated. Don't be intimidated. Do not be intimidated, Salvadoran people. That is why we open our arms, open our hearts, unite the Salvadoran people and unite them around the future, around the changes, I know that the greatest aspirations of you and of all the Salvadoran people is to live in peace and tranquility, to live in security, that you want jobs, that most of you need jobs, and that most of you need education. These are the three main demands and we have told them that we are going to give peace of mind to the Salvadoran people. By not making a government that only violates the Constitution, we are not going to militarize the country, ourMinds are not closed, do not be hard minds. We know that the best combat is with two smart hands. In one hand, more opportunities for young people, investing in communities, improving family incomes, providing more employment. But on the other hand, the firmness of the State, the firmness of the State, because we Oscar and I are going to guarantee to further expand the National Civil Police, to provide it with the best weapons and the best equipment that guarantees tranquility to the communities, to the families. I also want to say to all businessmen and that is that when I talk about businessmen do not think only of the big ones. The first thing we thought about when we took office, which was in a deep crisis, was to generate employment. But where did we have to generate employment? where the largest business force in the country is where almost 80% of the companies are, where almost 90% of the jobs in micro, small and medium-sized enterprises are; all of them are entrepreneurs! With the school package we gave work to the shoemakers, the seamstresses, the tailors who were abandoned. And now they have good jobs, good factories, and they not only work the package, butwho now work to export to the country because they have been given credit, they have been given training. That is why when I say businessmen, think of everyone, the small, the medium and the large. With them, with them, businessmen Oscar and I open up to them to generate more employment in the country, we are going to give them more credit and both the public and the private we are going to guarantee security, we are going to guarantee that they invest more in the country. Because if we do not unite, businessmen, workers and the people, we will not move the country forward. If we unite workers, businessmen and the Salvadoran people, there is no problem that will have difficulty resolving it. We are going to solve all the problems. We are sure. And also, young people should also know that we are going to give them more educational opportunities. I want to tell young people that we are going to deliver the school package in high school and that from childhood to high school we are going to deliver a computer for each boy and girl because we have to prepare them for the future. And the future is in the digital age, if we are not in the digital age it is like we are behind and we arewe want our people to always go forward. How do we want our people to go? Go ahead!! And to the workers, who are also the most important force in a country that generates wealth with their work, the Salvadoran, as Vanda said, is a Salvadoran who searches here when foreign companies come, the first thing they tell us is: look, our capital is the Salvadoran workers, there is no one in Latin America who compares to the Salvadoran workers. They have a capacity for knowledge, and to learn, that is why we are going to guarantee workers their labor rights and if we improve production, if we improve jobs so that there are better conditions for workers to have decent wages. We should not feel or cross our arms with that salary that is not a living wage. We must give workers a living wage while respecting their labour rights. That is my commitment. Those are the commitments that Oscar and I made to all of you. We are going to defend our homeland, we are going to defend the Constitution, we are going to defend Salvadorans. We are a government that will be a broad government as Oscar already saidIt will not be a government only of the FMLN. All those actors will be integrated. First I tell you and I ask all the current officials to collaborate with the government of El Salvador and Oscar, you are the ones who make up the entire training base. We cannot continue without their support and all sectors will have an expression in our government. Because, as I repeat, we do not want to open our hearts to the people just so that they give us the vote, that is opportunism, the FMLN is not opportunistic, it is a party that has ideas, that has convictions, that has love for the country, and I tell you: participate. We are going to open the doors of the government for all the people to participate. Children, young people, women, the elderly, people with disabilities, all will be part of our government. And I want to remind you, I want to ask you. Those who already know the exact place where they are going to vote, raise your hand And who is going to vote early? Raise your hand. Because all afternoon Medardo told us with the phone in hand calling everyone so that no one is left without voting. And those who don'tYou can go to the voting center, which is now closer, if you have difficulty I ask you to bring it home and accompany you to vote. We have to defend the vote, we have to guarantee this optimism, this hope, this love of the Salvadoran people in the victory of the FMLN, we have to make it a reality with the defense of the vote, without the defense of the vote, winning in the first round is not going to be a reality. That is why I also ask you, I ask all of you, all of you, to raise your hand – here I am watching on television even those who are there in El Salvador of the world, so I am going to see you – raise your hand those who are going to vote with their whole family and those who are going to work to take their community to vote. Thank you! Thank you! 26 January 2014, El Salvador Link: https://youtu.be/e4XcUg_Vkj0 | 1 |
REPUBLIC OF SLOVENIA CABINET OF THE PRIME MINISTER SPEECH OF THE PRIME MINISTER OF THE REPUBLIC OF SLOVENIA JANEZ JANŠA AT THE CEREMONY ON THE OCCASION OF WORLD HUMAN RIGHTS DAY Ljubljana, 10 December 2007 Dear Madam, Ombudsman, Dear Sir, Speaker of the National Assembly, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen! An independent Slovenia is based on human rights. In 1988, this term bypassed Slovenia. These were the words that flooded the Slovenian space at the time. This term was the key concept of the "Slovenian Spring." All the democratic alliances that were emerging at that time and all the movements that emerged in Slovenia at the end of the eighties adopted human rights as the essence of their political programs. A part of the official one-party politics at the time also began to use this language, and a part also joined these movements for respect for human rights. At the end of the eighties of the last century, it was human rights that changed the course of political history in this area between Triglav, the Pannonian Plain and the Adriatic. Today, this heritage is also an essential part of our constitutional order. Unfortunately, that wasn't the case before. The theme of our evening today is lost memory. The lost memory of individuals, of families, of thousands, tens of thousands of our compatriots who suffered in the second half of the last century. Because the country that emerged after World War II, and of which it was also a partSlovenia was not founded on respect for human rights, but was also founded on human rights violations from the very beginning. Human Rights Day is celebrated because on December 10, 1948, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the "Universal Declaration of Human Rights". In this declaration we read: "All men are born free and have equal dignity and equal rights, are endowed with reason and conscience, and should treat one another as brothers. No distinction may be made according to the political or legal system or the international status of the country or territory to which a person belongs. Everyone has the right to life, liberty and personal security. No one shall be subjected to torture or cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment. No one shall be arbitrarily imprisoned, detained or expelled. Everyone has the right to property, both alone and jointly with others. Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion. This right includes freedom to change one's beliefs or beliefs, as well as to express them freely, publicly or privately. Everyone has the right to think, to freedom of thought and expression, including the right not to be harassed because of his or her opinion and the right for everyone to be able to seek, receive and impart information and ideas of any kind.by any means and regardless of borders. Everyone has the right to free and peaceful assembly and association. No one's property shall be arbitrarily taken away." Many other rights are enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights as fundamental human rights. However, in the year in which the United Nations General Assembly adopted this declaration - when something happened that we consider to be the beginning of the emergence of a new world order that is based, or should be, based on respect for human rights - in this area where Slovenia is today and Slovenia was also at that time, but not independent, but part of the then Yugoslav state, The head of the then political police in Slovenia Gregorčičeva 20, 25, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia, phone: 01 / 478 10 00, fax: 01 / 478 17 21, http://www.kpv.gov.si wrote in his report that the UDBA arrested 6,985 people in Slovenia in 1948. Not because of some classic crime, but because of political offenses, whatever they counted under it even then. The following year, when civilised democratic countries were implementing the traditions of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights into their legal systems, the number of people arrested by the UDBA in Slovenia was already 8,762. All this was happening after years when Slovenia had already experienced mass extrajudicialKillings, concentration camps, torture, displacement, forced confiscation of property, show trials, forced collectivization. The farther away the end of the war was, the more the repression intensified. This repression had no foundation and no legitimacy in resistance against the occupier. The victims of this repression were all in turn, it was a revolution, it was a class cleansing. Former partisans, such as Andrej Bohinc and Igor Torkar, were also victims. Intelligence was the most under attack. What followed were bad economic conditions, a failing economy, blackmail. There is no exact data on how many people emigrated from Slovenia in the first post-war years - estimates range from fifty to one hundred thousand. However, there are much more precise data on how many people left Slovenia between 1955 and 1990. The number is terrifying - 210,000. For a nation that didn't even have a population of two million — a figure that was closer to one million than two — that's a huge number. Some of those who left Slovenia have returned, many have stayed abroad. Brave, smart, upright people who dared to take risks, but, unfortunately, used their energy, their knowledge elsewhere. They created a better life for themselves, but especially for others, fromSouth America to Canada and Australia. Then the situation improved, but the price was in what I listed earlier. Nevertheless, the regime, which was based on the violation of human rights, maintained certain segments of this violation, not only in practice, but also in its norms, in its arrangements, until the end. As late as 1985, a manual for the work of the people's militia was published, in which the authorities of the time ordered police officers - then called militiamen - whose basic task is to protect people and property, to take care of public order and security, as one of the basic tasks is to collect information on those who criticize the government. In 1985! Many militiamen, or police officers, resisted this, but it was considered a violation of job duties. On 19 July 1989, the Presidency of the then Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia adopted guidelines for emergency situations - these guidelines were published in the secret Official Gazette, never publicly, until independence - which had the character of a mandatory act. If a state of emergency was declared, some measures were envisaged, including camps and repression, such as the authorities used immediately after World War II. However, these were the last such steps. Resistance was strengthening, and in Slovenia at that timeThe Slovenian Spring blossomed. Resistance was also growing within the system, especially on its peripheries. The threat that human rights violations would remain as one of the norms for regulating the society in which we lived at the time finally ceased with Slovenia's independence in 1991. Of course, with Slovenia's independence, when it enshrined human rights in its constitution, in its modern and new constitution, as one of the fundamental standards for the mutual regulation of life in Slovenian society, in an independent Slovenian state, human rights have neither ceased to exist, nor has the danger of their violation been completely eliminated. Even today, despite the fact that nothing that marked the post-war period is in Slovenian norms or in practice, we are faced with their violation, given the way human rights are defined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Even today, many of our fellow citizens do not get their right in real time. I am talking about so-called backlogs. Because if an injustice has happened to someone and if they have at their disposal the instruments given to them by the state to correct this injustice, this possibility must be available in real time. Not only after they gothings take their own way, and when they may become irreparable. In all these years of living as an independent state, we have not found a way to secure a justice system that is capable of dispensing justice in real time, without backlogs. This is one of the key tasks that awaits the Slovenian state in the future. Human rights violations also occur wherever social exclusion, poverty and unequal starting opportunities are at work. To some extent, the state can take care of fixing these problems, but the state can't do it entirely. That is the task of all of us. Only with some general human solidarity can we reduce such violations of human rights to a minimum. Gregorčičeva 20, 25, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia, telephone: 01 / 478 10 00, fax: 01 / 478 17 21, http://www.kpv.gov.si In recent years, when human rights have been discussed, two categories have mostly been mentioned - Roma and erased. In both cases, there are cases of human rights violations, but it is necessary to be honest here. Upon its independence, Slovenia did not deny citizenship to anyone, nor did it deny anyone the opportunity to arrange any other status in the emerging Slovenian state in accordance with the legislation that was adopted. In the post-independence period, I think over 200,000 Slovenian citizenships were granted to anyone whohad a permanent residence in Slovenia and who wished to do so. There are few similar cases in comparable situations. It is true, however, that some have been in special circumstances when, either due to difficulties in accessing personal documents, due to the war in the Balkans or other circumstances, they have not been able to arrange these statuses. The Slovenian state is obliged to correct such injustices to each individual, if these injustices have actually occurred. However, the Slovenian state is not obliged to grant citizenship retroactively to those who did not want it themselves. Here it is necessary to distinguish what is a violation of human rights and what is the opportunity that someone has to take advantage of it but does not do so. This Government has proposed to the National Assembly for consideration and adoption a constitutional law that addresses this problem in such a way that individual assessment is possible. This constitutional law, if adopted, puts in the hands of the institutions of this country all the instruments to actually make amends for any injustice that has been done in this field. However, in order to get these instruments in hand, we first need the necessary support in Parliament and the adoption of this law. When it comes to the rights of Roma in Slovenia, these rights are a constitutional category. The Constitution that I spoke about earlier has laid down - and this Constitutionreceived as early as 1991 - that in order to protect these rights, to regulate the situation of the Roma community in Slovenia, it is necessary to adopt a special law. Fifteen years passed before Slovenia got this law. She got it recently, during this term. This Act provides a good basis for the rights of the Roma community in Slovenia to be resolved, implemented and enforced in such a way that conflicts do not arise and that this enables the preservation of their cultural identity. There are few countries, or rather, in Europe, including the European Union, where Slovenia is a member, there are many countries with a significantly larger Roma population, and practically none of these countries has a special law yet. That doesn't mean we don't have to do anything else, but it does mean that we need to look at these things in a comparatively balanced way. I can also say that in the first half of next year, when Slovenia holds the Presidency of the European Union, i.e. the Council of the European Union, the European Commission will for the first time assess the situation of Roma communities in the Member States, and that it is expected that one of the Councils of the European Union will also discuss this issue in June next year. So far, this has never happened before. So, Slovenia is far from running away from this problem. Human rightsToday, or respect for human rights today, is also what we are, or what we should do to correct certain injustices of the past. We have a backlog here as well. Not so long ago, a special government commission found a lot of documents in the archives of the Slovenian Security and Intelligence Agency that should not be there, that should be in the Archives of Slovenia, because they enable the rectification of injustices of many individuals, but they were not handed over there. In the spring of this year, more coincidentally, over five thousand personal records, some of them files of political prisoners, perhaps many of you, were found in the archives of the Ministry of Justice. A handover was never made. Despite the fact that this was regulated by law, these archives were not handed over to the Archives of Slovenia. Many people there searched in vain for information on the basis of which they could exercise their rights, but they were told that there were none. They were, but somewhere in the closet where I think it said "garage info." In short, even when it comes to these things, we have a lot of work to do. Finally, I think that the deadline set by the Constitutional Court, after which we should amend the law on victims of war violence, is coming to an end today. Unfortunately, this law cannot be passed because of ideological blockages.Because every discussion about this turns into a cultural struggle and because as soon as someone wants to do something here, discussions are introduced into the Slovenian public space that have nothing to do with the topic itself. Slovenia is part of the European Union, also part of the global world, and human rights are, of course, universal. If we look at the rest of the world, we can see that today we still belong to that lucky minority that lives on the safer and also richer side of the planet. On Saturday and Sunday, I took part in the European Union-African Union meeting. There were also 53 colleagues from African countries. I've talked to many. It is hard to imagine that in Gregorčičeva 20, 25, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia, phone: 01 / 478 10 00, fax: 01 / 478 17 21, http://www.kpv.gov.si many African countries, as well as in some places elsewhere in the world - but mainly in African countries - people live and survive on the income that the average Slovenian generates in three days. The difference between the national income per capita between Slovenia and Madagascar is, say, one in a hundred. As much as the average employed resident of Madagascar earns in one year, the average Slovenian earns in three and a half days. Poverty, disease, marginalization, even the inability to access the basic living conditions of the fist,Not thousands, but tens, even hundreds of millions of people around the world. In recent years, Slovenia has also experienced some serious warnings in the sense that we are too closed in on ourselves, that we do not know how to look around the world, that we do not see how things are elsewhere, and that we are therefore not involved enough in international development aid or global solidarity campaigns. That is partly true, and if there is anything to be said for a President of a country whose term of office is coming to an end, it is that he must be given credit for drawing attention to this fact. His contribution in this direction is valuable. In the future, Slovenia will increase development aid to the poorest countries within the limits that we are able to. Because without being sensitive to the respect for human rights around us, it will be very difficult for us to build a society that will consist of responsible individuals who will be aware of what human rights are even when it comes to our mutual relations. Ladies and gentlemen, this evening is an evening of searching for the lost memory of individuals, of entire families, of tens of thousands, of generations who suffered greatly in this region of ours, in the second half of the 20th century. To all of you who are still alive and hearing me, I apologize and confess. I wish thatBehind these words stands every citizen of this country. It was unfair what they did to you, you were right. And those who judged and persecuted you did wrong. Ladies and gentlemen, I do not know whether it is possible for anyone not to be touched by the enormous suffering that Slovenia and a large part of the Slovenian nation faced in the second half of the last century. What I do know, however, is that a society that, even in cultural terms, and not just in the constitution, is incapable of defining human rights standards, whether for yesterday, for today and for tomorrow, will always have problems with itself. Or, if you want to be more specific: it is not possible to idolize at the same time the icons and monuments of some heroes who are directly responsible for drastic violations of human rights, while at the same time expecting the younger generations to accept and respect human rights as part of their personal attitude and general culture. That is also why this evening is important. Thanks for sharing it here with me. It is necessary to restore this lost memory to the living now and to the new generations. That is our duty, otherwise we are exposing these generations to the risk of being, sooner or later, victims of a repeat of history. Thank you very much. Gregorčičeva 20, 25, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia, phone: 01 / 478 10 00,telefax: 01 / 478 17 21, http://www.kpv.gov.si | 2 |
Speech
of
Her Excellency Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo
President of the Philippines
During the launching program of “The Life and Times of Diosdado P. Macapagal: A Photo Exhibit” in commemoration of the late President’s 100th birth anniversary
[Delivered at The Struggle Square, Angeles University Foundation (AUF), May 25, 2010]
Thank you very much.
Thank you Chairman Angeles for your very kind introduction, for your tribute and for organizing this very important event.
Vice President de Castro and the other members of the Cabinet; Atty. Angeles and the Angeles family; the faculty, staff and students of Angeles University; my brother Arthur and the other members of the family; City Mayor-elect Ed Pamintuan and Vice Mayor-elect Vicky Vega who used to be my speechwriter, and the other officials of Angeles City, especially Congressman Tarzan Lazatin.
Dear friends, first of all, to Angeles University, Happy 48th Anniversary of your school and Happy 39th Anniversary of the Foundation! Congratulations!
And to Manny Angeles, thank you, for welcoming us back to Angeles University on the occasion of your school’s anniversary, and for including in this anniversary celebration the kick-off of the commemoration of our father’s 100th Birth Anniversary.
Our family is grateful that you remember Diosdado Macapagal not only as president of the country but very fondly as Chairman of the Board of Director until his death in 1997. Thank you for honoring his legacy not only as Chairman of the Board but also as president, his legacy is now going to be remembered because you’re helping enable Filipinos for generations to come to know his life and times and his contributions to the Filipino nation, and to be able to remember those memories from an objective and historical point of view, and also through those who knew him during his lifetime.
Our family hopes that historians and the academe will be able to study the personal papers that he and my mother left, particularly here at Angeles University at Clark and with the alma mater, the University of Santo Tomas, and also the books he authored after his term as president.
There are also still enough scholars around, including in our province, who were already living during my father’s political career, from the time he first ran as congressman, to his senatorial run, to his trying years as vice president, to his trail-blazing presidency, to his pivotal role as president of the 1971 Constitutional Convention, to his later years as member of the opposition to authoritarian rule and mentor to the next generation of politicians, and to his international involvement in promoting peace and democracy around the world.
Manny Angeles is one of these scholars, one who enjoyed a lifetime of friendship with my parents. Thank you Manny for your moving tribute to my father, and for continuing to keep faith in his legacy. I hope that the Diosdado Macapagal Foundation which has recently been reconstituted and where Manny is a member will be able to marshal the proper scholars to document his lasting contributions to the nation.
In my father’s inaugural speech in 1961, he expressed how he viewed the role of each president. He said: “Nation-building is an exacting and endless endeavor. No president can build the whole edifice of a nation. All that he is called upon to do is to add a fine stone to that edifice, so those who shall come after him may add other fine stones that will go for a strong and enduring structure.”
My father declared that “the task of the nation is to fight poverty.” He said: “We must be concerned with the plight of the common man as an imperative of justice. We must help bridge the wide gap between the poor man and the man of wealth, not by pulling down the rich to his level, but by raising the poor towards the more abundant life.” This philosophy is contained in one of the statements in the photo exhibit and I thank Angeles University for such a good research.
In his twilight years, our father’s own assessment of his term’s contribution to the edifice of our nation was highlighted to his mind by the abolition of tenancy and the land reform program in the Land Reform Code of 1963. In fact, he said, from the signing of the Land Reform Code was the happiest day of his life. My father was born of peasant staff the only president whose class origin’s came from the peasantry. And when he became a public servant he studied Taiwan’s successful land reform program and that became his model as president.
Thus, the ultimate purpose of his land reform was to make feasible agro-industrial growth and to make prosperity available for the greatest number. That battle for land reform was an uphill battle, at that time, in the early 60s, the Philippines was controlled by the elite, the political and economic elite, and many of them were hacienderos who contributed heavily to politicians. So, therefore he had great difficulty getting the bill passed in the two houses of Congress. He had to call eight special sessions until they passed it into law. And that is why August 8, 1963 was the happiest day of his life — the day the Land Reform Code was enacted.
Land reform was the flagship of still another trailblazing contribution of our father, the first Medium-term Philippine Development Plan to be approved by Congress. He called this Medium-term Philippine Development Plan his five-year Socio-economic Integrated Development Program. The economic portion of it was anchored on the philosophy of free enterprise by the private sector. But, instead of calling it merely an economic program, his medium-term plan was called “socio-economic” to emphasize the basic social objective that the prosperity sought must extend to the masses of the people.
Thus, he had land reform. He had housing for the poor. He had… he increased the Minimum Wage Law from the first time that it was increased since he as congressman authored the Minimum Wage Law.
Our father also considered as his contribution to the edifice of our nation an independent foreign policy of promoting and achieving true independence from foreign domination. This was symbolized by the change of Independence Day from July 4 to June 12, thus, by recognizing that we were born as a nation on June 12, 1898 rather than July 4, 1946.
He recognized the heroism of the Rizal, Bonifacio, Aguinaldo and their compatriots who fought for the nationhood of our country. His foreign policy began when he was still in Congress and he authored the Foreign Service Act that professionalized our foreign service officer corps. Before his political career, he was tapped by President Quirino to be one of the pioneers of our foreign service. That is why he knew foreign policy so well.
In his capacity as a member of the foreign service, he was able to negotiate with the British government to return Turtle Islands to the Philippines. He expanded ties with Japan and Spain when it was not yet the fashion in our country. It was not the fashion then to be friends with Japan because that was fresh after the war. But when he invited the Crown Prince and the Crown Princess Akihito and Michiko to make a State Visit to the Philippines that was the beginning of the thawing of our prostrate relations with each other. And now Japan is our number one source of Official Development Assistance.
He also developed close ties with Indonesia that was frowned upon by the western powers, that was the height of the cold war, Sukarno was not exactly pro-American. But my father explained to the Americans, how would you feel if the international community objected to your friendship with Mexico, your next door neighbour? Mexico is to you what Indonesia is to us. And we have to be good neighbours within the region.
Together with Malaysia and Indonesia, he forged the beginnings of ASEAN through what they called MAPHILINDO which stood for Malaysia, Philippines and Indonesia.
My father also considered as his contribution to the edifice of the nation his deliberate and integrated acts in treating the nation like a mature and advanced democracy. He dissuaded bloc voting. He eschewed electoral violence and terror tactics. In this he was guided by the wisdom of Don Honorio Ventura, who paid for his schooling and gave him the opportunity to top the Bar and to climb out of poverty by education. Don Honorio told him to give back to the community and be among the minority of politicians who ruled with integrity.
I remember my father telling us, after he topped the Bar; he went to Don Honorio Ventura and said, how can I repay you for everything you have done? By that time, he already had a job waiting for him in the biggest law firm of the country: Ross, Lawrence, Selph and Carrascoso. And then what Don Honorio Ventura said, the only way that you can repay me back is this: with your qualities, someday you will enter politics. He said many politicians; in fact, most politicians enter politics because they have self-interest or a vested interest to protect. Well, that was Don Honorio’s judgment, it’s not necessarily my judgment, but that was Don Honorio Ventura’s judgment.
And he says, a minority of the politicians enter because they want to serve the country with no vested interest. I want you to be that minority.
And so, therefore, Don Honorio Ventura’s prognosis later became true and my father did become a politician. But I can truly say that the Capampangans who supported him from the time that he ran for Congress in 1949 up to the time he ran for president in 1961, certainly, helped him to be that politician without vested interest. They supported him financially throughout his electoral campaigns. They did not ask him for any political favors.
There was one time when he was a congressman and one of his financial supporters went to him and said: “Dadong, I’m not asking you anything for myself, but now all these friends are coming here and they’re all asking me to ask you help for this and for that.” That was the time of the import controls and you know import controls have a lot of discretion on the part of decision-makers. And then he said — you know, he said — I guess, it really depends on what you envision me to become. If you just want me to stay where I am now, then, that’s where it is. But if you think that someday I will go farther and be able to help the country, help me by telling all those people that you cannot influence me in making decisions or in peddling influence for among those decision-makers who have the discretion to make certain decisions to pay for people.
And that particular friend of his, a prominent businessman, said: okay, now I understand, I know what to answer. And then never again did he approach my father with any of the request from other businessmen.
My father believed in business. He believed that democracy went hand in hand with an open market economy. What he said was: “the wealth must be created by the private sector. And with the taxes they pay that is where the government redistributes the wealth.”
During his time, the Philippines was the second most prosperous economy in Asia. He believed in raising the dignity of the Filipino and he opened Malacañang to what he called “the common man” — every Friday was “common man’s day,” so that anyone could have direct access to the highest office of the land. He believed in the integrity of the family, raised us to be hardworking, productive and good citizens of society.
So, I am very happy that today, not only the family is commemorating the year of his 100th anniversary but the extended family of the Angeles University where he served for almost a decade.
So today, as we commemorate a humble man’s life, I hope that we will all move forward and contribute to our own fine stones to the edifice of the nation. That would be the highest form of praise we could give to our father’s legacy.
So once again, to Angeles University; to the Angeles family; to the faculty, staff, students of Angeles University; to the members of the students who believe in the ideals of this university, in the ideals of you former chairman, Diosdado Macapagal, dacal a, dacal a salamat kekongan. | 1 |
Nicaragua: Enrique Bolaños International Mesoamerican Council for Competitiveness Hotel Crowne Plaza January 21, 2005 In the name of God and Nicaragua It is with great interest that I received the invitation to attend this Meeting of the Mesoamerican Council for Competitiveness, just now that Nicaragua is, in addition to the beautiful land of lakes and volcanoes, a country of competitiveness in the ethical world! progressive, vigorous and optimistic, because it is the Nicaragua of the New Era of Hope! Since the beginning of my Government, I have insisted on the strategic values of competitiveness, that central principle of the free enterprise economy. And Nicaragua is going to listen to you about the plans of the newly appointed Council, to help us move forward faster and more confidently in our quest to recover our future. As we clearly stated in our National Development Plan, "the country's competitiveness is a function of the international environment, the macroeconomic efficiency of companies, government policies to promote economic growth, and the performance of the territories to attract new investments that generate jobs." Competitiveness is the factor that will determine whether Nicaragua will be able to make a significant leap in the growth of its products in the world.the next 25 years. Allow me to tell you, friends present here, that Nicaragua is doing it, it is beginning to take that leap for its development and the well-being of its population. We are going down that path. My government is working to ensure political and macroeconomic stability so that the country clearly defines the appropriate rules of the game to attract investors. Nicaragua seeks to make a unilateral opening as a means of increasing the country's ability to compete and attract investment for export. The National Assembly must approve CAFTA as soon as possible, as a sign of firm will to have access to the largest consumer market in the world. We will also continue to negotiate other free trade agreements with other markets such as the European Union and Taiwan. In Nicaragua we must accelerate and perfect the establishment of an open and transparent regulatory framework so that investors and producers can make plans for the future with confidence. As for the unfinished task of Legal Security, the other branches of government must contribute to making it a reality in the country. Nicaragua is working on the establishment of an export promotion regime to have access to inputs and capital goods at international prices.All of us in Mesoamerica are committed to working for the benefit of our peoples. Hence the importance of having constituted this Mesoamerican Council that will promote productivity and competitiveness at the regional level, especially considering that we are on the eve of the Free Trade Agreement between Central America and the United States, and the consequent trade negotiations with Canada and the European Union. We cannot isolate ourselves from the global economy. Today's world is one of interconnection and exchange. The Council's mission is, inter alia, to develop cooperative links between the private and public sectors at regional level, to promote National and Regional Agendas for Competitiveness, as well as to promote foreign and regional investment. These projects, which are not utopian and will obviously promote regional economic integration and facilitate commercial exchange. The climate and opportunities for business, both national and regional, will be improved. Technological innovation and the development of regional productive conglomerates will be activated. Gentlemen, friends: All the governments of Mexico and Central America agree on the need for the regional organization of the economy. If Mesoamerica is a cultural unit from Mexico to Costa Rica and Panama,Why are we not going to be an economic and productive unit? We have to place and position Mesoamerica on the world business map to attract investment and capital. Competitiveness at the present time is the key to the wealth of nations. | 0 |
Name of politician: Lee Hsien Loong
Date of speech: 24 July 2017
Title of speech: Opening remarks by PM Lee Hsien Loong at a Dialogue with Community and Religious Leaders
Link:https://www.pmo.gov.sg/Newsroom/pm-lee-hsien-loongs-opening-remarks-dialogue-community-and-religious-leaders
Category: Ribbon Cutting
Good evening everyone, welcome to this dialogue with community and religious leaders on the security situation in Singapore. The last time we held a dialogue with all the community and religious leaders was in November 2014.
In these two and a half years, many things have happened in the world. We have seen multiple attacks in the West, and more frequent ones, in Paris, Nice, London, Manchester, London again, Berlin, Australia, all over the world. In the Middle East, there is fierce fighting against ISIS in Syria and Iraq, and in Singapore, we are seeing a steady trickle of people who have self-radicalised.
The government has been monitoring these developments very closely. We are very worried by the trends because the threat to Singapore has grown more serious. The recent ISA arrests have brought the threat home vividly. We picked up one PCF Sparkletots infant care assistant Syaikhah Izzah Zahrah Al-Ansari and two AETOS auxiliary police officers (APOs) Muhammad Khairul bin Mohamed and Mohamad Rizal bin Wahid. We have had people picked up before but these cases would have caused Singaporeans to perk up, take note and wonder what it meant. Because these are Singaporeans living and working in our midst, taking care of our children and our security. Khairul and Rizal were auxiliary police officers, they were trained to carry arms.
I felt uneasy, and I felt that there would be a reaction from amongst the Muslims, and also a reaction among the non-Muslims to the developments. I decided to invite you to this dialogue, to talk candidly about this matter, to brief you on what is happening, to share our concerns with you and to hear your views and your perspectives. The dialogue is closed door, but my speech is open for reporting.
Last week, I met the Malay/Muslim leaders. I had a dialogue with them first because they are on the frontline and bear the brunt of public attention whenever a terrorist attack happens. They have done a tremendous job in countering extremism and protecting our social fabric. I wanted to hear their concerns and to let them know that the Government is on their side.
But I am following up with this dialogue with all the community and religious leaders, and not just the Malay/Muslim leaders because this is not their fight alone and because we are all in this together.
Threat of Terrorism
Let me sketch the perspective and share with you what my key concerns are.
The attacks which we have seen, particularly the one in Nice where somebody took a truck, drove down the promenade and killed 70 over people, showed how easy it was to mount a terrorist attack, armed with nothing more than a heavy truck and maybe some knives to stab people with. Because people now see how easy it is to do, we are seeing a series of copycat attacks in London, in Paris and the other cities. These are very difficult to detect and prevent because you do not need a lot of overt planning. You just rent a truck or hijack a truck and then you are set and you can go anywhere. The best that security forces can do is to respond quickly, to limit the damage and casualties, and the developed countries have improved their security response so within minutes the troops are there, the police officers are there, armed and able to take down the attackers. That can limit the physical casualties, but the harm which these attacks do, go beyond the physical casualties because they spread fear, they erode trust, and sow discord within the societies.
In the Middle East, ISIS is on the defensive, but ISIS remains a magnet for religious extremists. It has lost Mosul but it is far from being wiped out. Even if ISIS does not regain the territory it had in Syria and Iraq, that does not mean its followers will disappear because there are ten thousand of them, may be more, and they will disperse and return to their home countries, including in Southeast Asia. And there, they may be disillusioned, or they may know better, they may carry the virus with them, and bring the problems back home.
Southeast Asia is on the frontline because hundreds of Indonesians and Malaysians have gone to join ISIS. Some prominent ISIS fighters have been actively recruiting from the Middle East, using Facebook, using Telegram, and they are recruiting back home, in Malaysia and Indonesia, and directing attacks on their home countries and also sometimes directing their attacks on Singapore. In the southern Philippines, there is a serious problem. In Marawi, a battle has been going on, the city is under siege, has been for several months and the Philippine army has not got to the bottom of the problem yet. ISIS has been using Marawi as propaganda, to recruit more fighters and telling those who want to do jihad to go to the southern Philippines. ISIS wants to establish a wilayat in the southern Philippines. A wilayat is an administrative grouping being loyal to ISIS. And if there is a wilayat in southern Philippines, it will be a threat to the whole of Southeast Asia. Because more people will go there, they will train there, they will radicalise one another there, and they will use that as a base to mount attacks on the rest of us in Southeast Asia.
The Indonesians are very worried. So are the Malaysians. They are worried not just because of southern Philippines being next door, but because the ISIS influence is growing within Indonesia. The Indonesian security forces have been zealous in hunting down terrorists but actually beyond that their options are limited because they do not have enough adequate laws to counter the terrorism threat. The Parliament is very reluctant to pass the laws. They are afraid that the laws would be abused. So the government’s hands are tied. From time to time, we find some Indonesians who are radicalised, we deport them back to Indonesia. Very often the Indonesia government cannot do anything because they have not yet committed a terrorist attack. You know that he intends to, but he has not done anything, so you cannot do anything. They are released to go back to their home villages, and we have to watch out in case they try to come to Singapore again. And now with Islam being politicised in Indonesia, the problem is more difficult. The recent governor elections in Jakarta, where Islam became a big issue. Ahok, the candidate who was first leading, was defeated because he was non-pribumi and non-Muslim and the campaign was Muslims you must vote for a Muslim leader. So this will make it even harder for the government to act decisively in Indonesia against extremists. In Malaysia, they have quite a serious situation too which they are grappling with. They found more than a dozen Malaysian Armed Forces personnel who have been involved with ISIS. They experienced one attack – a year ago at Puchong, Selangor. Jemaah Islamiyah elements, a group which we found in Singapore, are also regrouping in Malaysia. With all these going on around us, it is quite unrealistic to think that we can have no worries at all and will be unaffected by any of this.
Singapore is a target. We know it, they have said it and they have acted on it. There was a group in Batam – the Khatibah Gonggong Rebus which planned to launch a rocket at Marina Bay Sands from Batam. Fortunately, the Indonesia security forces disrupted them, arrested that group but we know that there are others out there and we also know of other attacks that had been planned, but had not been carried out. Maybe not yet, but maybe hopefully, may not be carried out but they have us in their sights and we have to know that.
When racial and religious conflicts happen elsewhere, it can have an impact on Singapore.
PM Lee Hsien Loong
Trends in Singapore
Just as worrying are some of the things that are happening in Singapore.
First, we have discovered some foreign workers who have been radicalised. We repatriated several Indonesians, including domestic maids, who have become radicalised here. We arrested 40 Bangladeshi workers. They had formed a radical group here, and they were planning extremist actions against Bangladesh and other countries, terrorist operations planned out of Singapore. How do you know they would not do anything in Singapore? Nobody can say.
Secondly, apart from foreigners, we are seeing a steady trickle of self-radicalised Singaporeans. We pick up one every month or two in recent years. The recent cases of Syaikhah Izzah, Khairul and Rizal, they are not the first, and neither will they be the last cases. If we are attacked by foreign terrorists, that is one thing, I think it is bad but we can understand, and we can pick ourselves up. But if we are attacked by Singaporean terrorists, our own citizens attack our own country, the psychological impact will be much worse. So we have to know that this is happening.
The third thing which worries us are the extremist and exclusivist teachings which are creeping into the mainstream. In Singapore, all the religions practice our faiths in a multi-racial society but in other countries, it may not be so and with Islam particularly, if I speak candidly, it is not always so. In some countries, you may have a different form of Islam which rejects accommodation with other faiths which divides between Muslims and non-Muslims. For example, Muslims would not shake hands with non-Muslims. They will not wish Christians Merry Christmas, or Hindus Happy Deepavali. They will not accept non-Muslim leaders for a Muslim community. These are interpretations of Islam which are intolerant not just of non-Muslims, but also of Muslims who do not subscribe to these teachings. These are exclusivist views, exclusivist meaning we keep to ourselves and stay apart from others. If these exclusivist views take root in Singapore, it will weaken our racial harmony, and make us more vulnerable to a terrorist threat. It will also encourage a backlash, there will be Islamophobia, non-Muslims will begin to see Muslims in a negative light, and that would be very bad and equally unacceptable. We will have to work very hard to maintain our multi-racial and multi-religious society.
Cohesion in Singapore
(In) Singapore this is the way we have to live, to accommodate one another, to exercise give and take and different races and religions, one nation, one Singapore.
PM Lee Hsien Loong
Our religious leaders all understand the need for accommodation. They reject extremist ideologies, they oppose exclusivist teachings and all the communities live side by side, they interact with one another, and each one practising their own faiths and customs peacefully. I just went down on a jalan-jalan along Telok Ayer Street and South Bridge Road, and you can find within a few hundred metres places of worship of all the different religions; Muslims, Buddhists, Hindus, Taoists, Christians; mosques, shrines, and temples, all coexisting peacefully, all neighbours and friends. And they have been there for more than a hundred years, some of them nearly two hundred years, dating almost to the foundation of Singapore.
Singapore is an oasis of peace, but we live in a dangerous world. Therefore, we have to try our best to insulate and inoculate ourselves from the conflicts and quarrels in other countries. When we see religious conflicts elsewhere, we have to remind ourselves that those are not our fights. Whatever the problems in Syria or Iraq, they are not our problems. We must not let events elsewhere erode the trust and harmony between different races and religions in Singapore.
That is what we must understand, at the same time, the reality is it is not possible to disconnect ourselves completely from the world. Our people follow the news not just on TV, but on social media, you see pictures, you see videos, you see powerful messages, sometimes inflammatory messages. It is human for us to have a reaction and sometimes to get worked up and to take sides. When racial and religious conflicts happen elsewhere, it can have an impact on Singapore. In fact, the Singaporeans who have become self-radicalised, they must have had some psychological problems of their own, but they were also motivated by conflicts in the Middle East, and by the teachings of ISIS. When a terrorist attack happens somewhere else, may be inspired by ISIS or Al Qaeda, it can affect attitudes and perceptions of Muslims and non-Muslims Singaporeans towards each other in Singapore. We have to expect the recent spate of ISIS-inspired attacks in the world, the situation in the Middle East, and what is happening in Southeast Asia around us. Some of the things even happening in Singapore, to have caused some doubts and qualms among Singaporeans. Muslims feeling that once again they are under the spotlight. Non-Muslims perhaps worrying (at least a little bit) whether they can trust the Muslims as much as before.
Fortunately, our racial and religious harmony is strong. Religious leaders have worked hard to promote inter-faith relations. We have to keep up this effort, to repair the harm done by external events, and to strengthen the trust between the different faiths. Then when an extremist attack does take place in Singapore, the different religions will stay together, to tackle this common problem and will not turn away from each other or worse, turn against one another.
The racial and religious harmony we have in Singapore is very precious. We just celebrated Racial Harmony Day last weekend. I think we have a reason to celebrate. What we have did not happen by chance. It has happened through many years of patient accommodation, adjustments, some hard spots along the way but finally everybody coming together and understanding in Singapore this is the way we have to live, to accommodate one another, to exercise give and take and different races and religions, one nation, one Singapore. That is why we are able to discuss these sensitive issues honestly and candidly, and tackle the challenges together. That is what I hope to do with you tonight, in the dialogue later with all of you and I hope you will help me in our common task which is to build this trust to meet the challenges ahead that we are going to face. Thank you very much.
Name of politician: Lee Hsien Loong
Date of speech: 24 July 2017
Title of speech: Opening remarks by PM Lee Hsien Loong at a Dialogue with Community and Religious Leaders
Link:https://www.pmo.gov.sg/Newsroom/pm-lee-hsien-loongs-opening-remarks-dialogue-community-and-religious-leaders
Category: Ribbon Cutting | 0 |
Electoral Congress of the SP Switzerland Martigny, 14 February 2015 Can someone warn Philippe Müller of the death of Margaret Thatcher? Speech by Christian Levrat, President of the SP Switzerland Check against delivery. I only vaguely remember the date of February 4, 1975. And for good reason, I was 5 years old. It was on this date that Margaret Thatcher was elected leader of the British Conservatives. On the other hand, I remember well my impression when, in 1992, at the age of 22, I spent a year in Great Britain: public services at half-mast, an education system lacking resources, a class society, employees left to the goodwill of their employers, bled unions, a health system on the verge of asphyxiation. To be honest, this daily discovery of the effects of ultra-liberalism marked me so deeply that I left the Radical Party – where I was still a member – to join, a few years later, the Socialist Party. Why am I telling you about all this? Because I have just read the FDP's paper entitled "Our solutions to the strong franc". It is 18 points directly inspired by theBritish Tories in the early 80s. What does Philippe Müller want? - Lower taxes (for about 10 billion), first and foremost for companies. Introduce a single VAT rate, which is very unfavourable to the middle classes and low incomes. - Deregulate labour law, in particular by creating zones near borders in which the protection of employees could be weakened, or by abolishing the accounting of hours worked. More hours, more overtime. - Reduce public services to their strict basic mission. - Fight against all the ambitious initiatives of the Federal Council: no energy policy 2050, no measures in favour of gender equality, no limitation on the salaries of top managers, no protection for Swiss made, no green energy project. Basically: no, no, no! An extraordinary economic conservatism. Frankly, this program is very similar to that of the English Tories or the American Republicans forty years ago. Could someone warn Philippe Müller that Ronald Reagan and Maggie Thatcher are dead? That the same causes producing the same effects, we do not intend to let the radicals leadour real economy; privatize and liberalize public services. That it is not a question of weakening the unions but, on the contrary, of strengthening them, to allow a real social dialogue. That the population is fed up with cost-cutting programs, cuts in training, in subsidies for health insurance premiums. That it will not allow for much longer to finance tax gifts to the wealthiest, and the miraculous salaries of a few, through deprivations and restrictions. 1 Swiss Socialist Party Spitalgasse 34 P.O. Box · 3001 Bern Telephone 031 329 69 69 Fax 031 329 69 70 [email protected] www.pssuisse.ch Effective measures to protect the employees of the strong franc Comrades, We must give the radicals one credit: they are moving forward without masks. They want to respond to the franc crisis by returning to the ultra-liberalism of the last century. We want more solidarity. A clear choice. We must act in the face of the strong franc, because it is a threat to our jobs. But it must be done with discernment. We demand: 1. As soon as possible, the SNB must ensure a rate of 1.15 francs to the euro. In the medium term, the objective is to return to purchasing power parity.According to several studies, it should be at an exchange rate of between 1.35 and 1.40 francs to the euro. 2. The SP Switzerland, in coordination with the cantonal parties, is calling for half of the SNB's profit distribution (2 billion) to be allocated to strengthening unemployment insurance (UI) and continuing education programmes for people on short-time work. The other half is to be allocated mainly to training, in order to quickly finance an offensive of continuing education and professional development. 3. The SP Switzerland will fight by all means against measures taken to the detriment of workers, such as an extension of working hours, wage cuts, as well as any flexibilization or deregulation, 4. Manufacturers and distributors must pass on foreign exchange gains to consumers. The revision of the Cartel Act must be taken up again quickly, so that import margins can benefit consumers and thus combat the island of high prices that is Switzerland. It's not a bad thing that our opponents on the right are transparent. They want to lower taxes on corporate profits: it's useless. Businessesstruggling people don't pay taxes, they fight to keep a positive margin, to keep their heads above water, to save jobs. Depriving public authorities of more than 10 billion francs, as the FDP is demanding, is simply irresponsible. It's ideology and blindness. Defeating those nostalgic for the Switzerland of the Ancien Régime Comrades, The upcoming elections are going to be decisive. On the one hand, we will have to fight against those who want to transform Switzerland into a European Singapore, into a kind of tax haven where only the banks, the financiers, the wealthiest, the ten percent of the population that the FDP defends, prosper. But on the other hand, it will be up to us to make the voice of an open, supportive and fairer Switzerland heard. To those who dream of denouncing the European Convention on Human Rights, we would say that it is the response of the peoples to the horrors of the Second World War. That it is the guarantor of the rights of our fellow citizens in the face of the excesses of states, that it is the guarantor of peace, between the Atlantic and the Urals. And that it draws its sources, for example, from our Swiss Constitution of 1848. To those who want to let migrants drownin the Mediterranean, we must respond with a call for European solidarity. By an asylum policy that is worthy of our humanitarian tradition. Switzerland has been able to welcome persecuted Hungarians, it has opened its doors to Chileans fleeing Pinochet, it has offered refuge to Kosovars and Bosnians torn apart by civil wars. It cannot remain deaf to the calls of the men and women of Syria. Some no longer want to welcome Muslims. They want to ban their organizations, close their places of worship. Let us have the courage to resist, to say clearly that we want to take in ten times more Syrians than today, that it is urgent to allow women and children stranded in unsanitary camps in Lebanon, Turkey or Jordan to join their husbands or fathers in Switzerland. That their dignity is at stake, of course, but also of our honour as a Swiss man and woman. To fear, hatred, anger, let us respond with generosity! NATO Secretary General Jens Soltenberg, following the attacks in Oslo and the Utoya massacre, had found the words. He was then Norwegian Prime Minister: we will respond to terror with more democracy, moremore openness, more tolerance. This is the message we must convey this autumn. To those who want to denounce free movement and torpedo bilateral agreements, we must reply that we need peaceful relations with our neighbours, that the solution is not isolation but negotiation, that it is not a question of moving towards less, but towards more Europe. The Federal Council is right. The initiative on mass immigration can only be implemented after negotiations with the European Union; only to the extent that it is compatible with free movement. To those who dream of quotas and national preference, we must oppose a real training offensive, specific measures to protect older people on the labour market, real equality of pay for men and women, measures to reconcile family and professional life. And... an extension of bilateral agreements with the European Union. To those who consider that they alone represent the whole of the people, to those who consider direct democracy as a plebiscitary instrument against the authorities, we must oppose a reasonable vision of our institutions. The people, the parliament, the Federal Council, the courts form a whole. Together, they bear the responsibility to makethe decisive choices for our country. The people are not a means of appeal against the Federal Council or parliament, but an actor, among others. Our direct democracy is unique in the world. It entrusts the population with an important responsibility: that of making choices that commit Switzerland as a whole. It is absurd and childish in this context to consider that "the Swiss vote SVP". This denotes not only an arrogance and rudeness that will no longer surprise anyone. But above all, a total lack of knowledge of the institutions of our country. The upcoming elections are decisive. They will see two images of Switzerland confront each other: that of fear and isolation. This Switzerland that dreams of itself in 1291, that wants to celebrate Morgarten and Marignan. The Switzerland of the elites, of the old regime; a Switzerland of subjects. And Switzerland is a country of confidence, optimism and solidarity. This Switzerland that we embody, and that only we are able to carry with sufficient vigour. The Switzerland of freedom, that of human rights, of the separation of powers, of democratic rights. The Switzerland of 1848, that of 1874, that of the general strike of1918. This Switzerland is preparing to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the end of the Second World War on 5 May. This Switzerland that meets on September 12 of each year to commemorate the constitution of 1848. These elections will be played out between them and us. And we have to win them. The advocates of isolation must be defeated. Those nostalgic for Margaret Thatcher must be sent back to their ideology. The Switzerland of openness, solidarity, trust and optimism. This Switzerland of all together, rather than all against all. This Switzerland that leaves no one by the wayside. This warm Switzerland, this generous Switzerland, this Switzerland that dares, that believes that tomorrow will be better than today, that our children will live better than us, this is our Switzerland. It's our voice. This is our fight. Ten proposals for a better life We must fight. To ensure that we all live better at the end of the next legislature than we do today. These elections must allow us to ask the questions that are inconvenient: those of course about our relationship with Europe and the world. Those of our migration policy. But beyond these two themes, which have madeThe subject of our last meeting, on which we published dozens of pages of analyses and proposals, we cannot avoid serious answers to a few concrete questions that are of interest to voters on a daily basis. Of course, they vote for us because they know that we need a strong voice to respond to the nationalist and ultra-liberal excesses of our opponents. Of course, they appreciate our fight for a Switzerland of openness and intelligence in the face of identity or economic obscurantism. But they also expect concrete answers to questions that concern them on a daily basis: - How can equal pay be guaranteed quickly? - How can we better protect older employees? - How can we ensure that enough affordable housing is built? - How can we restore the quality of life in our cities? - How can we support families in an equitable way? - How can the burden of health insurance premiums on household budgets be limited? - How can we guarantee that everyone can live, once retirement comes, with dignity and serenity? We must provide answers to these questions. We do this in our electoral platform: Ten proposals forto change the lives of the Swiss people, to strengthen and modernise solidarity, to support low-income earners, to relieve the middle classes. These proposals are not a substitute for the major debates that await us. But they are added to it. It is right to debate Europe, to defend our open vision of migration. But we must, beyond the imposed figures of the campaign, clearly say how we are going to improve the lives of our voters. To say that voting socialist is to give way to hope for a better life. Together in the campaign As you can see, we are already in the campaign. All over the country, dozens of candidates are making themselves available to the party, ready to carry the message of a united left. I have attended most of the cantonal appointments meetings, will visit more than a dozen and, everywhere, the same feeling: that of an unfailing determination, of a desire to represent all the sensitivities of the left: those of the unions, those of the associative world, those of ecological organizations, those of pensioners, those of employees, those of tenants, those of migrants, those of the Swiss abroad. It is no coincidence that we have in almost all thecantons, candidates with a migrant background. Nor is it surprising to see Swiss nationals living abroad on our lists, such as Tim Guldimann, the current Swiss ambassador to Germany and a candidate for the time being in Zurich. He is the embodiment of our party's integrating force. This is proof that our speeches of openness and fraternity are not a dead letter. This is the demonstration that the Socialist Party is the most international of Swiss political parties. The elections in Basel-Landschaft have just shown us one thing: to win, we must be united. The opponent is on the right, not the Greens, with whom we have to conclude the broadest connections. The opponent is not to the left of the left. But among those nostalgic for the Switzerland of the Ancien Régime. And among those who regret the death of Margaret Thatcher. We will win together. We are going to conduct, throughout the country, thousands, tens of thousands of conversations to convince, to mobilize, to make people aware of the issues, to say how much smarter it is to face the future with confidence than to regret an imaginary past. Together, we will spend dozens,He worked hundreds of hours, on stands, on the phone. Together, let us promise to defend our proposals and our candidates in the coming months, always and everywhere. Every time someone in our families criticizes our proposals, when doubts are expressed about one or the other candidate, we have to react, contradict, argue and convince. Keeping quiet is no longer an option. At the table, in the locker rooms of our sports clubs, in the bistro, in the street, we must engage in conversation, encourage energy, and carry contradiction if necessary. Together we can win these elections. In fact, we have to win them. Because even more than in the past, they will be decisive for the future of our country. They will tell us whether the Switzerland of fear and isolation can be defeated. If we can hope to change mentalities, to improve the lives of each other, for everyone, without privilege. Comrades, this autumn, defeat is not an option. So let's go. Long live the Switzerland that dares, the Switzerland of openness, solidarity and justice. | 1 |
Dear patriarchs, in the last 16 years our country has undergone a complex path to statehood. overcoming economic crises, social conflicts, party and ideological conflicts, we are building a new life anchored to fundamental democratic principles. today's activities are the strengthening of statehood, the establishment of such a society, Political developments in our country should be based on human dignity, freedom, equality, The latest amendments and additions to the Constitution of the United States create the necessary prerequisites for accomplishing these objectives, ensuring a more balanced relationship between the branches of power; ensure the effective implementation of democratic power and public self-organization in our country. that improving electoral processes and holding democratic elections is no longer a tradition in India. not dusting our capabilities in unnecessary debates about past missions and mistakes, but cooperating and engaging in constructive dialogue for those goals and on issues related to our national-political priorities and intended to build the future. Armenia, We have a clear and real vision of the development of the country. Our strategic objective is to build Armenia that will unite the community by preserving and developingIn Armenia, which we seek, there must be an atmosphere of mutual respect, love, and forgiveness. Our future is a knowledge-based society. In Armenia, which we seek, should be safe, For any Armenian family, education and knowledge will be the most demanding values. Armenia, which we seek, will have the confidence of its citizens. There will be no artificial barriers between government and citizens. To bring all of this to life is not easy. No achievement has ever been given to our people. We have always succeeded in victory because of will and unity. Therefore, take new accomplishments to Armenia, to Armenia, to Armenia of Well-being.be the President of the United States, aiming: to strengthen the constitution in the world, considering the preservation of the Constitution to be a superior problem for him, consider the normal functioning of legislative, executive, and judicial authorities to be the most important guarantee of the effective functioning of the state system, as the independence of Armenia; guarantee of territorial integrity and security, guided not only by current theocratic problems but also on prospective, strategic approaches and solutions with logic. Second-generation reform program 1. Unity as the main prerequisite for second-generation reform is the spiritual unity of our people, which implies the development of a necessary atmosphere of cooperation and trust. "Unity, headship, freedom in the second, and love in all things." The center of economic interest is motherland. The world's landscape is really interested in Armenia's development, which means that it's impossible to develop and implement any global program without taking into account this factor. is the combined potential of government. We're going to be government and private to invest in a partnership perspective between the segments, which will ensure the collaboration and implementation of the most important national and local projects, We will be open to constructive proposals, discussions, and cooperation, emphasizing as wellthe role of the Constitutional Institute to address the people and the National Assembly with a message. expanding the worldview of our citizens is an important condition for building a new society. Culture will reinforce the ties of Armenians around the world, The historical and cultural heritage of the Armenian people, the wealth of nature, and the many traditional qualities of our identity We have an excellent opportunity to shape an unprecedented situation as a result of presidential elections that will be free of meaningless political conflicts and tensions, will provide harmonious and effective cooperation between legislative and executive authorities, regardless of judicial authority for the purposes our ancestors have sought for centuries. to lower it to the point that there will be no more room, we're not in favor of it. We don't advocate slander. They've reached such a degree, They have gone so far in their rage that they bring evidence that they are incompatible with reality. They try to use the tragic pages of our newly formed republic's childhood without remorse. As one of the causes of this tragedy, they point to this side; After years of silence and hidden rejoicing in this tragedy, they have finally become a defender of the victims.why I don't give a response to these rhetoric, why I treat this evil calmly; Shall I answer evil in evil? Shall I answer evil with anger? We don't have that time. We're busy with serious problems. We collect taxes, The income portion of the 2008 AFB exceeds the internal output of 96. We have raised pensions since January. They say they will raise four times. Jehovah's Witnesses would be pleased to discuss this answer why? You paid people a $10 pension, you didn't get it for months. We're going to raise wages twice, they say we'll raise five times. Why? In 96 C.E., you paid 15,000 dollars from the teacher, and it was 5 to 6 months late. All health facilities had debts, health facilities had debts to health facilities as well. I suggest you compare what they say and our plans. By adopting the foreign plan, you will contribute to the formation of righteous authorities in Armenia, And behold, with this compassion, here I say with this confidence, Armenia, take to new Armenia, to the mirror of our dreams. | 2 |
Alan García in Ayacaba May 2006 Today, I fulfill two objectives that were like two voids in my life. The first, that because of a serious error in my existence. This was the only province in Peru that I had not reached and I thank God for having brought me to Ayabaca this morning. And secondly, I have heard for a long time the religious importance of the Captive Lord of Ayabaca that I have finally had the opportunity to leave before him and leave him the flowers that I have given him. And I thank all of you for being in this square to be able to bear witness to these events that are of great importance in my life. To have arrived in Ayavaca. To have arrived in front of the Captive Lord, in front of whom the peasants come to ask for water and rain. And beyond the water and rain that helps us live, I have also met an immense crowd that tells me that they will give their votes for APRA on April 9, to build Peru [Applause]. I come, I come to greet you on behalf of a party that already has a long tradition of work, continuing the ideas and thought of Hayade la Torre and the defense of freedom. The aprismo was born in Peru in 1930 enunciating imperialism that subordinates the weakest peoples with its wealth. The aprismo announced that it was necessary to resist the imperialism that invades our lands and threatens our economies. The aprismo announced that in order to fight imperialism it was necessary to unite the peoples of South America and Latin America in a single group capable of negotiating and fighting for their interests and dignity. And the aprismo, finally, proposed to build a social democracy in Peru. That is, a democracy of freedom but with social justice. That represents the peasant and working majorities from the government. That represents the vast majority of our country. To put an end to the governments that have only represented the power of money and the power of imperialism. That is why we are anti-imperialist, because we follow the democratic path of Haya de la Torre. That I would have liked to come to Ayabaca, because I am a witness to their struggles and concerns, to tell them that my next government will respect the will of the agrarian people of Ayabaca and will not allow any mine to dominate and dominate the people of Ayabaca.Ayabaca [Applause and Whistles]. Throughout its existence, the aprismo has been a defender of some of the rights for which it was born. APRA has been in existence for seventy-five years and only [quantity] and five in government. But every time it has had parliamentary or municipal influence in public life, those rights, to the education of the APRA member, to labor rights, to social security, to peasant credit, have been defended and promoted. To the powerful of the earth, demonstrating that money has crushed the rights of the people. APRA defended, defends and will always defend those rights. Because we believe in social justice, we defend agriculture as the first point. No party can call itself an agrarian party like APRA. And it is not an electoral promise of those made by the candidates, we have already done it. If our government had a complete success, it was to dedicate all its effort to agriculture. I have always thought of the tragic story of the Peruvian peasant who, throughout the colonial viceroyalty, had to pay his work and the indigenous tribute. And during one hundred years of the republic he also paid indigenous tribute to Lima. For reasons of social justice, because thepoor people are in the countryside, because to decentralize Peru the best thing to do is to invest in the land that is outside the cities. Because to be a true nationalist you have to make the land produce and give food security to the country and to each of the households. Major Fujimori dared to say in 1990 that the APRA party had died, and is alive today. He is imprisoned in a prison for his crimes and misdeeds. And APRA remains firm and is prepared for victory. Our first concern will be agriculture, to do social justice, for the young people who are in the countryside. Agriculture is a social program against poverty. Supporting farmers with technology, with cheap or interest-free credit creates jobs, which is what the Peruvian people are asking for today, work, employment! Fujimori and Toledo have plunged the country into unemployment. They can criticize us for everything. They say that there were queues in my government. It may be, because there was a terrible internal war and because the world was in crisis. Maybe. Because the governments of Fujimori and Toledo have been the governments of unemployment, of the lack of work for a fundamental reasonthat I want to explain and that has to do with Majás. And that has to do with mining. And the reason is simple. These right-wingers who think in the name of big capital, they only believe in the free market. That is, in international investment, in the law of the strongest, the one who has money. That's what they call the free market [Applause]. They, they say that when international capital comes, Peru is going to develop. And I answer them, it's not true! This recipe has been tested for 16 years and it doesn't work! For a fundamental reason, because when a mining company comes it has to bring hundreds or billions of dollars to make its investment but it only creates some jobs. Mining is what provides the least employment. And it's not that I'm against mining, but that I'm in favor of agriculture. Look, a large gold mine, the largest in the Americas, called Yamacocha, which is in Cajamar, needs to invest two billion dollars. And do you know how many direct jobs it creates? Two thousand. If with two billion dollars I create two thousand jobs, it means that everyemployment needs a million dollars. Expensive. On the other hand, in agriculture, with a loan of three thousand dollars I can generate one more indirect job. In small and micro enterprises, in the artisanal workshop, or metal mechanics, with a loan of five thousand dollars I can generate one more job. Compare. Here it takes a million dollars to create a job in mining. Here it takes three thousand dollars or five thousand dollars to create a job. That means that agriculture provides three hundred times more jobs with the same amount of money as large-scale mining. That means that small and micro enterprises provide two hundred times more employment than large mining with the same amount of money. And that is what the famous Doctor Toledo has not understood, who has insisted with his theory of the free market on waiting for everything to come from outside. If the Americans give us NAFTA, their Free Trade Agreement will be fine. If the Americans give us the APTDA, their treaty against drugs, everything will be fine. If they have a new line to invest in gold or copper, everything will be fine. It's not true! Becausethe only thing he has achieved is to divide our homeland into two Perus. A tiny Peru of miners, bankers, owners of telephone companies and owners of electricity companies that are growing, who benefit because they are powerful monopolies. They benefit from rising international prices, but everything stays there and no jobs are created. Thus, there is a Peru that is growing and when Toledo says and repeats on television all the time: "Peru grows, Peru doubles its exports." He is talking about a Peru of this size, ten percent of the authentic Peru. The other ninety percent were left out of that growth, they were left out of employment, better wages and welfare. That is what we have to understand and what APRA proposes is to unite those two Perus again. No vehicle can move forward if one wheel is going at full speed, which is the export wheel, if the other is stopped, which is the agricultural and small microenterprise wheel. [Video and audio end] | 2 |
Opinion Vol. 4, No. 28, Monday, 27-7-2015 (5) A Triumph (The Holy Father said, "You have to use these people for the country, so you have to use them for the country, you have to do it for our people, so if you want to use it for the country, if you want to believe in the country, you have to do it for our people, so I think that the members of the Democratic League are going to choose who they can do for themselves, how many people they can do, and that's the first time in 27 years that you have been able to do it for democracy. The third of the words is that I know most personally that I did it with research, and I went on, and I really did it, and indeed it is true, because if you have done it faithfully, you have heard the words, you have heard, you have heard all kinds of things, you have heard all kinds of things, and if you believe in democracy, it is very important inside, and if you believe in it, you believe in yourself, among the words you have heard, which is 346 dollars) EAI/AAA: Diamond, you know, how far democracy is. Yes, we national democracy can discern what is wrong and what has stood for so we have to have research that will be complete with that little word, for example, here is the high point is loans democracy we establish democracy We are always and we sweat and say, if you want to, who will you assign it to in the future? I don't want to give, I'm afraid, and what is it, Sir, what is it, in the case, I want to say, "I don't need it, I say to whoever you want to give, not five or eight, but out of the public treasury, b. You can give money and development programs, and you can give them to anybody, and you come to them because you have nine virtues to worry about, and if you know that, you can tell me now, you don't have to give it, we don't say we're worried. Virtue doesn't believe in everything, what do you believe? So if I want to be free from the lives I'm in, I have the ability to do what I do, and I don't believe in it.Well, let me say broadly speaking, the right to preach here has to struggle very righteously, and it needs to have the capacity and the ability to contribute to this situation, and all have to struggle to get out of this situation when the Gopal community and the Great Master are standing clean, and this is to get our politics, and this is to get our politics, and this is also to our political endowments, and we have nothing to give. You can't do it alone, if you look at it from a standpoint, it's a lot of luck, it's wisdom, I want to say it's a good thing, it's a matter of necessity because I do it alone, and the thing about it is, I'm satisfied if you vote for the election that we're talking about, no, we can distinguish between the good and the good of doing it alone, and if we do that, it's all about educating the bad. You can't give them what you can't give, and in the end, you will already know whether the election will continue to be broken, the good will be known, the election we can reproduce, they have to be done by the public, I mean, we have to calculate whether we will go on our behalf, and we have to know how important the event is. UU So I am educated about where to choose the candidates of the people, and the Lord of the Rings also explained from the balcony. Don't give it back, we're going to take responsibility, we're going to be a democracy, we don't like to say we're going to be democratic, we're democratic, so we've always said we want a lot of talent for the 2015 elections, because the system is going to be the people, because it's worth a ton to our country. I want you to approach democracy, democracy is going to happen, you don't have to say anything extra, it's a quality that can be beneficial, it's this, we believe that we are the people who deserve our representation, and to be honest, the people, we believe in ourselves, our representatives are the people when they elect us, what is democracy, we have the power for democracy because we have our own destiny, we believe that we are the people, we believe that we are the people, It's a creative system that I've always been trying to do to be an agent who can benefit the number one, and that's because I believe it can work.So don't give up that creative right today, so coincidentally being able to benefit right now is key, but don't give up my democracy with a ruin of intelligent representatives, so before we talk about this debate, sir, let's try to make a choice that can benefit our country, and we must participate in the election. I want to explain, I've got to come, I have to be able to do it in the 2012 election, so I can benefit from being able to do it with a nod from the Dewey School Principal in the 2012 election. Let me say one thing, I was a member of my membership and he often gave public advice at events, and this advice is inseparable, and I've been doing politics for 27 years, so when a member saw the megaphone, I said, In other words, it's good for the country, and I've done it for 27 years, and I'm not saying that if we're going to be too political on Election Day, it's not all right about our own organization. Come and welcome it, the people's powerful admonition of applause, and how can the country be free of the country, and I don't like it. I don't think God needs to be a law of the nation's wealth, whether it's welcome or not, because I don't think God needs to say that it's the level of wealth of the country, whether it's low in the public or at the top of what the big man has said, it's a matter of what I have to do in the heart of the country. What we need to be in line with the leader, humor, morality, knowledge, education, from the Democratic League, and we are the only members of our party, and we are the only members of the group, and we are the same, and we are not religious, and I am willing to say that we have never really campaigned to compete, because I am willing to say, because I know that it is the highest head, the great men who spoke to the Corthians, the scholars, the police, and I know that I am.Ward has only one vote, and the sermon is the Lord, and the promises that cannot be sustained in terms of experience and career, this is not democracy, and we invite the poorest people from the bottom of the population to preach, and we invite the poorest people, political views, and preachers, and I didn't give it to the people, come on, applaud, and we have only one vote, and we think that we have heard, and these people are not what I gave in the first place, and we are of our own people. I don't like it very much, so that's why I'm in the country one day, and the members of the League also explain that according to the policy of the League of Democracy, it's the supreme power that the people have in their minds, and the Constitution is not a concession, and they can come in and keep promises that they can't keep, and the people don't have the right to be equal to the people in their minds, but they don't say they're going to give us representation. I believe in the work that I am doing, and I believe in the work that I do, and I have people who ask me, and I give yes to the people, and I don't want to rally because of the high order, I believe in the work of organizing the vote with courage, we have to give, we have to give it, we are determined to do it, the applause I play is of no value, the secret ballot, who is clear, because these people changed the grammar because these people were the first Now, I want to say that there is no reason to say this, no matter how threatening and intimidating you are, it is not involved in politics at the time, it is a proxy that can benefit the people, so it has to be paid by order of the top, and in fact, who are we, the National Democracy, who is our national democracy, who is our best candidate, who is the best vote that we get, and it has a lot to do with anybody. And let me honestly admit that we believe in democracy because we believe in democracy, and let me honestly admit that we don't offend the fact that we actually believe in the right vote, and let me tell you, let me say, if we didn't offend our real self-belief that the vote was right, let me say, vol. 4, no. 28, Monday 27-7-2015. Continued from the morning page (3) ->To everybody, there's a lot of guys right now, and when we're at this percentage, we're not going to change, so for the next few years, we're responsible for everybody who lives in the same place, the mission is long, the mission is long, the Mac may not see it, it's going to be successful, it's a question of whether the witch is going to have to wait, it's not the country, it's not the country, it's not the country, it's the mission I've spent the whole day on this assignment, but we're really Burma myself to change the country to clean up the country, Dad, Burma, the chance to win is real, so to get us on the road to democracy, Mom Burma, sometimes I find it rare If you are the best candidates of the next century, consider that the 2015 election is the end with a little indigenous blood, it's worth it. I think everybody, everybody, I think it's going to be a good decision for the people, but now like the 2015 election, we need to know the best representation that the people can understand, and then the 2015 election and then the kind of poll that will go on in the history of this country, and we're going to try and choose what will happen in the future in the history of this country, but we don't see much of it right now, but we don't know when it will happen. I don't know if it's a little bit stupid, I went back in 1990, I don't have a name on the ballot roll, I don't know if this one knows, it's just for the citizens, it's all about our election, it's the 2015 election and 34 we're going to accept it, no, it's the future of our country. Let's not forget that the outcome of the National Democrat is the result of the National Democrat because we believe that the election that will change the destiny of this country is worth the future of this country, because we indigenous people believe that it is for us.Think about it every day, support the coalition, and think about it every day, and I want you to be there when you come down the street, and you vote for each other, and you vote for the community, your friends, your family, because some of you are not only affectionate, respectful, but you don't respect the will of the people, tell them, understand that, vote for our group, the situation is a little bit. I want to be a good person, I want to be a good person, I want each other to know the state of the road, so now we believe in 2015, we believe that our nation is good, and we don't want to believe it anymore, and we have a great union, and this election is a national democracy for the people, and not since then, so we discuss it. I want you to have that kind of election that can decide the fate of the United States, and we're going to do it, and the law of God is going to be a way for us to build up from 2015, and some of us are going to have a national soil until 2015, and it's like the road to democracy that honors us, and we need to be generous, and if it goes back to the 1990s, it's going to be like in the 1990s, and we're going to have to go through the election and we're going to exaggerate it. I don't want to take long, I don't know how long I'm going to listen to the value of the United States, I can change it, my people are not good people, I'm not good people, I'm going to come up with holes, I need to turn, I'm going to be honest in our country, I'm totally convinced in the 1990s, I'm not good people, I'm not going to go, I'm not going to be good, I'm going to be like that, I'm a multi-ethnic person, I'm a threat to the public, so the public thinks I'm some, too. There are people who want to pave the way for the people, the Democrats, who want to be a force for the country, who want to pave the way for the people, and how much support do we have? And so, I want to be a multi-season street, and let's be the majority, and if some ask me, it's the National Democratic Party.I want to have weaknesses, and those who say that the Burmese people who can endure in all seasons are afraid that they will vote for the chief more I'm going to answer a hundred. The people know the best, I want it to be a long way, but we have to be open-minded, more. Percentage support, the other is that the victory of our federation is that we are the people of the union, what do some people say, and I am confused. Because of the support of the people, I have to have the support, we have to work hard, we voted for the League in 1990 to try, the percentage of the world is too much for the League, we don't have to get it without the support of the people, what do you get when you have your strengths, so to a certain extent, I don't know which party to give to, we're going to say, the more people you build, the more responsibility you have, the more you don't want to go back to the army. I want you to understand that you can't get it without resistance because of the efforts of our members, and I see that some people voted for the Democratic League that threatened a coup, but I see that in the real heart of the people, there are people who have a lot of power, and that's what it is, and the more power we have without the support of the people, the more power we have, the more power we have. And the people who want it, the people who have to vote for it, the people who see it as very bitter, and the people who see it as very bitter, and that's totally ridiculous, and the army is relieved, so I think it's a good idea to support us, and I don't want it, and I think it's an insult to our strengths, and I think about it a hundred years ago, just a full democracy and a federation, so we don't want it, the people, and we're open-minded. It's insulting, I'm going to support you strongly, I'm going to take it, so the more you want the public, the more you separate yourself from other people, so I don't want you to listen to them at all, I think honestly, Daddy, I'm going to take responsibility, and I don't want to do it, I'm just doing my duty, I'm not going to say if I'm going to support you from the people now, the more you don't want the public, the more you have to do it. I'm going to invite questions, and there's a lot of that, and there's no reason to be responsible, the more powerful you are, the higher your attitude, the more you have a responsibility.Because that's what I've always done, and I agree with that, it's because the more we have to be determined, the more powerful we are, the more we vote for democracy, and when we do rallies, the people are proud of our father's face, because the more greedy the people are, the more often we vote because of the questions, because of the dignity of the people who want to ask them, and even if we put them on my father, we're going to be in trouble in our country. I feel that in the 1990s, I also showed in the public interest that it was not allowed to serve, because of the love of the people, and that I already know all of them, that the people are military commanders, military commanders..... Even though I want it from our league through all awareness, I feel like I'm a lieutenant in Heaven R5 and I'm getting my job blocked from writing in Heaven R5, and that's why I'm accepting the Golden Silkworm back because I'm out of heaven on public duty. The other thing is that I didn't give you the right to carry, but I don't want to be a part of it. HITE Divine Right, we're lucky that we didn't give it to you either, and we've had the privilege of having good leaders like the Divine Right, who are also in the midst of the pandemic, in a way that will cause public suffering. Hey, I'm going to get the big pot of Apiko, we've got it in the league, and then we're going to go to HG G326 2016 -Boom, and we're going to fight for the action of the leaders, our league is tough and the support of the people, and I believe we've got the supremacy for our democracy. A DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC, AUNG SAN, DEVOTED, MY PEOPLE, FOR THE SAKE OF STANDING AS A NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC FEDERATION. We do the theme of our advocacy, and I do my preaching, and we always remind every country that the heart of the Dowry is not to be realized, and the people believe that our country is a United States, and how sharp is the brain, and I think, that we are made up of many indigenous peoples, and that we are made up of many indigenous peoples, and that we are not going to be able to do anything about it.For example, the Presidential Obstruction of the Constitution against the Petitioner Distribution: B.Media Wash (co-media wash)Literature Library, Pingkorn School Road, Ingsin Township. = Petitioner of the Decline of the Nation Phone: 640, 61, 09 5356 31 < [email protected]> The time for change is also worth the time for the change in every area of the country = Assassin of the State, to those who want to disseminate it and those who want to read it. xxa) Value: Strict | 0 |
Letter read on February 22, 2013 by Venezuelan Foreign Minister Elías Jaua during the Third Summit of Heads of State and Government of South America and Africa (ASA), meeting in Equatorial Guinea. ________________ Brothers and sisters, receive the most fervent Bolivarian, unionist and solidarity greetings, full of all my joy and hope for the development of this urgent and long-awaited III Summit of Heads of State and Government of South America and Africa. I regret in reality and in truth, from the depths of my being, that I cannot be physically present with you, and reiterate once again, in a sincere and eternal embrace, my most irrevocable commitment to the cause of the union of our Peoples. I am present, however, in the person of the Foreign Minister of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, comrade Elías Jaua Milano, whom I have asked to convey to you the most vivid expression of my love for these continents that are more than brothers, united by indivisible historical ties, and destined to march together towards their absolute and full redemption. I say this from the depths of my conscience: South America and AfricaThey are one and the same people, It is only possible to understand the depth of the social and political reality of our continent, in the bowels of the immense African territory, where, I am sure, humanity was born. From it come the codes and elements that make up the cultural, musical and religious syncretism of our America, creating a unity that is not only merely racial among our peoples, but even more spiritual. In the same way, the empires of the past, guilty of the kidnapping and murder of millions of daughters and sons of mother Africa, in order to feed a system of slave exploitation in their colonies, sowed in Our America warlike and combative African blood, which burned from the fire produced by the desire for freedom. That sowing germinated, and our land gave birth to men of the stature of Toussaint Louverture, Alexandre Pétion, José Leonardo Chirino, Pedro Camejo, among many others, resulting in the beginning, more than 200 years ago, of an independent, unionist, anti-imperialist and restorative process in Latin America and the Caribbean. Then the twentieth century, and the liberation struggles of Africa. Its independence, its new neocolonial threats, its heroes and martyrs: Patrice Lumumba, Amílcar Cabral, to mention just a fewfew. Those who in the past conquered us, blinded by their thirst for power, did not know how to realize that the barbaric colonialism they imposed would become the founding element of our first independences. And so, although Latin America and the Caribbean, together with Africa, share a past of oppression and slavery, today more than ever, we are children of our liberators and their deeds, we can say, we must say it, with conviction and firmness, we are also united by a present of inalienable struggle for the freedom and definitive independence of our nations. I will not tire of reiterating it: we are one and the same people. We are obliged to meet, beyond formality and discourse, in the same feeling for our unity, and thus together give life to the equation that will have to be applied in the construction of the conditions that will allow us to finish taking our peoples out of the labyrinth into which they were thrown by colonialism. and then the neoliberal capitalism of the twentieth century. For this reason, I would like to remember at this time two great fighters for South-South cooperation, such as the former presidents of Brazil and Tanzania, Luiz Inácio "Lula" da Silva and Julius Nyerere respectively, whose contributionsand efforts allowed over time the formation of this magnificent forum for solidarity and complementary cooperation such as the ASA. However, the times that the world is currently living in force us to dedicate our deepest and most urgent reflections to the effort that needs to be dedicated to turning the ASA into a true instrument that generates sovereignty and development in the social, economic, political, and environmental spheres. It is on our continents that there are sufficient natural, political and historical resources that are required to save the planet from the chaos to which it has been led. Let us not miss the opportunity that the independence sacrifice of our ancestors offers us today, to unify our capacities to turn our nations into an authentic pole of power, which, to say it with the Liberator Father Simón Bolívar, is greater for its freedom and glory than for its extension and riches. The words of that infinite Uruguayan General, José Gervasio Artigas, always resonate in my soul, in my conscience: "We can expect nothing if it is not from ourselves." This profound thought contains a great truth that we must assume, I am convinced, with absolute certainty. Our cooperationSouth-South must be an authentic and permanent link of joint work that must turn all its strategies and plans for sustainable development to the South, to our peoples. While we in no way deny our sovereign relations with the Western powers, we must remember that they are not the source of the comprehensive and definitive solution to the problems shared by our countries. Far from being so, some of them project a neocolonial policy that threatens the stability that we have begun to strengthen on our continents. Sisters and brothers, I would like to evoke for this Third Summit of Heads of State and Government of the ASA, the spirit of fraternity, unionism and will that led to the development of that wonderful Second Summit on the island of Margarita, in Venezuela, which allowed us to unanimously adopt the commitments of the Declaration of Nueva Esparta. It is with great faith and hope that I express my best wishes that we will be able to recover in Malabo the momentum and performance of that extraordinary moment for our unity process, the 2009 Summit, demonstrating both its massive recurrence and the quantity and substance of the agreements reached. From Venezuela we renew today our firmest commitment to the strengthening ofof the Permanent Secretariat of the Strategic Presidential Table of the ASA, with its main tasks and functions, to accelerate the pace in the consolidation of our institutionality, and thus achieve greater efficiency in our joint work. With much pain and regret I regret that all our work formally begun in 2006 has been interrupted by the imperial forces that still seek to dominate the world. It is not by chance or by chance, I say it with absolute responsibility, that since the Summit in Margarita the African continent has been the victim of multiple interventions and attacks by the powers of the West. The various imperial invasions and bombings, rejecting any option for political and peaceful solutions to the internal conflicts that began in various African nations, had among their main objectives to slow down the process of consolidating the unity of the African peoples, and consequently, to undermine the progress of their union with the Latin American and Caribbean peoples. The neocolonial strategy has been, since the beginning of the nineteenth century, to divide the most vulnerable nations of the world, in order to subject them to an enslaving relationship of dependence. That is why Venezuela radically opposed theforeign military intervention in Libya. It is the same reason why Venezuela reiterates today its absolute rejection of all interventionist activity by NATO. In the face of the extra-regional threat of impeding the advance and deepening of our South-South Cooperation, I say it with Bolívar in his letter from Jamaica of 1815: "union, union, union, must be our maximum slogan." Our Government renews, at this Third ASA Summit, in that sister Republic of Equatorial Guinea, its absolute willingness to move forward with the work required to consolidate our cooperation in the areas that I personally proposed during our last Summit, on the beautiful island of Margarita. Energy, Education, Agriculture, Finance and Communication continue to be our priorities, for which we reiterate our approach to advance in concrete initiatives such as PetroSur, the University of the Peoples of the South or the Bank of the South, to name a few examples. In the area of communication, from Venezuela we propose that this effort that we have managed to develop jointly with different countries of South America, teleSUR, be articulated with Africa so that it can fulfill its main function from those latitudes: to connect the peoples of the world with each other and to bring to them the truth and reality of our lives.Countries. Finally, I want to reiterate all my desire that the results of this III ASA Summit will allow us to turn this forum into a useful tool to conquer our definitive independence, placing ourselves at the height of the epochal demand and bringing, as the Liberator would say, the greatest sum of happiness for our Peoples. I am convinced, thorough and unwavering, that we will succeed in completing this centuries-long cause entrusted to us by our liberators and martyrs, our millions of women and men presented in sacrifice for their full and absolute freedom. With the infinite father, our Liberator Simón Bolívar, I say it once again: "We must wait a long time for time, its immense womb contains more hopes than past events and future prodigies must be superior to past ones." Let us therefore march towards our union and definitive independence. Paraphrasing Bolívar I say now: let us form a homeland, a continent, a single people, at all costs and everything else will be tolerable. Long live the South American and African union! Long live the ASA! Until victory always! We will live and we will win! Hugo Chávez Frías Link: http://www.marxistsfr.org/espanol/chavez/2013/0002.htm | 2 |
Dear compatriots, the voters of the Republic of Moldova are yet to give appreciation to the events of April 6 and 7, 2009. The Moldovan society has become convinced of the following: there are forces in the country that are capable of sacrificing democratic institutions, respect for the law, the European option of the Republic of Moldova and its statehood for the sake of ambitions to accede to power. It is precisely these forces that managed in just a few days to throw the country back into the atmosphere of fear and mistrust of the early 90s. By consistently denying all the democratic foundations of the Moldovan society, they seemed to have created all possible and impossible premises for the country to deviate from the path of European modernization, to unleash actions of revenge against its opponents, to discredit its statehood by contempt for the rule of law. But these challenges have failed. The power did not allow itself to be drawn into that dangerous game, in which no rules are respected, a game that the liberal opponents are trying to impose on it. Today the power is most concerned with the tasks of unifying society, healing that political trauma, which polarized public opinion, led to the creation of a "cold war" atmosphere between different political camps. "European Moldova - awe build together!" - this is exactly the slogan of the Party of Communists in the 2009 elections. No one suspected that this exhortation would be so topical after the parliamentary elections! No one even thought that we would have to build and restore in the true sense of the word. And not only the administrative edifices, but also our society. Let us restore in it the spirit of tolerance, trust and security in the future. A vigorous power differs from any dictatorship and any authoritarian regime in that it does not take revenge on anyone. He does not take revenge, because he understands that political conflicts are only a projection of what takes place in the depths of society. You will agree with me that it is easiest to suppress a conflict by force, applying the letter of the law, but it is much more difficult to understand the causes of this conflict. The Moldovan state has gone through many trials, but I am convinced that from the crisis situation that has been created, our country will know how to come out even stronger, and the society - even more united. I know that such actions of the leadership of the Republic of Moldova will find understanding not only in our society and that they will bring ussolidarity of all friends and foreign partners. And now, of course, it is important to advance together on a common constructive path, to solve problems, but not to provoke new conflicts. It is in this context that we consider extremely tendentious and inopportune all the actions taken by the top leadership of Romania towards the Republic of Moldova. The speech of the President of Romania, Traian Basescu, is the best and most eloquent commentary on what has been repeatedly stated by the Moldovan leadership in its approaches to all bodies and structures of the European Union. This speech - from the beginning to the end - is an example of state revanchism and leaves no doubt as to who inspires those politicians, few in number, in Moldova, for whom the struggle for liberal values is identified, I don't know why, with the struggle against Moldova's independence. To our regret, the President of Romania, in his statement, expressed his doubts regarding the conclusion of the European observers regarding the fact that the elections in Moldova had a democratic character and were free, dared to declare that the entire population of the Republic of Moldova is made up of Romanians, undertook to increase organizational and financial supportfor all those structures that talk daily about the need to liquidate Moldova, he addressed the Moldovan youth with an appeal for solidarity and promised to take all Romanians from across the Prut to Europe, by granting Romania citizenship en masse. If all this does not mean interference in the internal affairs of the Republic of Moldova and instigation to continue street disorder, then, based on the principles of international law, all this can be qualified in harsher terms. I am convinced that by his statement the President of Romania has considerably restricted the area of identification of the internal political causes of the events of April 6-7, 2009 in the capital of the Republic of Moldova and has absolved the Moldovan authorities of the accusation of suffering from espionage. I will remind you that, during the events of April 7, the top leadership waited in vain for a reaction of condemnation from Romania. A reaction, which would have contained at least a dissociation from the pogromists who stormed the headquarters of the Parliament and the presidential administration carrying Romanian flags and unionist slogans. But a strange and eloquent silence followed. At that critical moment, we had to declare the Romanian Ambassador persona non grata. Throughout his entire mandate, this diplomat turned the Embassy he led into a placeof the political dialogue between two states, but in a place of conspiratorial meetings with various characters of Moldovan politics, who seek support not so much from our society, but from the Romanian Government. But it turns out that the esteemed diplomat behaved like this only because, first of all, for his own president there are no notions of Moldovan identity and Moldovan independence. On that particularly tense day, everyone noticed the special hostility, practically, of all the Romanian television channels, which openly called the population of our country to rebellion. The Moldovan society saw how volunteers from Romania were organized to be urgently sent across the border, to Chisinau, how all street protests were labeled with the proud word "revolution". All these alarming signals have led us to introduce the visa regime for Romanian citizens. This imposed measure is only a response to the neighboring state, which has allowed itself to be openly involved in the internal political events in Moldova. All his harsh assessments and his unrestrained statements remain on President Basescu's conscience. I hope that they will be the subject of a special investigation within the European Union, which is obliged to bear collective responsibility for the actions of a country that has provoked street clashes in another country.At the same time, the strength and spirit of European values lies not only in the ability to rein in the grotesque instincts of some European politicians. Their strength lies in jointly identifying consensus in the most difficult situations. With great regret, the relations between Moldova and Romania are today part of this category of problems. In order to exclude misinterpretations, I would like to make known once again that vision of Moldovan-Romanian relations, which could be acceptable for the peoples of both countries. Yes, we have a troubled history, which has painfully shaped our fate over the centuries. We speak the same language, even if we call it differently. And this should not be an occasion for political wars. I believe that our difficulties of communication and understanding have historical and mentality reasons that are easy to understand. A good part of Romania's territory was a constituent part of the State of Moldova. For more than 20 years, a part of the territory of the Republic of Moldova was part of the Romanian State. And hence the sometimes naïve and romantic perception, sometimes full of superiority and arrogance, of the new geopolitical realities, which appeared after the dissolution of the USSR and after the proclamation of the Independence of the RepublicMoldova. The idea of rebuilding Greater Romania or unionism ignited the imagination of many after 1989. But time has imposed pragmatic and realistic approaches, and yesterday's dreamers have matured both in Chisinau and in Bucharest. However, the temptation to look at the Republic of Moldova as a lost territory, which, under certain circumstances, could be recovered, still troubles the minds of some in both capitals. The "Bessarabian problem", as it is called in Bucharest, has also become an electoral workhorse in Romania itself. I hope that, sooner or later, the leadership of today's Romania will become aware of the fact that the time of obsolete geopolitical intrigues has passed, that the European countries have been successfully overcoming the old historical obides for a long time. I would dare to suggest to our friends in Bucharest a model of regional partnership from which we should also draw inspiration in bilateral relations: Poland and Ukraine. Poland also lost important territories to the former USSR, territories that are now an integral part of Ukraine. But no one in Warsaw stirs up the idea of revenge, of territorial claims against Kiev. No one is trying to convert Ukrainians into Poles, granting the population of this country citizenship, depriving it of an incentive of the greatest importance for European integrationof their own country. On the contrary, the relations between the two countries are excellent. As well as relations between Poland and Lithuania. This while it is known that the borders between them have also undergone substantial changes. But this is not an obstacle to the close partnership and cooperation relations between Warsaw and Vilnius. In the case of Romania, however, unfortunately, another perspective is maintained, which permanently throws us into the thorny and infinite pit of mutual reproaches and accusations. And it's a pity. I believe that we must overcome the naivety of the early 90s and leave aside the airs of superiority. As statesmen, we have an obligation to think realistically. Otherwise, the frustrations caused by historical obsessions will provoke revanchist tendencies, which are both outdated, and anti-European. The unwillingness of the officials in Bucharest to sign the basic treaty and the one delimiting the border with the Republic of Moldova is an obvious proof of the lack of sincerity. All the justifications and pretexts that permanently postpone the signing of these fundamental documents for the consolidation of our relations have nothing in common with international practice, nor with Romania's national interests, nor with the interests of the European Union. They just make it clear thatin Bucharest, the "Bessarabian card" is played out of a simple misunderstanding of the essence of the new geopolitical realities in the region. Particularly dramatic is the fact that the promotion of a fundamentalist and aggressive Romanianism, as well as the actions of political destabilization of Moldova, only fuel the Transnistrian separatism, justifying its claim of an imminent danger that would emanate from Romania. That is why all those who openly inspire the minor citizens of my country with fanciful scenarios about the restoration of Greater Romania, first of all, undermine regional stability. Not to mention the fact that provocative actions under the guise of patriotism bring undeniable harm to Ukraine's national interests, its territorial integrity, thus pushing the entire region towards the danger of a dangerous balkanization. I must admit that in this capacity, Romania, unfortunately, is not a generator of stability for the Republic of Moldova and for the surrounding region. And Mr. Basescu's claim to be concerned with the "four million Romanians" is nothing but a proof of the misunderstanding of the realities in our country. Such an attitude, among other things, does not take into account the fact that citizens of different nationalities live in the Republic of Moldova, who have equal rights with those of the titular nation, Mr. Basescu's obsessive concern for the Romanians in Bessarabia being not only a manifestation of Romanianismaggressive, but also a factor in stoking interethnic strife. I am sorry that the authorities in Bucharest confuse history and culture with politics. It would be good for them to understand a simple truth: linguistic and spiritual affinity does not grant any statesman in Bucharest the right to extend his political authority over the citizens of the Republic of Moldova. In my capacity as President of the Republic of Moldova, I declare unequivocally: my country wants to develop the best and most lasting relations of friendship and collaboration with Romania. The deepening of political, economic and cultural relations is in the interest of my country. However, we have the right to ask the Romanian authorities to treat us with respect and honesty, as a sovereign state, as a people who live according to the laws of their country, without interference from outside, developing democracy in the European spirit and in accordance with international norms and international practice. We believe that in the current conditions, the best proof of Romania's European aspirations and sincere respect for Moldovan statehood would be the signing of the basic political treaty between our countries and the signing of the border treaty. But an even greater contribution of Romania to the development of the European perspective for Moldova would beand the activation of Romania's efforts within the European Union in order to grant the right of free movement to the citizens of Moldova. I have no doubt that Romania is capable of mobilizing all its energy and authority to achieve these goals. As for the past crisis, I, as President of the Republic of Moldova, consider it my duty not only to maintain stability and trust in democratic institutions. I am obliged to do everything so that the outbreaks of desperate violence, which manifested themselves on April 7, do not repeat themselves in the future, so that the people of Moldova say about themselves that they are able to identify without the help of others solutions that put them on the same line with the civilized peoples of Europe. I am honest when I declare that I do not understand the strategy of the liberal opponents, I do not understand their goals, nor their values, nor their slogans. But I know one thing - behind the Liberals are the voters, there are the citizens of the Republic of Moldova. I am glad that we were able to avoid the bloodshed last Tuesday, the so-called "black" bloodshed, but I am extremely worried about the fact that hundreds of young citizens are forced to be arrested, to pay with their freedom for the mistakes that are on their conscienceother people, who call themselves politicians. I know that the society in the Republic of Moldova will always remain different, that its public opinion will not be brought to the same denominator. Some will like the communists, others will vote for other parties. This is because Moldova is a democratic state. This is the strength of our country, this is its immunity from any challenges, from any dramatic episodes of our contemporary history. As the leader of the winning party, I know that this party still bears the responsibility not only for advancing the country on the path of European modernization, for preventing the economic crisis, for ensuring a new quality of life. Our Party is also responsible for the fact that, regardless of his political convictions, regardless of the actions of various provocateurs, every citizen of Moldova should be sure that his Motherland is a free, modern state. For this reason, as well as taking advantage of the approach of the brightest holiday of all Orthodox Christians, I urge all participants in the political process in the Republic of Moldova to return to the path of civilized dialogue. The representatives of the underworld and the recidivists who took advantage of the complicated political situation will remain in the places of detention. For all other participants in theThe events of April 7 ask the competent bodies to initiate the total amnesty and request the cessation of all forms of prosecution of the participants in the street protest actions. The government does not ask for or put forward any conditions to the leaders of the opposition. Any decision of theirs has only one judge - the voter. He will appreciate all of us. European Moldova - we build it together! | 2 |
Name: Benigno Aquino III Speech category: Campaign Date: 25 February 2010 Location: To be determined Title: Benigno Aquino III's people power anniversary speech Brief description: This speech was delivered at the beginning of the campaign period for the 2010 presidential election. My beloved comrades, brothers and compatriots: In the early hours of September 23, 1972, the soldiers arrived and arrested my father. My mother woke us up and told us what had happened. I was only twelve years old. My father was imprisoned even though he was innocent. And that's where our Calvary began. Many believed he would be the next president. But on that day, he was suddenly considered the main enemy of the state, though he was innocent. Our world turned upside down. The people who promised not to leave us rejected us. From the anticipated bright future, the nightmare of martial law began. From grade 1 to 6, I was in the top 10 of my class. Preparing for a bright future. But when martial law came, it seemed impossible to have a future. That makes it hard to try hard as if inA future without hope. My mother was the father and mother of our family. To be with our father, we had to ask permission from the martial law authorities. I was a little boy who could do nothing while trampling on the dignity of my mother and sisters when they underwent strip searches every time they visited our father. My mother and sister were dressed in almost all the clothes. A year before martial law, Mr. Marcos accused my father of any crimes. My father answered: Take me to court. The accuser of my father was Mr. Marcos. The judges of my father are his servants. Their decision was remanded to him for review. It was 1976 and I was 16 years old. The time came for my father to be judged by a military commission. Since the decision was made before the trial began, my father decided to go on hunger strike in protest of injustice. Every day, I see my father's life slowly getting full and depleted. Why did his sacrifice lead to this? Why a man should be innocentto go through this ordeal? In each of the forty days, the hatred and anger that was forming within me grew stronger. You can see why I feel so bad. How many of us can endure and endure in this situation? The trials and dangers we faced were still ongoing, we all faced it. Have you ever tried to spend Christmas and New Year in prison just to be with your loved one innocently? Have they ever experienced their whole family crying on New Year's in a small cell, while the whole world celebrates and enjoys outside? Have they ever had the experience of being Big Brother and Dad to sisters at such a young age? Over time, I was forced to accept — like millions of Filipinos — the lack of rights in all fields. The pain we have suffered, the pain of will, the injustice to the beloved father — that is what has changed my character and character. Sacrifice — for the people. Sacrifice — for standing. sacrifice with a mixture of prayer and hope withGod will correct the wrong in due time. So to those who insult not only me but to the call of time, the answer here is simple: this is our destiny. What they want is for me to abandon — and let us abandon — the example and principles of my parents and the good example set not only to their children, but to the whole community. My father's family was not poor. But he chose to be realistic and abandoned the offer of power and money to lay down his life for our country. I remember the letter my father wrote when he was in prison. My father was fifty years old when he was murdered. I am now 50 years old too. My father said, "The only advice I can give you: Live with honor and follow your conscience. There is no greater nation on earth than our Motherland. No greater people than our own. Serve them with all your heart, with all your might and with all your strength. Son, the ball is now in your hands." It's true that my life has not been affected by themother, but her choice of life was to serve the people and lift up the poor — and not her own comfort. They gave our people things that no one else could buy: their sacrifice. Their stance. If someone is oppressed, if someone is being exploited, they stand firm: make them feel and prove that they are not alone. All the hardships we have endured have been reciprocated by the Filipino people with love. Love for my father Ninoy who was murdered without mercy, and millions have expressed sympathy. Love for my mother, Cory, who was prayed for by the people who were in pain, and sympathy when she lay down. In all our sacrifices, in all our tragedies, you have not abandoned us. You have not left us. You made us feel like we weren't alone. I don't think it's just because of the example of Ninoy and Cory. They saw only what the subjugators of power and intimidation did not want to recognize: that the Filipino was decent, dignified, caring and upstanding. We have long patience, but as we endure, there is the knowledge that there is also a day of reckoning, there is also a day for true justice. It did comeThat day on February twenty-five, 1986: This was the opposite of the constant pain that our society went through. People Power restored democracy. The people power has restored our right to choose and elect our leaders. People Power has restored human rights. People Power makes us all high foreheads. We even sang this as the Filipino's offering to the world. We have been inspired by many other countries in Asia and Europe that have also come to People Power to present democracy. So when People Power succeeded we said, according to the song, Our freedom because we have long been aiming for. 'Will not be allowed to recover again. But what has happened since then? In 2000, corruption again prevailed in government. We stood up again and had a second People Power, but what did our incumbent President do? Why do we still witness the exploitation and intimidation of a few as they have tortured millions of Filipinos? Why is it that to this day the question of 'Hello Garci' is still so insistent? Isn't the innocent, in a hurry to prove the accuser wrong? Five years ago, is there not enough? Why allowedthe allies to establish their own kingdoms? Why is it so extreme to use violence not only guns and weapons, but also chainsaw and backhoe? Why does the Maguindanao massacre have to take place? Do thieves, deceivers and thieves really have to be corrupted? Their greed is growing deeper and deeper as the people suffer more. Back then, Marcos was the only law. Now, in many cases, the law, including our Constitution, seems to be disrespected. Back then, the election was cooked Makoy; Today, the election is Cooked Gloria and Garci. In the past, the project was corrupted by corruption. The remaining part of the project is only a few percent. We are forced to believe that we can do nothing. We need to look back at the past. There is a Ninoy Aquino. He faced a clear danger in his life. We have the opportunity to make peaceful change. He was killed by the power of the corrupt. And with his passing, our democracy came to life. There is a Cory Aquino. He continued the fight — until we restored democracy. And even after the end of the presidency, never once refused to stand up to defend democracy at every risk. Haspeople and forces who want to put aside the interests of the majority for the sake of their selfish interests. As this process progresses, the lives of the poor and the unfortunate. Once upon a time a dictator dared to join a nation. The Filipino people, follow the example of Ninoy and Cory. Wake up and stand up, and drive out the daring. Now the people who follow the footsteps of the darn reign again. You who are here, stand up and warn the brave: Prepare for the day of accountability. Wake up to the truth. The people are awake. In times of darkness, the question is: Who will act to bring us back to the light? In your union, you have answered it. Now, the people who dreamed again are in action, and we see a bright and bright future where the dream will come true too. Once, there was a Ninoy Aquino, alone in his bar. He dared to dream. And as time went on, millions of Filipinos responded to his challenge — and we achieved freedom. Now we have nothing to fear. We are awake. We are awake. We are moving to achieve success: The Filipino will rise again in the world. Thank you very much andHave a great evening to all of you! February 25 2010 | 2 |
http://wpolityce.pl/artykuly/43318-dokladnie-siedem-lat-temu-lech-kaczynski-zostal-zaprzysiezony-na-prezydenta-rzeczypospolitej-przypominamy-tekst-jego-inauguracyjnego-przemowienia Exactly seven years ago, Lech Kaczyński was sworn in as the President of the Republic of Poland. We remind you of the text of his inaugural address! Published: 23 December, 10:50 | last update: 23 December, 10:58 Dear Mr. President! Gentlemen Speakers of the Sejm and the Senate! High Assembly! Your Eminence, Primate! Your Excellencies, Archbishops and Bishops! Distinguished representatives of other religions! Distinguished guests! I stand before the National Assembly today, aware of the great responsibility that the oath I have just taken places on me imposes on me. I know that the decision made by the nation in the presidential elections, as well as in the parliamentary elections, stems from the expectation of a great, positive change in public and social life. The task facing me, but also all those who hold power in Poland today, is to meet this expectation, not to disappoint hope, to undertake the construction of a new shape of our lives. I am convinced that the sense of this hope, which has sunk so deeply into the minds of Poles, can be described in the words justice, solidarity, honesty. The meaning of these words, if we refer to social life, to interpersonal relations, is related to each other. There can be no justice without solidarity. There is no mechanism that would allow the principle of solidarity to be implemented without honesty, in particular the honesty of those who make decisions concerning others. This also applies to the rulers in the state, as well as in the main economic institutions. When it comes to the state, honesty is closely linkedWith a readiness to treat the exercise of office as a public service, which must be referred to the common good, to constant efforts to achieve it When we speak of the state as a whole, this common good is the good of Poland, the good of the nation. When it comes to the sphere of non-state, honesty is related to the readiness to behave in solidarity, with solidarity itself, which is the basic binder of social life. When we look at the events of the last 16 years, without in any way detracting from the creators of our successes, and there were quite a few of these successes, it must be said clearly, there was too little solidarity, too little justice, and often there was also a lack of honesty. In many cases, there was a lack of readiness to treat authority as a public service and the will and energy to strive for the common good. And it is in this sphere that a profound change must take place, perceptible to society. It is obvious that there is no possibility of building good public order without people who are guided by fundamental values in their actions, who strive for the common good, because it is a value in itself for them. Only on the basis of such motivations, on the basis of striving to ensure the prosperity of Poland in its development, and I would even say its greatness, can we strive to repair the Republic of Poland. This correction, High Assembly, is a concrete task, this removal of pathological phenomena from our Life,and above all, the great crime of today, and especially the corruption crime of the whole, great drive to obtain unjustified benefits, which poisons society, deforms its structure, creates too great and unjustified social distances, degenerates market institutions, and above all, degenerates the state apparatus and prevents the state from properly fulfilling social distances, degenerates market institutions, and above all, degenerates the apparatus and prevents the state from properly fulfilling its elementary tasks. These tasks are to ensure national security, personal security of citizens, elementary social security, health security, basic premises for the development of the family and, finally, the security of economic transactions and basic conditions for the development of the economy. Gentlemen Marshals! High Assembly! I would like to emphasize with particular force that the duties of the state relating to individuals and families must be performed with equal force both in the city and in the countryside. Poland is one and all communities must have the opportunity to advance and develop. The huge differences that are taking place today must be systematically leveled. This also applies to differences between regions. Gentlemen Marshals! High Assembly! Ladies and Gentlemen, Senators and Members of Parliament, The threat to Polish's energy security and related events, the high level of crime, huge unemployment, a serious crisis of the health service, the far insufficient condition of housing construction, affecting families, their development, threatening small and medium-sized enterprisesUncertainty of turnover, the terrible condition of roads, the long-term inability to build motorways are facts that cannot be questioned or denied. The state is not doing its job properly and therefore it must be cleansed and rebuilt. Along with the moral change of the new attitude of the rulers, this is the basic condition for meeting social expectations that are fully justified. There is an absolute need for such an economic policy that will combine efforts for rapid development with efforts to solve social problems, with unemployment at the forefront. Honorable Members! Parties and Gentlemen Senators! The events of the last three years, the growing opposition to evil, mobilization and great moral tension in the memorable moments after the death of our pope, the unforgettable John Paul II, create hope. Let's protect and sustain it. When they speak of the importance of the moral sphere, I cannot omit the truth. The nation as a community is also built around tradition. It must not be opposed to the necessary changes, the necessary modernization of Polish. This is an invented contradiction. This is a harmful way of thinking. The most successful in Europe were those who were able to combine modernization with good tradition. Our state in all its practice, in its legislation, in the sphere of school education and other types should take this path. Gentlemen Marshals! High Assembly! As President of the Republic of Poland, I will do everything, everything possible, to ensure that the expectation of a great positiveThe change was not disappointed. I will use all the powers that the constitution and laws give me, including those that have been rarely used so far, to persuade those in power to introduce the necessary changes, to stigmatize those who harm, reject the common good, act in the name of particular interests, or even in their own interest. In these matters, I will not be guided by loyalty to anyone other than loyalty to Polish.I will also make efforts to strengthen the social foundations of the entire process of change, and in particular the new economic policy. Poland needs a kind of social contract that will determine the way of dividing the common heritage for the next years. Poles must know what they can expect as consumers, as employees, as employers, from the state. We need to start talking about it, we need to make an effort, a great effort to reach an agreement. I am deeply convinced that Poland needs a new constitution that will better meet the needs of the times than the current one, liquidate spheres excluded from social control, reduce the danger of pathologization and the state, eliminate irresponsibility. I know that it will be extremely difficult in the current parliament, but he strove for it, referring to the sense of responsibility of all factions present in the parliament. The adoption of a new constitution would greatly facilitate the repair of the state, and would also be the culmination of the construction of what we call the fourth Polish Republic. Gentlemen Marshals! HighAssembly! Poland is part of the world order. The President of the Republic of Poland has a constitutional duty to guard our sovereignty, he bears a high responsibility for defence and foreign policy. The fulfillment of these tasks always takes place in specific circumstances. Today, my task is to do everything to ensure security and favourable political and economic conditions for the great reconstruction that we should undertake in Poland. What is more, my task is to make our relations with other countries a factor that dynamizes change, strengthens our sense of values and our attachment to our homeland. The way to achieve this is to reject national complexes, to constantly raise our weaknesses, to imitate ourselves even when it comes to phenomena and foundations that are doubtful or openly harmful. To be treated as a large European nation, you have to want to be one. If you want the respect of others, you must first respect yourself. The foreign policy that I want to pursue together with the government must be energetic, focused on the continuation of what is its undeniable achievement, i.e. Euro-Atlantic relations, relations with the United States, which must be strengthened in the best national interest, and in difficult moments maintained, however, by firmly putting forward our demands, as well as relations within the European Union, where we cannot limit ourselves to defending current interests. We have had great successes here recently, and the improvement of relationswith Germany and France is a positive phenomenon, which does not mean that there are no very important problems, especially in relations with the first country, Germany. But we need to take more far-reaching action. An active role in preparing a new project for the Union after the collapse of the draft Constitutional Treaty should be a particularly important element of our foreign policy. Our goal is a Union that creates the basis for permanent, stricter, close, excuse me, and institutionalized cooperation between European countries based on the principles of solidarity. I will make efforts to convince our partners that this is the most appropriate and most appropriate shape of the European Union. A new quality must also be given to everything that is related to our relations with the countries lying to the east of our borders. The strategic alliance with Ukraine should take on more concrete shapes. Close cooperation with Lithuania, as well as Latvia and Estonia, i.e. the other Baltic countries, and striving to make them permanent are our goals. The defence of citizens' rights in Belarus, in particular the defence of the rights of the Polish minority, is also of great importance. The Visegrad Agreement must be given a lively meaning to our relations with the Czech Republic, the Slovak Republic and Hungary. There are many indications that the opportunities for cooperation with the Scandinavian countries, especially with regard to the situation in the Baltic Sea, are not being exploited.are our relations with Russia, which has remained our great neighbour for centuries, despite the vicissitudes of fate. We look at them primarily from a historical perspective, maintaining patience and the conviction that there are no objective reasons why they could not be good. Poland and its president can never forget about their compatriots living abroad. There is a great need for far-reaching change, intensification of our relations with the Polish diaspora. Their maintenance and strengthening is our national duty. Gentlemen Marshals! High Assembly! A Poland that is safe, developing, solving social problems, successful, rooted in tradition and at the same time modern is the goal around which Poles can unite today. I will repeat here the words that I have already said, our country needs to settle accounts with the past, because without it there can be no moral order. It also needs agreement and unity in the most important matters. I am convinced that we can achieve them. My whole experience says that good work, honest performance of tasks, fair treatment of people unites people of different worldviews and resumes. Other experiences from 20 and 30 years ago showed that history is made by those who have the courage to act. Before my eyes, small groups of oppositionists, a free trade union of several dozen people, transformed into a great national movement "Solidarity" and despite the blows inflicted, it won. To want is to be able. These words, seemingly reckless, accompanied usin those difficult but beautiful times. They also accompanied the creators of our independence of the Second Polish Republic. I am turning to you, my compatriots, so that despite all the disappointments you may believe once again. We are supposed to change Poland, but we will not change it without you. And it is necessary to change it. | 1 |
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Remarks by the President of the Nation, Dr. Carlos S. Menem, at the inauguration of the Alpesca S.A. fishing plant in Puerto Madryn, on November 23, 1989.
Mr. Governor of the Province, Mr. Ambassador of the Republic of Canada, national authorities, national and provincial legislators, Mr. Mayor of the city, Mayors of neighboring communities, military, ecclesiastical and security forces authorities of the province, Patagonian sisters and brothers: I know that you are already very tired, because you have been standing here for a long time to listen to the words of those who have put this work in sea, the heads of the firms that make up these capitals that make up the growth and development of Patagonia, the words of the Secretary of Fisheries and the governor that have been eloquent enough for me to dabble at length on these issues
We have experienced two significant and important events in this beloved city: a few moments ago we inaugurated the facilities of the Patagonian National Center for Scientific and Technical Research and, now, the start-up of this factory that has to process the products (our enormous fish wealth. They are two different facts but they complement each other perfectly.
We said at the inauguration of the research center that the Productive Revolution that we launched is feasible and viable as long as Argentina also sets in motion another type of revolution, the technological revolution and the scientific revolution.
So, these two inaugurations evidently complement each other perfectly, not only to create wealth, but also to control the wealth that we currently have in raw materials. !
That is why I said that we are also making a reality that we expressed throughout our electoral campaign, in the sense that this Productive Revolution has our beloved Patagonia as its capital, we started it here and we are going to continue it throughout the Argentine Republic, but we are not going to give up in our efforts so that one for all that magnificent, A valuable, transcendent, and significant weapon that: God placed in the hands of men, becomes a reality for all the people: work and, starting from work, production and, in addition to production, wealth, but not wealth for a few to the detriment of others, but wealth that, from a Christian conception of life, in which man is the brother of man, pui
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That is why we are calling on everyone to come to this land to help us grow, to help us develop and create that wealth that we need so much.
For all this, thanks to this company, Alpesca S.A., which is all over the Argentine Republic; they are Argentine capitals because they are in the Argentine Republic. When they leave here, they will cease to be Argentines, but in the meantime, let's not be afraid of the capital that is invested and produced; Let's be afraid of the capital that speculates and what makes usury a lifestyle that we do not want to share from any point of view.
In this sense, I want to clarify a concept: the men and women of our movement are criticized because when we sing "la marchita" we say "fighting capital". But what is the capital we are fighting? Not this one, but the one who moves in the City, who in one day earns large sums of money without working and without producing; we want, I reiterate, this capital, the one that allows man to comply with a biblical precept "you will earn your bread by the sweat of your brow", which is what we men who love the Argentine Republic are doing.
Finally, I tell you of my tremendous and deep love for this Patagonian people, whom I have learned to love from the beginning and after many visits, but that affection is increasing since from here the sovereignty of the homeland is also safeguarded with sacrifices and work. :
May God bless you, I embrace you on my heart and see you very soon.
Hihihi wasilia
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to be distributed with a genuine sense of social justice between those who work and those who put up the capital.
Perhaps many do not know what this beloved Republic of Canada means to the world today. Not only here is private capital, of course, but Canadian, which from the. the moment they enter our territory they also become national capitals.
In my province there are establishments that are operating with Canadian capital.
| Canada has become a great power in the world and I have had the opportunity to meet and talk in Costa Rica with its Prime Minister; a man of clear ideas, of exceptional humanity, and he told me that Canada is willing to help countries that want to grow and that want to develop. .
We have talked about the integration of this continent and a few days ago, based on the proposal of all the members of the American community, Canada joined the Organization of American States. This is the process of integration that we men of American politics have been proposing for a long time.
We have spoken with the President of the United States and we have spoken with all the Presidents of this continent and I must say that things are going very well. I believe that only the Americans will save the Americans and when I talk about Americans, I am not only talking about the Americans of the North, but we are also Americans, Latin Americans and this process of integration is no longer stopped by anyone, absolutely no one. Each one for its part, each country on its own in an adjusted way, will not achieve the objectives it has set itself.
On the other hand, in a joint and integrated way we are going to carry out great works that make possible the realization of the community to which we belong and within which the man who is part of it has to be fulfilled.
These concepts obviously make our proposal not purely partisan, since it is Argentine, Latin American and American in general. Let's continue to move forward in this way, let's continue to integrate, let's continue to open our arms to all the men and capitals of the world who want to come to Argentina to help us grow. We are going to make a great Argentina, a just Argentina, a sovereign Argentina as long as we understand that it is essential that the international community also reaches this land with charitable work and growth based on work and also on investment.
Here it has been said --- I don't need to repeat it -- that this speculation and usury is transitory in a country where everything is still to be done. Argentina is virgin, Argentina has not been started from production in terms of its food, raw materials, energy and, mainly, human resources.
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Address of the President 2006 Source: Booklet for the program "Rebirth in 100 Days" of the VMRO DPMNE party for the parliamentary elections 2006 Dear citizens! The energy that comes from this country is strong. Even more powerful are its stories, history, and natural beauty. Here I grew up, here I felt joy for the first time, here I learned what sadness means. Here are my friends, comrades, my family, my destiny. Here and in no other place – nowhere better. Only here, in the Republic of Macedonia, among you, in the country I love. I am convinced that this feeling is shared with me by all, all those who are part of the narrative of this country. We all depend on each other. And all of us, together, with a responsible attitude towards each and every one of us in this country, can begin what we love – a new era, an era in which we will establish a new system of values, in which we will show unity, courage and love, but also passion and determination. An era in which we promote economic development, progress, security, community, tolerance and mutual understanding. Such will be the new era of our country. It will be an era that will mark a new, successful futureFor all of us. Our history and the greatness of our primordial values give us the right to believe in it, to believe in ourselves, to believe in Macedonia and to know that it will be better! I am firmly convinced that the Macedonian force, supported by the restoration of self-reliance and the new togetherness, will be able to move Macedonia towards the establishment of a clear state policy, which will reflect the fundamental interests and goals of Macedonia. Macedonia needs a new breakthrough, and such a breakthrough implies and requires a complete restoration of its inner vitality. This requires victory over the spirit of cowardice, consolidation of all components of state and social life and full concentration on the consistent and responsible achievement of the fundamental goals and interests of Macedonia. VMRO-DPMNE has the strength for such a breakthrough! Pakistan has the strength to make such progress, to take great steps forward towards prosperity and development! A spirit of behavior followed by responsibility, self-reliance and reliance on one's own strengths and potentials, followed by thorough, professional, professional, responsive and constant actions of individuals and institutions, together with the balanced development of all spheres will give Macedonia a new impetus. These steps will be motivated by our strength, willpower,perseverance and with the conviction that Macedonia deserves progress. We, in VMRO-DPMNE, have remained and will remain faithful to the fundamental provisions of our party, which are part of the great European Christian Democratic Idea. VMRO-DPMNE today is fully ready to make a leading contribution to the renewal of the country's unity, to be the promoter of its new development cycle, of its economic progress, to lead a new stage in the development of national and cultural life and identity as part of Europe and the European idea, to lead Macedonia in the beginning of building a true system of values and to bring Macedonia into the European Union and NATO. Dear citizens! Our enduring values mean that we believe in trust among people, sharing responsibility, encouraging and promoting freedom, and supporting institutions and cultures. Gone are the days of overpriced ideologues and false myths. Gone are the days of lies and despair! The time has come for a new concept of development and progress, a time in which we will embed our enduring values in the new challenges. I can see a real desire and passion in our country for new ideas and new leadership. I can see a willingness to activate all forces in Macedonia in order to make it happenProgress and economic development in order to get out of this crisis in which we have been for a decade and a half. We all know that good politics comes from trust. In order for Macedonia to be led towards a better future, some blockages must be overcome and some clear messages must be sent. Trust must be given to us, and we must all be restored to our trust! In 2002, the SDSM managed to win the election and your confidence. They promised great things. They didn't! Four years later, it turned out that there was a real disappointment with the SDSM's election. Your trust is something that no one must let down, it is something sacred and you must not allow it to be abused. Too many people in our country are burdened with existential problems. Their fate is in doubt. There is no such thing as economic efficiency. The state stands. Ah, there is power! We are that force, together with you! We're going to take great steps forward! Dear citizens! Our challenge in this election is precisely to make sure that we provide a serious alternative in order to offer Macedonia a fresh start to progressand development. This means two things. First, we must feel within us the voice of change, optimism and hope, we must feel the strength of Macedonia ourselves. Secondly, we must develop new ideas, which we will embed in our ambitions for Macedonia. REBIRTH IN 100 STEPS Above all, we must show that the changes we are making are in the long term, that is, that they will last. Just as our will and will continue to endure that emanates from our tradition, just as our quest to make Makedonia a better place to live endures and will last. And, we must show that our ideas will improve your lives and that together we will build a better Macedonia. Our ideas and our vision for Macedonia are in this program. This program has a single goal: the revival of Macedonia! A revival of her spirit, a revival of her vitality, a revival of her essence, a revival of her faith! Dear citizens, Macedonia needs joint direction and motivation of forces. Macedonia needs a stable, trustworthy and professional government, which will put its energy and potential in motion. The program that is in front of you confirms that it isIt is possible to do this, and VMRO-DPMNE knows that together we will succeed! Let's take this chance! Let's show the strength of Macedonia and take great strides forward! Let's work together! Let's work for Macedonia! Nikola Gruevski President of VMRO-DPMNE__ | 2 |
Speech by Evo Morales in El Chapare, Bolivia, when election results were announced. Found on website: http://www.renacerbol.com.ar/ed106/noticias_de_bolivia04.htm The new history of Bolivia begins, where equality, justice, equity, peace with social justice are sought. We are committed to that change that the Bolivian people expect. We realized that in the cities we are not alone either, not everyone despises and hates the peasant movements. That is why this is the great triumph of the living people who seek change in our country. The people should purge the members of the National Electoral Court. I say this before international organizations such as the OAS and other observers because it has been shown that it has been handled illegally, from the CNE. Some members of the CNE have committed a crime against democracy. Despite this situation, the organized, united people demonstrated that the neoliberals and their members who are concentrated in the CNE can be defeated. As a people who fight for their country we have the responsibility to change our history and if with this result at the polls the change that the people seek has been felt, we must respect, as we said at some point, the voice of the people because it is the voice of Godand the voice of God is that of the people. The original indigenous movement is not exclusive, it is inclusive. With our government, the discrimination, xenophobia, hatred, and contempt to which we have historically been subjected will end. We will go to live together in the so-called unity in diversity, changing the neoliberal model and ending the colonial state. The MAS will never extort any businessman who wants to invest in our country. I want to tell the Bolivian peasant movement that before they killed us with bullets and they wanted to kill us with lies, they failed. That dirty war, based on lies, has become a campaign for the MAS, for the social movement and for Evo Morales. We are not of the culture of lies and of the dirty war. Lies are fought with the truth and these are the results. That is our experience in this electoral struggle and with this strength we will continue to move on to the other responsibility of leading the country. Bolivia is not unviable as they try to make it out to be. Fortunately, we are not alone in Bolivia or internationally, we have a lot of support from other governments. So far we have had calls from two Latin American presidents, fromrepresentatives of ambassadors and foreign ministries. That is the strength of the MAS and the Bolivian people. I thank my friends at Unitel for campaigning for me, a dirty war. Some media continue to demonize us. We want to tell you that yes, the MAS guarantees governability not only with social movements, it guarantees governability with parliamentarians from other parties who feel and want change, here it is not marginalized. If there are parliamentarians who want to join for change, welcome. The best way to guarantee governability is through social movements but also with the international community; I think that's our best strength. Fortunately, we are in other times of change, in a third millennium, of the peoples, of the people and not of the empire. Comrades, we were not wrong in choosing the candidate for vice president, Alvaro García Linera, his personality was also very demonized during the campaign, for some media, such as Unitel. When he was not a candidate he was a great commentator, a political scientist, when he has been a candidate: a terrorist. Let's learn from this campaign, when you really set your mind, well, you win. Our social movements have really given a line to change our history, from the compañeros of Cobija to Tarija, from Puerto Suárez to Tiawanacu, thank you very much to all of themfor support and strength. We are just starting and we are going to move forward to change our history. Some colleagues informed me that we broke the record. But we are not leading the country to the runner-up in corruption, we are breaking records with healthy and honest voting and we hope that it will be the Latin American example. We need allies, social movements, politicians united around Latin America to rebuild what other comrades of the Tawantinsuyu, or what Simón Bolívar said, the great homeland, we have the obligation to build that great homeland throughout Latin America. Tell the Aymaras, Quechuas, Chiquitanos and Guaraníes, we are presidents, we are going to be presidents. Tell businessmen, professionals, artists, intellectuals, don't abandon us. It is no longer a problem of winning but of governing. To rule Bolivia by obeying the Bolivian people. Some mayors, councilors, parliamentarians who are finishing their term, I am very sorry, and I want to express that of some senators, deputies who did not participate in the campaign I feel used. How good it would be if they were consistent, because the MAS is not only for the position but for change. In the next few days we are going to organize ourselves to demonstrate how it is governed and I really have wishes that based on theCosmic law of our ancestors 'Ama Sua, Ama Llulla, and Ama Khella' Let us teach those who stole from the country to govern." Previous Note | 2 |
Speech of the President of the Republic of Belarus A.G. Lukashenko at the solemn opening of the restored memorial complex "Mound of Glory" 01.07.2004 http://president.gov.by/images/i.gif Dear veterans! Dear guests, compatriots! 60 years ago, the troops of the three Belorussian and the First Baltic Fronts, in cooperation with Belarusian partisans and underground fighters, brilliantly carried out the strategic offensive operation "Bagration". They utterly defeated the elite fascist troops of the Army Group Center and completely liberated our republic. The man-made Mound of Glory immortalized the feat of the liberators of White Russia. At its base is the land of the hero cities of Moscow and Kiev, Sevastopol and Smolensk, the Brest Fortress, Mamayev Kurgan, the Piskaryovskoye cemetery and other places sacred to the Soviet people. Here, in this memorable place for each of us, we honor the valiant liberators of our Motherland. The immortal heroism of the soldiers, officers and generals of the Soviet Army, the high courage and self-sacrifice of the Belarusian partisans. The Mound of Glory is a symbol of military valor and brotherhood in arms. This holy place attracts not only residents of our country. Guests from abroad come here to bow to those who saved humanity from Nazism. And thanks to whom many peoples have gained freedom, the right to life and the democratic structure of their states. Time enlarges the meaning and meaning of symbols left for the edification of descendants. The unification of the armies that carried out the liberation battles here is read today as a memorable unity of all Soviet peoples, invincible by their common desire for freedom, social and spiritualProgress. And first of all, Russians, Ukrainians, Belarusians, who form the civilization of the Eastern Slavs, decorated with pearls and gems of other peoples. From the top of this Mound of Glory, we see our common past and can look into the future. I believe that despite all the hardships and trials, the brotherly peoples will pave the way to a worthy future. Veterans who liberated the world from fascism will not be ashamed of us, of our children and grandchildren. We must honorably fulfill the testament of our fathers and grandfathers who have passed the glorious path: to preserve the unity of fraternal peoples, to protect their peaceful and happy life. Comrades, The fate of the Mound of Glory reflects the fate of our people at the turn of the century. 35 years have passed since its opening. It was built for centuries in the firm belief that the power that defeated the most terrible dark force in the history of mankind would grow stronger and prosper. Those who erected the mound could not imagine in a nightmare that it would be wrong, that the Soviet Union would cease to exist. The victorious Soviet soldier will never find an excuse for the fact that the Soviet Motherland could not be defended in peacetime. The collapse of the Soviet Union also gave rise to devastation in people's heads. Devastation, subtly incited from outside and furiously warmed up by nationalists from inside the republic. Impudent nationalists pushed both the Government and the Parliament of the country. Everything Soviet, the great Victory and the Victors, was rejected as alien. Here, in Belarus, in the partisan republicThe nationalists tried to present the partisans as bandits, and the German accomplices as fighters for the national idea. In this situation, the monuments of the Great Patriotic War, including the Mound of Glory, fell into disrepair. The Belarusian people said: "Enough!" And he made his choice. He separated the wheat from the chaff. He paid tribute to the victors. He rejected traitors. He put a limit to historical forgetfulness and indifference to shrines. Today we are at the restored Mound of Glory. As 35 years ago, our shrine was equipped by the whole world. The state, trade unions, young people and our foreign friends took part in this noble cause. I express my sincere gratitude to the architects, artists, builders, teams of enterprises, organizations, public associations and individual citizens who have made their feasible contribution to the restoration of this beautiful complex. Even in the Time of Troubles, the path of simple and honest people did not grow to the Mound of Glory. And now - this is a place where every Belarusian will come, bring a son, a grandson. Dear veterans, he will tell you about your feat. I am overwhelmed with a sense of pride that today we have with us the heroes who liberated Belarus and the whole world from the brown infection. Each of you, standing at these minutes at the foot of the Mound of Glory, is a living legend: Belarusians, Russians, Ukrainians, Kazakhs are representatives of a friendly and united family called "Soviet people". And again, as 60 years ago,You are together, shoulder to shoulder. For the edification of our and future generations. Grateful Belarus awards you with the medal "60 years of the liberation of the Republic of Belarus from the Nazi invaders". This is a sign of deep respect for you, love and gratitude from the entire Belarusian people. A low bow to you. Good health and well-being. http://president.gov.by/press19284.html | 2 |
ZAGREB, April 18 - After the leaders of the opposition parties, HDZ, HSLS, HSP and DC, Ivo Sanader, Dražen Budiša, Anto Djapic and Mate Granić, met for the first time in Parliament on Thursday at the initiative of the president of the largest opposition party, HDZ, HSLS, HSP and Mate Granić, speculations about the creation of a large coalition bloc of the center and center right parties immediately began in the public. What is actually happening, explained to us the president of the HDZ, Dr. Ivo Sanader. • Why did you initiate the meeting in the Parliament and is it a possibility of a coalition agreement? - I initiated a meeting in the parliamentary Club of HDZ deputies with the president of the HSLS Dražen Budiša, DC Mate Granic and HSP Ante Đapić in order to look at the current political situation in Croatia together. We talked about the upcoming parliamentary elections and the political crisis in Osijek-Baranja County. We will continue the talks after the Easter holidays. • Although most polls show the growth of the HDZ in relation to other parties, why do you believe so confidently that you will win the elections on your own? - The HDZ will certainly win the elections, as all the polls show and as the repeated elections at the local levels show. That victory will be with a relative majority of seats in the Parliament, and that is why after the elections we will form a coalition of the center and the right center. • Wouldn't it still beIs it easier for the HDZ to form a coalition with a party of a similar political conviction even before the elections? - It is certain that we have thought about that as well. However, the HDZ is the strongest political force in Croatia and as such must respond to its role. In political theory, it is now considered proven that if you go into pre-election coalitions, you are not sure of your strength. The HDZ in Croatia has a recognizable brand, i.e. Mark, it is known exactly what these three letters mean and what politics they represent. All this, however, does not mean that we do not respect other political parties, especially those with whom we have just started talks on crucial political and economic topics in Croatia. • What if you win the largest number of votes individually as a party, but not yet enough to form a government? - Therefore, it is unquestionable that the HDZ will win the largest number of votes and mandates, more than the SDP and HNS combined, and perhaps their third partner. And after that, as I said, we will form a government of the center and the center-right. Our goal is to win as many votes as possible and then concretely negotiate a coalition. • The HNS categorically claims that the HDZ will not succeed in forming a government. Why do you think the party is so convinced of this thesis? -I am not at all interested in what the HNS thinks. It is a party that has two deputies in the Parliament, but is known for very bombastic statements, the most famous of which is the accusation of its own country that it was the aggressor in BiH. • What does the HDZ offer to the citizens in order to regain their trust? - In Croatia, after the elections on January 3 and the great expectations that were directed towards this coalition government, there was a great shock. None of these promises have been fulfilled. Discouragement, depression, pessimism are spreading in Croatia. People are losing hope in the future, that is, they are looking for that future abroad again. People in Croatia feel that the country is governed by a political group that cares only about armchairs, and not an individual citizen. All groups in Croatian society are humiliated to the end. Pensioners to whom Crkvenac promised to repay the debt in 24 installments before the elections, even stating that the money for the highway should be used to restore pensions. The trade unions - with which an agreement on a just Croatia was signed three days before the elections, in which it was promised that salaries in the public sector would not be reduced, and after the signing a ceremonial toast with champagne - were deceived a few months after the elections, salaries were reduced, and Ivica Racan and his partners probably laughed at themselveshow they managed to deceive them. Veterans were systematically denounced as alleged fighters for privileges, and not as those people who were most deserving of the establishment and defense of an independent Croatian state. Maternity benefits and maternity leave have been reduced for mothers in labor. When we know what a catastrophic demographic picture of Croatia is, then such a policy is adding fuel to the fire, and that means irresponsible and bad. And so on, not to mention. The problems in the economy have not been solved but have deepened. The country's external debt has grown from 9 billion US dollars, which we left on January 3, to 15.2 billion dollars today, in just three years, and by the end of the year it will certainly reach 16 billion. Imports to Croatia are covered by only 40 percent of exports. We in the HDZ are aware that it will be very difficult, but what we will never agree to is the thesis that Croatia cannot do better. Croatia must do better and can do better. We need to get a government that knows, will, and can. In our economic program, we will propose such measures that will not mean promising hills and valleys, but a realistic confrontation with the current situation, but also a way out of this deep crisis. Croatia needs the brave again, not a politics that delays its work day after day, losingtime in meaningless inter-party quarrels and fights for better pre-election positions. • If the HDZ wins power, and you become prime minister, what will you do first? Will there be revanchism towards the current government? - We have already prepared about 50 new laws that will start implementing our economic and social policy, as well as reforms in the judiciary. There should be no revanchism in Croatia. No matter how fierce the upcoming election campaign is, I will personally always stand up for the principle of tolerance and mutual tolerance. All of us in politics must first and foremost serve the Croatian people and citizens, which means that politics is not an end in itself, but must be in the service of the people. "We demand that news programs are not run by party-engaged journalists" • Why are you so angry with HRT, and you even asked for the introduction of monitoring of news programs? The media have the right to decide who to invite to the shows, who to talk to and whether to follow a conference or not. - In 1998 and 1999, HRT had monitoring and brought monthly or semi-monthly monitoring results in terms of the representation of political parties, i.e. the Government and the opposition. After January 3, this practice was in place for a short time, but it was quickly abolished because they saw that the new government was represented with 90 percenttime in the news broadcasts. We are again asking for the introduction of monitoring so that the Croatian public would be familiar with such an editorial policy of HRT. At the same time, we will insist that the monitoring is conducted on the same principle as in 1998 and 1999, which means how much the government is represented, and how much the opposition is represented, and not according to the representation of political parties. Because when the president of the SDP in the function of prime minister appears three times in the main Dnevnik of HRT, then that is the appearance of the SDP as well. The editorial policy of print media is decided by their owners. But in the public media, the opposition must be represented with at least 30, 40 percent in news shows. I've lived abroad for 14 years and I know that nowhere is the situation as catastrophic as on HTV. That is why I have recently sent an open letter to Mirko Galić, inviting him to broadcast the views of both the government and the opposition to the public. We also demand that news programs are not run by journalists who are engaged in the party, as is the case with Latinica and Forum. "People complain to me that you can feel the creation of an atmosphere of fear on the eve of the elections" • Why have you accused the government of introducing violence, fear and repression in the country, against its partners, the opposition, but also the general public? - I said this because the State Attorney's OfficeAn independent judicial body and no one, especially not the Minister of Police, has the right to influence it. Even if they did not agree on joint actions during a closed meeting, but discussed the weather forecast, it is inappropriate and unusual in democratic countries to appear together at a press conference. Personally, and as the president of the HDZ, I am firmly in favor of eradicating corruption in Croatia and prosecuting crime. But also, I ask the question, how is it that the Zagreb State Attorney accused of corruption is dismissed or resigned, and is appointed to a similar or lower position in the State Attorney's Office? If he is corrupt, he cannot do that job. I travel around Croatia visiting various cities, municipalities and counties, and wherever I go, people complain to me that both at the local and state level, you can feel the reintroduction and creation of an atmosphere of fear and threats on the eve of the upcoming elections. We will resist this because Croatia will not live in fear. | 1 |
Ислом Каримов: Ўзбекистон иқтисодиёти 20 йил ичида 3,4 баробар ўсди 01.09.2011 Кеча, 31 август куни Тошкент шаҳрида Ўзбекистон Республикаси мустақиллигининг 20 йиллигига бағишланган тантанали маросим бўлиб ўтди. Унда нутқ сўзлаган президент Ислом Каримов “Ўзбекистон иқтисодиёти йигирма йил мобайнида қарийб 3,4 баробар, ўртача иш ҳақи 14 баробар ўсгани, аҳолининг ялпи даромади тахминан 9 марта ошгани”ни қайд этди. Президентнинг табрик сўзни матнини эътиборингизга ҳавола қиламиз. Президент Ислом Каримовнинг Ўзбекистон Республикаси мустақиллигининг 20 йиллигига бағишланган тантанали маросимдаги табрик сўзи Ассалому алайкум, азиз ватандошлар! Ҳурматли меҳмонлар! Бугун – барча шаҳар ва қишлоқларимизда, бутун мамлакатимизда муборак айём, унутилмас тарихий сана – Ўзбекистонимиз мустақилликка эришганининг йигирма йиллик буюк байрами. Бундан йигирма йил муқаддам биз юртимизда мустамлака зулми ва қарамлик даврига барҳам бериб, асрлар давомида халқимиз интилиб келган эркин ва озод ҳаёт қуриш йўлида тарихий тараққиётнинг янги босқичига қадам қўйдик. Биз учун энг буюк ва энг азиз бўлган ана шу қутлуғ байрам билан сиз азизларни, сизлар орқали бутун халқимизни чин қалбимдан табриклаб, юксак ҳурмат ва эҳтиромимни билдиришдан чексиз бахтиёрман. Ўзининг неча минг йиллик кўҳна тарихида не-не воқеаларни бошидан кечирган халқимиз учун Ўзбекистон мустақиллиги, ҳаётимизни, онгу шууримизни тубдан ўзгартирган бу улуғ сана кўп йиллар, замонлар ўтса-да, ўз аҳамияти, қадр-қиммати ва моҳиятини йўқотмайдиган, том маънода оламшумул воқеа бўлиб абадийсақланиб қолажак. Муҳтарам дўстлар! Биз ўтган давр мобайнида мустақилликка эришиш, эркин нафас олиб, ўз тақдири ва келажагини ўз қўли билан қуриш жаҳондаги биронта халқ, биронта мамлакат учун ҳеч қачон, ҳеч қаерда осон бўлмаган, деган аччиқ ҳақиқатни ўз ҳаётимиздан ўтказдик, ўз мисолимизда чуқур англадик. Дарҳақиқат, бугун вақт ўтиши билан юртимизда ўзини оқламаган, эски мустабид тузум асоратлари ва занжирларидан озод бўлиш нақадар оғир кечганини, истиқлол арафасида республикамиздаги вазият тобора кескинлашиб, таҳликали ва ўта хавфли тус олганини яна ва яна бир бор ўзимизга тасаввур қилишимиз ўринли бўлади. Бирёқлама ривожланган, фақат хомашё етказиб беришга, мутлақ пахта яккаҳокимлигига асосланган иқтисодиётимиз ғоят ночор аҳволга тушиб қолгани, қашшоқлик ва бедодликка дучор бўлган аҳолимизнинг сабр-косаси тўлиб, ўлкамиз жар ёқасига, портлаб кетиш ҳолатига етиб борганини, одамларимизнинг таъминоти, жамиятда соғлом муҳитни қарор топтириш муаммолари нақадар ўткир бўлиб турганини эслайдиган бўлсак, айни шу йиллардаги мавжуд вазият бутун мураккаблиги билан аён бўлади. Бугун бир ҳақиқатни сира иккиланмасдан, баланд овоз билан айтиш учун барча асосларимиз бор: истиқлол йўлида қандай суронли кунларни, қийинчилик ва тўсиқларни енгишга тўғри келмасин, юртимизга нисбатан қандай хуруж, зуғум ва пўписалар бўлмасин, биз энг оғир ва машаққатли дамларда ҳам мустақиллик ғоясига содиқ қолиб, Ўзбекистон манфаатини ҳамма нарсадан устун қўйиб, ўз танлаган йўлимиздан қайтмадик ва бу йўлдан ҳеч қачон қайтмаймиз. Бизюртимизда янги ҳаёт барпо этишнинг биринчи кунларидан бошлаб ҳақиқий эркинлик ва истиқлолга эришиш – бу фақат мустақилликни қўлга киритиш эмас, балки уни ҳам сиёсий, ҳам иқтисодий жиҳатдан қуриш ва мустаҳкамлаш, халқаро ҳамжамиятда ўзимизга муносиб ўрин эгаллаш ва ҳурмат қозонишдан иборат эканини теран англаб олдик. Ана шундай эзгу мақсадларга эришиш йўли эса барчамизга яхши маълум: бу – ўзимизнинг ер ости ва ер усти бойликларимиздан, ишлаб чиқариш ва интеллектуал салоҳиятимиз, куч- қудратимиздан фойдаланиб, кўпни кўрган, меҳнаткаш халқимизнинг ақл-заковати, ғайрат- шижоатига ва халқаро ҳамжамият ҳамкорлигига таяниб, дунёдаги замонавий ривожланган демократик давлатлар қаторига кириш йўлидир. Аҳолимизнинг ҳаёт сифати ва даражасини янги, юксак босқичга кўтариш, шу мақсадда мамлакатимиз ҳаётининг барча жабҳаларини демократик янгилаш, либераллаштириш ва модернизация қилиш, ушбу жараёнларнинг суръатини имкон даражасида тезлаштириш – биз учун энг мақбул йўлдир. Айни шу йўл йигирма йиллик янги тарихимиз давомида ҳар томонлама ўзини оқлаб, исботлаб берган, жаҳонда “Ўзбек модели” деб ном олган энг тўғри йўл, десам, мана шу муҳташам майдонда ўтирган сиз азизларнинг, кенг жамоатчилигимиз, бутун халқимизнинг фикрини ифода этган бўламан. Ўтган давр мобайнида биз эришган юксак марралар ҳақида узоқ гапириш, кўплаб рақамларни олиб келиш мумкин. Шулар қаторида Ўзбекистон иқтисодиёти йигирма йил мобайнида қарийб 3,4 баробар, ўртача иш ҳақи 14 баробар ўсгани, аҳолининг ялпи даромади тахминан 9 мартаошгани бизнинг мустақиллик йилларида қандай улкан марраларни қўлга киритганимизни намоён этмоқда. Жаҳон молиявий-иқтисодий инқирози ҳали-бери давом этаётганига қарамасдан, Ўзбекистонимизнинг ялпи ички маҳсулотининг ўсиш суръатлари охирги беш йил давомида дунёдаги саноқли давлатлар қаторида ўртача 8,5 фоизни ташкил этгани ва бу йил ҳам ундан кам бўлмаслиги кутилаётгани иқтисодиётимизнинг изчил ва барқарор ривожланиб, тараққий топаётганининг яққол далилидир. Истиқлол йилларида ижтимоий соҳа учун давлат харажатлари 5 баробардан зиёд кўпайгани, унинг 60 фоиздан кўпроғи соғлиқни сақлаш, таълим, коммунал хўжалик, аҳолини ижтимоий муҳофаза қилиш ва бошқа соҳаларга йўналтирилгани ҳам дунё миқёсида камдан- кам учрайдиган кўрсаткич бўлиб, бизнинг бош мақсадимиз авваламбор инсон ҳаётини, унинг манфаатларини таъминлаш ва ҳимоя қилишга қаратилганини ҳар томонлама исботлаб беради. Айнан шу асосда йигирма йил давомида юртимизда бир ёшгача бўлган гўдаклар ва оналар ўлими 3 баробардан кўпроқ камайгани, одамларимизнинг ўртача умр кўриш даражаси 7 йилга узайиб, эркаклар ўртасида 73 ёшга, аёллар ўртасида эса 75 ёшга етгани, бугунги кунда аҳолимиз сони 28,5 миллион кишини ташкил қилаётгани, ҳеч шубҳасиз, буни яна бир бор тасдиқлаб беради. Азиз дўстларим, биродарларим! Биз қўлга киритган бу юксак марраларнинг илдизи, замини нимада, деган саволга ҳар биримиз ҳеч иккиланмасдан, буларни барчасининг замирида аввало мустақиллик деб аталган бебаҳо неъмат, халқимизнинг фидокорона меҳнати, унинг тобора юксалиб бораётган онгу тафаккури, эртанги кунга бўлган ишончи,эзгу орзу-интилишлари мужассам, деб катта ғурур ва ифтихор билан айтишимиз табиийдир. Бугун мана шу саховатли заминда “Ўзбекистон – ягона уйимиз” деб яшаётган, қайси касб эгаси, қайси миллат ва элат вакили бўлмасин, барча юртдошларимиз Ватанимиз қўлга киритган ютуқлар, эришган марраларда менинг ҳам муносиб меҳнатим, муносиб ҳиссам бор, деб бошини баланд кўтариб, мағрурланиб гапиришга тўла ҳақлидир, десак, айни ҳақиқатни айтган бўламиз. Мана шу юксак минбардан туриб, бизга доимо хайрихоҳ бўлиб, қўллаб-қувватлаб, ёрдам ва кўмак бериб келаётган дўсту биродарларимизга, юртимиз билан самарали ҳамкорлик қилаётган мамлакатлар ва халқларга миннатдорлик билдириб, қизғин саломларимизни йўллашга, уларга бахт ва равнақ тилашга рухсат бергайсиз. Фурсатдан фойдаланиб, шу муаззам майдонда жам бўлган хорижий давлатларнинг элчилари ва халқаро ташкилотларнинг вакилларига, барча азиз меҳмонларимизга, бизнинг бугунги байрамимиз – сизларнинг ҳам байрамингиздир, деб, уларни чин юракдан қутлаб, самимий ҳурмат ва эҳтиромимизни изҳор этсак, айни муддао бўлади. Қадрли юртдошлар! Истиқлол бизга берган бебаҳо бойлик ва имкониятлар, эришган натижаларимиз ҳақида кўп сўз юритиш мумкин. Айни вақтда мустақиллик тарихига асло ўчмайдиган, ёрқин саҳифа бўлиб ёзиладиган улкан марраларимиз қаторида шундай буюк бир ютуғимиз борки, унинг аҳамиятини ҳеч нарса билан ўлчаб, баҳолаб бўлмайди. Мен буни замонавий билим ва касб-ҳунарларни пухта эгаллаган, мустақил фикрлайдиган, ҳаётимизда тобора ҳал қилувчи кучга айланиб бораётган соғлом ва баркамол авлодимиз тимсолида кўраман. Бугунмана шу кенг майдонни тўлдириб, ўзининг навқирон азму шижоатини намоён этиб ўтирган, менинг фарзандларим бўлган сиз ўғил-қизларимга, сизлар орқали бутун юртимиз ёшларига қарата айтмоқчиман: Азиз болаларим, Оллоҳнинг назари тушган, Ўзбекистон деб аталмиш гўзал ва бетакрор ўлкада туғилиш, унинг бағрида камол топиш ҳар кимга ҳам насиб этмайди. Ана шу ҳақиқат ҳар бирингизнинг қалбингиздан, юрагингиздан чуқур жой олишини истардим. Ватан севгиси, Ватанга садоқат туйғуси сизларга умрбод ёр бўлсин. Не-не оғир синовлар, тўфон ва суронларни бошдан кечириб, қанча-қанча қурбонлар бериб, она юртимизни омон сақлаган, бизга безавол етказган аждодларимиз, ота-боболаримизнинг бу йўлда қандай катта меҳнатлари сингганини ҳеч қачон унутмаслик, уларнинг хотираси ва ҳурматини жойига қўйиш биз учун ҳам қарз, ҳам фарздир. Мана шундай ҳиссиётларни қалбдан ўтказиб, барчамиз учун яккаю ягона бўлган Ватанимизни янада гуллатиб-яшнатиш, унинг ёруғ ва фаровон келажаги учун бутун борлиғимизни бағишлаб, керак бўлса, жонимизни фидо этишга ҳам тайёр бўлиш – ҳар биримизнинг муқаддас бурчимиздир, десам, ўйлайманки, сиз азиз фарзандларимнинг дилида бўлган олижаноб туйғуларни ифода этган бўламан. Азиз дўстларим, қадрли ватандошларим! Бугунги улуғ айёмнинг муборак Рамазон ҳайити билан айнан бир пайтга тўғри келгани ҳам Яратганимизнинг эл-юртимизга кўрсатган яна бир инояти ва марҳамати, десам, ўйлайманки, сизлар ҳам бу фикрга қўшиласиз. Барчангизни бағримга босиб, Мустақиллик байрами билан, Рамазон ҳайити билан чин қалбимдан муборакбод этиб, ҳаммангизгасиҳат-саломатлик, бахт ва омад, хонадонларингизга файзу барака тилайман. Буюк ва муқаддас Ватанимиз мангу бор бўлсин! Юртимиз тинч, осмонимиз мусаффо, халқимиз омон бўлсин! Мустақиллигимиз абадий бўлсин! (Сурат ЎзА сайтидан олинди) | 0 |
Speech
of
Her Excellency Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo
President of the Philippines
During the U.S. Congressional Reception and Awarding of the 2010 ICCF Teddy Roosevelt International Conservation Award
[Delivered in Washington DC, USA, April 13, 2010]
Thank you very much.
Congressman Tanner, Congressman Royce, other members of the U.S. Senate and U.S. Congress, Ms. Barbut, other NGO leaders, distinguished officers and advisers of the International Conservation Caucus Foundation, friends, ladies and gentlemen, good evening.
In behalf of the 85 million Filipino people who love our 7,100-island nation with tens of thousands of marine species and some of the most beautiful coral reefs and fishing grounds in the world, thank you for awarding me the Teddy Roosevelt International Conservation Award for 2010.
Named for the larger-than-life conservationist President Theodore Roosevelt, this award gives further inspiration to all my compatriots and those around the world who join me in doing all we can to conserve our precious natural resources.
Our country is truly blessed with an outstanding diversity of both terrestrial as well as marine species.
Societies and governments and the ICCF show these. Societies and governments around the world are increasingly recognizing the link between maintaining healthy ecosystems and providing food, clean water, clean air, a stable climate, and cultural and recreational services.
As a food source, wild stocks of fish are still the largest single source of animal protein for the world’s human population. In 2005, the value of fish production from the Philippine waters exceeded one billion dollars.
From an economic standpoint, the global tourism industry benefits significantly with nature-based tourism being the largest growing tourism segment.
As a natural defense system, healthy coral reefs and mangroves serve as safety barriers against storm surges and tsunamis, not to mention their importance as habitats and nurseries for thousands of species of fishes and invertebrates.
For basic survival, watersheds also provide clean water for domestic consumption, power generation and irrigation.
The ecosystems that surround us also hold undiscovered secrets that have the potential to offer unimaginable benefits.
Recently, I presented a Presidential Citation to Filipino scientist Dr. Baldomero Olivera who was awarded the Harvard Foundation Most Outstanding Scientist Award in 2007 in recognition of his contribution in the field of Marine Drug Discovery and Neuropharmacology.
Dr. Olivera and his team had discovered a compound now used as a painkiller which was extracted from a predatory cone shell called Conus magus. The compound is 1,000 times more potent than morphine minus the addictive properties; it is now being administered to bring relief to patients with chronic pain. It is awe-inspiring to imagine the other latent benefits stored in the tens of thousands of other marine species found in our marine ecosystems.
The bottom-line is this: we have a moral obligation to the next generation to protect the beauty and bounty of the land, air and sea for the rest of time. I am honored to represent the Philippines in this noble effort.
My first responsibility as president is to provide for our people, to lift up the poor, generate economic growth and leave the world in better shape for the next generation of Filipinos. Central to that mission is to harmonize economic growth with the full protection of our environment.
The trade-off between a clean, healthy and sustainable environment and strong economic growth is a false choice. We need both. That is precisely what I have undertaken during my tenure as president.
I take particular pride in our efforts in the Philippines and the region to build up and not tear down our ecosystem. We cannot eliminate poverty if the price of achieving that goal is polluted land, depleted seas and unbreathable air. Nowhere is our interconnectedness with the world more profound than the resources we all truly share. It is truly a global environment. We must all do our part to conserve it, grow it, sustain it.
Well, as you are now aware, because of this award, I am a strong advocate for the preservation and restoration of the Coral Triangle, considered the richest area of marine biodiversity in the world. Ms. Barbut liked it when I described the Coral Triangle as the Amazon of the underwater.
This remarkable area is the source of food for hundreds of millions of people across the globe. Therefore, strengthening the Coral Triangle is more than a task for the six nations that currently coordinate governance and management of the Coral Triangle Initiative. In addition to the Philippines, the governments also include Indonesia, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, and Timor Leste.
In our last meeting in ASEAN, I proposed that Brunei also be a member of this Coral Triangle. We are united in our goal to protect this resource called the Coral Triangle. It is not only critical to the future of our nations, but also to the world.
If you have a tuna dinner or a tuna lunch or a tuna sandwich, chances are your food is coming from the Coral Triangle. It is precisely because of this that the world must step up and help. This is particularly so during times of economic hardship, when pressures are greatest to abandon our obligation to the environment or loosen the rules as we continue to address the issue of global warming.
As the world struggles to meet these challenges, we must take leadership — the ICCF here in the United States, we the leaders of the different nations — we must take leadership in showing the way toward a united front to find a common approach to keeping our biodiversity intact, our food resources strong, and our environment pristine.
In a developing nation such as ours, even if choosing between environment and the economy is a false choice. Still, many times in practice, making decisions that will ensure a healthy balance between development and conservation can be difficult.
I am proud to have laid down enabling policies and foundations under the Green Philippines Initiative that are helping to ensure healthy and productive ecosystems. These, which include landmark Biofuels and Renewable Energy Laws, the Climate Change Act, the Integrated Coastal Management and maybe 20 or 30 other measures which promote sustainable development of our coastal and marine environment and resources will become a legacy of my administration. They will benefit coming generations of Filipinos.
While we now have an enabling natural resource conservation policy environment, however, we continue to face the serious challenge of effectively implementing and enforcing these laws. To that end, we thank all our international partners: the UN, the World Bank, the GEF. The Asian Development Bank, and our US-based donors, many of whom are here tonight, among others, for providing the much needed development assistance for the Philippines and enabling us to implement many of our environment policies.
As we launch the International Year of Biodiversity, let us all recognize and embrace the fact that biodiversity is essential for maintaining healthy ecosystems which are in turn vital to our very own survival and the basic underpinning for poverty alleviation and human wellbeing.
Cooperation among nations need not be fraught with bureaucracy and take years to show results. Our work in the Coral Triangle is an example. It only started three years ago, but we have already put the region on the global conservation map. We’ve already enlisted the support of public-private-NGO partnerships that is a model for cooperation.
When three tragic earthquakes hit Chile just a few weeks ago, our new tsunami warning system prevented even more loss of life all across the Pacific precisely because we came together to solve a common problem. We can come together to the benefit of the world to sustain our fisheries, forests and landscapes.
There is no greater threat to our sustainability as a people and a world than nuclear weapons in the hands of terrorists or rogue nations. Anchoring my visit to Washington this week is my attendance at the Nuclear Security Summit along with leaders from 47 nations.
Let us ensure that these precious sources of power are always used for the peaceful generation of energy and maintaining peace between nations and are never used in violence.
Also, let us therefore work together to preserve this beautiful planet we share and leave it as a lasting and shining legacy for our children and our children’s children.
Once again, for this award, thank you. | 0 |
Menu 28-09-2015 - Speech by the President of the Republic, Dilma Rousseff, during the Opening of the 70th General Assembly of the United Nations - New York/USA New York – USA, 28 September 2015 Mr. Morgens Lykketoft, President of the Seventieth General Assembly of the United Nations, Mr. Ban Ki-moon, Secretary-General of the United Nations, Heads of State, Government and Delegations, Ladies and Gentlemen, It is a privilege to be able to address the General Assembly in this year in which the United Nations celebrates its seventieth anniversary. My first words, Mr. President, are of congratulations on your choice to preside over this General Assembly. I reiterate, in particular, Brazil's support for its willingness to adopt measures that strengthen the organization's development agenda. Seventy years have passed since the San Francisco Conference. On that occasion, the aim was to build a world based on International Law and the search for peaceful solutions to conflicts. Since then, we have had advances and setbacks. The process of decolonization has shown remarkable evolution, as can be seen by contemplating the composition of this Assembly. The UN has expanded its initiatives by incorporating the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals, that is, issues related to the environment, the end of poverty, social and economic development andaccess to quality services. Themes such as urban challenges, the issue of gender, women and girls, and issues of race, have gained priority. It did not achieve the same success in dealing with collective security, an issue that was at the origin of the Organization and at the center of its concerns. The multiplication of regional conflicts – some with high destructive potential – as well as the expansion of terrorism that kills men, women and children, destroys the heritage of humanity, and expels millions of people from their secular communities, show that the UN is facing a great challenge. One cannot be complacent about such barbaric acts, such as those perpetrated by the so-called Islamic State and other associated groups. This picture explains, to a large extent, the refugee crisis that humanity is currently experiencing. Most of the men, women and children who venture into the waters of the Mediterranean and make painstaking mistakes on the roads of Europe come from the Middle East and North Africa, where countries have had their national states disrupted by military actions in violation of International Law, opening space for the proliferation of terrorism. The deep indignation provoked by the photo of a dead Syrian boy on the beaches ofTurkey and the news about the 71 people asphyxiated in a truck in Austria must be transformed into unequivocal actions of practical solidarity. In a world where goods, capital, information and ideas circulate freely, it is absurd to prevent the free movement of people. Brazil is a host country, a country made up of refugees. We welcome Syrians, Haitians, men and women from all over the world, just as we have sheltered, for more than a century, millions of Europeans, Arabs and Asians. We are open, with open arms to receive refugees. We are a multiethnic country, which lives with differences and knows their importance to make us stronger, richer, more diverse, both culturally, socially and economically. Mr. President, This disturbing background imposes on us a reflection on the future of the United Nations and requires us to act concretely and quickly. We need a UN capable of fostering sustainable peace at the international level and of acting promptly and effectively in situations of war, localized regional crisis and any acts against humanity. One cannot postpone, for example, the creation of a Palestinian state that coexists peacefully and harmoniously with Israel. Likewise, expansion is not tolerableof settlements in the occupied territories. To give the United Nations the centrality it deserves, a comprehensive reform of its structures is essential. Its Security Council needs to expand its permanent and non-permanent members to become more representative, more legitimate and effective. The majority of Member States do not want a decision on this to be postponed forever. It is our hope that the meeting that begins today will go down in history as the turning point in the trajectory of the United Nations. That it brings concrete results in the long and, so far, inconclusive process of reform of the Organization. Our region – where peace and democracy reign – rejoices at the establishment of diplomatic relations between Cuba and the United States, which puts an end to a dispute derived from the Cold War. We hope that this process will be completed with the lifting of the embargo on Cuba. We also welcome the recent agreement reached with Iran, which will allow that country to develop nuclear energy for peaceful purposes and restore hope for peace to an entire region. Within the framework of BRICS, we have launched a New Development Bank, which will help expand trade and investmentand, possibly, in the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. Mr. President, The 2030 Agenda outlines the future we want. The 17 Sustainable Development Goals reaffirm the precept of Rio+20, which is to affirm that it is possible to grow, include, conserve and protect. They establish universal goals, highlight the need for cooperation among peoples and a common path for humanity. This Agenda requires global solidarity, determination from each one of us and commitment to confronting climate change, overcoming poverty and misery and building opportunities for all. In Paris, next December, we must strengthen the Climate Convention with full compliance with its precepts and respect for its principles. The obligations we take on must be ambitious – including financial and technological support for developing countries and small islands – in line with the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities. Brazil is making a great effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions without compromising its development, our development. We continue to diversify renewable sources in our energy matrix, which is among the cleanest in the world. We are investing in low-carbon agriculture. We reduced it by82% deforestation in the great Amazon forest. Ambition will continue to guide our actions. That is why I announced yesterday, here at the UN, our INDC [Intended Nationally Determined Contribution]. Brazil's contribution to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 will be 43%, based on 2005. During this period, Brazil intends to end illegal deforestation; the reforestation of 12 million hectares; the recovery of 15 million hectares of degraded pastures; the integration of 5 million hectares of crops, livestock and forests. In a world where the share of renewable energy sources is only 13%, on average, of the energy matrix, we intend to guarantee the percentage of 45% of renewable sources in our energy matrix. We will seek the participation of 66% of the hydro source in electricity generation; the participation of 23% of renewable sources – wind, solar and biomass – in the generation of electricity; the increase of about 10% in energy efficiency; and the 16% share of fuel ethanol and other biomasses derived from sugarcane in the total energy matrix. Brazil thus contributes so that the world canmeet the recommendations of the Panel on Climate Change, which sets the limit of two degrees Celsius of temperature increase this century. We are one of the few developing countries to assume an absolute goal of reducing emissions. Our INDC also includes actions that increase the resilience of the environment and reduce the risks associated with the negative effects of climate change on the poorest, most vulnerable populations, with attention to gender issues, workers' rights, indigenous communities, or quilombolas/black and traditional communities. We recognize the importance of South-South cooperation in the global effort to combat climate change. I emphasize that, since 2003, social and income transfer policies have contributed to more than 36 million Brazilians overcoming extreme poverty. Last year, Brazil left the World Hunger Map. This highlights the effectiveness of our policy, called Zero Hunger, which now becomes Sustainable Development Goal number 2. In the transition to a low-carbon economy, we consider it important to ensure dignified and fair conditions for the world of work. Sustainable development requires the promotion of decent work, the generation of quality jobs and the guarantee of opportunities. The effortTo overcome poverty and promote development, it has to be collective and global. In my country, however, we know that the end of extreme poverty is only the beginning of a long journey of new achievements. Mr. President, For six years, we have sought to prevent the effects of the global crisis that erupted in 2008 in the developed world from befalling our economy and our society. For six years, we have adopted a broad set of measures reducing taxes, expanding credit, reinforcing investment and household consumption. We increased jobs, we increased income in this period. This effort has now reached its limit, both for internal fiscal reasons and for those related to the external framework. The slow recovery of the world economy and the end of the commodity supercycle had a negative impact on our growth. The currency devaluation and recessionary pressures produced inflation and a sharp drop in revenue, leading to restrictions in public accounts. Brazil, however, does not have serious structural problems, our problems are conjunctural. And, in view of this situation, we are rebalancing our budget and have assumed a strong reduction in our expenses, cost expenses and even part of the investment. We have realigned prices, we are approving measures to permanently reduce expenses.Finally, we proposed drastic cuts in expenses and redefined our revenues. All these initiatives aim to reorganize the fiscal framework, reduce inflation, consolidate macroeconomic stability, increase confidence in the economy, and ensure the resumption of growth with income distribution. Today, the Brazilian economy is stronger, more solid, and more resilient than it was a few years ago. We are able to overcome the current difficulties and advance on the path of development. We are in a moment of transition to a new cycle of deeper, more solid and more lasting expansion. In addition to fiscal and financial rebalancing actions, to stimulate exports, we also adopted measures to encourage investment in infrastructure and energy. In Brazil, the process of social inclusion has not been interrupted. We expect that the control of inflation, the resumption of growth and credit will contribute to a greater expansion of household consumption. These are the foundations for this new cycle of growth and development, based on increasing productivity and generating more investment opportunities for companies and jobs for citizens. Ladies and gentlemen, The advances we have achieved in recent years have been obtained in an environment of consolidation and deepening of our democracy. Thanks to theIn full force of legality and the vigor of democratic institutions, the functioning of the State has been scrutinized in a firm and impartial manner by the powers and public bodies in charge of supervising, investigating and punishing deviations and crimes. The Brazilian government and society do not and will not tolerate corruption. Brazilian democracy is strengthened when authority assumes the limit of the law as its own limit. We, Brazilians, want a country where the law is the limit. Many of us fought for this just when laws and rights were vilified during the dictatorship. We want a country in which the rulers behave rigorously according to their attributions, without giving in to excesses. In which judges judge with freedom and impartiality, without pressure of any kind and disconnected from partisan political passions, never compromising with the presumption of innocence of any citizen. We want a country in which the confrontation of ideas takes place in an environment of civility and respect. We want a country in which freedom of the press is one of the foundations of the right to opinion. And the manifestation of different positions, the right of each one of the Brazilians. The sanctions of the law must fall on allwho practice and have practiced unlawful acts, respecting the principle of adversarial and full defense. These are the foundations of our democracy and I make use of a recent statement by my friend José Mujica, former Uruguayan president, who said: "This democracy is not perfect because we are not perfect. But we have to defend it to improve it, not to bury it." Let it be recorded that Brazil will continue to walk the democratic path and will not give up the achievements for which we have fought so hard. Ladies and gentlemen, I would like to take this opportunity to reiterate that Brazil awaits, with open arms, the citizens of the whole world for the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro. This will be a unique opportunity to disseminate sport as a fundamental instrument for promoting peace, social inclusion, tolerance, through the fight against racial, ethnic and gender discrimination. It will also be an opportunity for us to promote the inclusion of people with disabilities, one of the priorities of my government. One last word. A few days ago, the murals called War and Peace, by the Brazilian artist Cândido Portinari, donated to the UN by the government of my country in 1957, were reinaugurated here at the United Nations headquarters. The workit denounces violence and misery and exhorts peoples to seek understanding. It is a symbol for the United Nations of its responsibility to prevent armed conflict and to promote peace, social justice and the overcoming of hunger and poverty. Portinari always stated that, I quote: "There is no great art that is not identified with people". The message of the murals remains current. It alludes both to the victims of wars and to the refugees who risk their lives in precarious boats and to all the anonymous people who seek protection, peace and well-being in the UN. We hope that, by entering this United Nations precinct and looking at these murals at its entrance, we will be able to listen to the voice of the peoples we represent and to work hard so that their longings for peace and progress are met. After all, these were the ideals that were, 70 years ago, present in the founding act of this great achievement of humanity that is the United Nations. Thank you very much, Mr President. Thank you all very much. Listen to the full speech (http://www.biblioteca.presidencia.gov.br/presidencia/ex- presidents/dilma-rousseff/audios/audio-of-the-president-of-the-republic-dilma-rousseff-at the-opening-of-the-high-level-debate-of-the-70th-general-assembly-of-the-united nations-new-york-usa-22min12s) President Dilma (22min12s) of the | 1 |
REMARKS BY PRESIDENT NÉSTOR KIRCHNER AT THE CLOSING CEREMONY OF THE CAMPAIGN OF THE CANDIDATE FOR NATIONAL DEPUTY, RAFAEL BIELSA. 18/10/2005 - Autonomous City of Buenos Aires. Dear sisters and brothers, Dear comrades, I want to speak today, if you will allow me, to the men, women and young people of this beloved Federal Capital. I am going to speak to you with real sincerity. This Capital, which is the land of all Argentines, this Capital that just as today is one of the places that most welcomes recovery, was also in the most agonizing moment of the homeland one of the places where despair, lack of credibility and sitting down won all sectors. That is why I want to ask the people of the capital that it is fundamental, just as I do every day self-criticism and try to correct my mistakes, that the men and women of the Federal Capital have memory and just as for so many years they voted unconditionally for De la Rua, they voted for Menem, they voted for Erman Gonzalez, voted for Olivera and that they gave so many years of trust to these people, I ask them from the bottom of my heart not to vote for their descendants and to give usan opportunity for those of us who need to continue taking Argentina forward to transform and change it. (Applause) It is not we who made the "corralito", it is not we who generated that agonizing economic situation for the workers, the Buenos Aires middle class, the pride of all Argentines, and the businessmen who live in the Federal Capital and not even the bankers. Those who plundered the homeland, those who sold Argentina, those who kept the savings of the Argentines, those who broke their faith, it was precisely those people they voted for for so long. That is why I ask you not to repeat the mistake and not to follow the descendants, but to bet on the new and on change, on those of us who are at stake for a homeland for all, for a new Argentina that reemerges with strength, with morale, with determination, with courage, with courage to build the values that our Nation needs. (Applause) Tell me on May 25 and before May 25, 2003 where were some of the candidates who today feel ashamed to show themselves to those who voted. We were there before, we were thirty years ago and we are todayraising the same flags of unity, solidarity and greatness for all Argentines. (Applause) It is up to me as President of the Argentines to defend the interests in the discussion with the different companies. Dear friends – and this is very important because man is worth his actions – we came out and said that we were tired of what had happened to every Argentine with Aguas Argentinas-Suez here in the homeland, of what had happened with the five billion dollars that disappeared, that we were fed up with ambassadors who should help unite two countries to come and attack us in the name of commercial interests that favor to certain companies, and one of the candidates said that if we did what we did to Aguas Argentinas, she would also leave the country. That is the national and popular project, that is the project of all Argentines. She gave in, she lowered her strength, she lowered her thinking, believing that by renouncing ideas the people will vote for her. You have to have courage, you have to defend your ideas and you don't resign by one vote or by two or three! (Applause) All those who in 2003 accompaniedthe 90s, all those who constantly talked about efficiency and continue to do so, those who are bothered when a worker or someone protests because they don't like it or because they need more because they get angry with the government or with such and such and such and do not have the democratic patience to find coexistence and harmony, they believe that a just society can be built by trampling on one another. I believe in the society of love, of understanding, of solving the problems of those who have less, of mobilizing our middle class and of rebuilding our national business community. But we have to remember and have a very good memory. That is why, dear porteños, dear brothers and sisters of the Capital, I sincerely ask every citizen of the capital, every man and woman who lives here, every young person to look back, to read history, to see the changing attitude of some and the consistent attitude of others with principles and interests that have nothing to do with Argentines. Today they hide in masks of talk that the State must be rebuilt when they went to loot it, to auction it off andto take it away; they come with masks that politics must be renewed and they go looking for De La Rúa's officials; they come with masks that we have to recover crystallinity, action with moral treatment in politics and some cannot say what they live on as all of us who are here can say. We have endured the grievance, we have endured the disqualification, we have endured the cunning attack and we will continue to endure it in the name of the homeland, of the Argentines and of those who suffer the most. But it is also important that the truth is known. (Applause) There are some who want us to believe that they do campaigns with one, two coins or three coins. It is disrespectful to the people to make them believe that this is how they move, how they spend, how they dress, how they act and how they decide. I truly tell you from my heart, friends, that it is time to end the hypocrisy. The Federal Capital has to be put at the forefront of the country, the Capital has to be the reference for all Argentines, the Capital has to be the project that channels national reconstruction, the Capital has to dohonor that title of Capital, the porteños have to go and embrace the men and women of the interior, the porteños have to make the point that the homeland needs, the porteños must honor their history and I have no doubt that they will do it. (Applause) I humbly beg you to help me, not to follow me because we already know what step to follow and follow. I am an ordinary man who makes mistakes and gets it right like anyone else; I am an ordinary man who dreams of a better country. I hope that on December 10, 2007, when my term ends, I will be able to tell the Argentine people that we have one digit of unemployment, one digit of indigence and half of poverty, that Argentina continued to grow between 5 and 8 percent, that industry has grown, that employment has grown, that the countryside has grown. that Argentina is strengthened, that our reserves are growing, that the primary fiscal surplus is maintained. (Applause) They told us that Argentina had to be properly managed and the sectors of neoliberalism always did it with a deficit; In the three years that we are going to have government, we had growth with a fiscal surplusprimary, with growth in reserves to almost 26 billion, growth in collection, today industrial activity grew again, from August to September 1.2 and we have 7.4. Porteños, help me to keep this going; Porteños, give me the strength that this country needs. (Applause) It is not a question – and with all respect to the ideas that we have – in the stage that Argentina is experiencing of party divisions, it is a question of knowing who wants to build the Nation and who does not. And in the construction of the Nation, all honest, decent Argentines, the workers, the educators, the researchers who make the country proud because they are the ones who build it, intervene. We have to put an end to the culture of the 90s where the best Argentinian was the most mischievous, the most alive and the most thief. Let's go back to respecting the neighborhood man who works the most, the researcher who researches the most, the student who studies the most, the teacher who teaches best, let's return to the global opening of our culture in all sectors of the country. (Applause) The same people who melted down and plundered the country and the homeland want what was not done in thirty years.years I do it in two days. They demand of me and demand of me, I do what I can and I do it with all my strength, I make mistakes and I try to correct myself with all humility. We have already seen those who said "if we make a mistake, let's continue to lead because it is a political weakness to correct oneself." I am going to correct myself as many times as necessary because every mistake that I do not correct will be paid for by the Argentine people. They will have my permanent humility to do so. (Applause) They don't know how to attack me anymore, they attack me and my family, they "fake" my kid's photo, they want my family to be like the one in the 90s and we are different, we are like all Argentines, normal people who like to live in our family and who like to live with our principles. They attack us in any way and if that works for you, do it, because I am not going to take a step back, but I am going to fight with courage for a new Argentina. You are not going to see this President escaping in a helicopter; there I am, in the Casa Rosada, to defend the interests of the people and to put myself at the head of the Nation. (Applause)We are going to rebuild the national industry, we are going to rebuild state-of-the-art technology, we are going to continue betting strongly on Latin American unity, on exchange between the peoples of America, we are going to continue to embrace peoples like those of Chile, Brazil and Venezuela who work together with us in the construction of a great homeland that contains us all, understanding the lessons of our national heroes: San Martín, Bolívar, Mariano Moreno, Yrigoyen, Perón, Eva Perón. They are setting the course for us and we have to take that path with strength. (Applause) We really want our scientists to be fully exploited in their capacity again. That is why I ask you, boys, friends, that we enter again to talk about the national being, of the homeland, of the Nation, that there is only one flag that contains us all, which is the flag of the homeland, that we enter to feel the cockade, that flag that Belgrano bequeathed to us, that it is possible to make an Argentine homeland, a homeland for all. It is a wish and a request that you accompany me. (Applause) To finish. Citizens of Buenos Aires: I know that you know well what has happened in Argentina, I have always thanked you for your accompaniment,I know that you have in your hands in the Federal Capital the possibility not of unconditional support, but of the critical and constructive support that the deputies who are back here can give me, I know that you know that I cannot do it alone, I know that you know that some of the candidates who are running are going to get in the way because they are desperate to be deputies or senators in any way and they will cling to any interest and interest. others because they definitely represent those interests; you know very well that it is the vote for change or the vote for the same, that it is the vote for the new or it is the vote for the descendants of the past, that it is the vote for the possibility of a Capital that contains all the potential it has to reign and be strong throughout Latin America and in the global guiding homeland of all our provinces or that will be so again in a a small concentrated group that believes that everything is managed with two or three actions or with four media attitudes. (Applause) We want to have the possibility of the Federal Capital accompanying us. I believe that the Federal Capital can find the best ofhis stories, he can have a brave and historic attitude, the latest polls are saying so because Rafael is going ahead in the polls despite the fact that some want to cover him up. We all know that he is two points up. (Applause) Therefore, you will see nervous and hysterical attitudes in this situation. I know that the Federal Capital is going to position itself next to the country as a whole. I ask the people of the capital to accompany me, I will always accompany them, unconditionally, because I love this Capital, this Capital makes me feel proud, this Capital praised in the world makes me feel where I am going as an Argentine who feels proud of the Capital and the capital's residents. But I also know what the people of the capital suffered and I also know, people of the capital, that just as I have to correct myself and criticize myself, each one in his house remember that for many years they voted for De la Rúa, that they voted for Menem, Erman González or Olivera; today do not vote for your descendants, please give me a chance and help this man from the South, this penguin, as some want to disqualify me, to try toto change the homeland. (Applause) Vote for Rafael Bielsa, vote for Marcó Delpont, vote for Elio Vital, vote for Cossia, vote for Piumatto, vote for men committed to a different history. We are humbly asking you for an opportunity, we are asking the people of the capital to have the courage to write the great history, we are asking the people of the capital to take up the pen of Mariano Moreno and to write the great history – now that we are approaching the bicentennial – of this Federal Capital that was the one that began the struggles for the construction of the homeland to help us in the reconstruction of Argentina. (Applause) Capital: no matter how you think, I don't care what party you are from, because I know that you are Argentine and that you love the homeland, come to give us a hand and help me. I extend both to you and I also extend my heart to you, help me to make fewer mistakes, help me to make a different country, come and I receive you and I want you to open your arms to me, I open my heart to you, I open your heart to me, I tell you my dreams, tell me your dreams. Young people from the capital, middle-aged people from the capital and our dear retirees: I have helped them as best I can with eight raises sincethat we started. Remember who were the ones who lowered the salaries of retirees: Menem and De la Rua. How our retirees are going to vote for their descendants! We have already given them eight raises and I hope, because our retirees are our greatest concern, that in a short time, in a few months, I will be able to tell them that I will raise all the retirees to continue reinstating them, to continue vindicating them and to give them the response they deserve. Remember, grandfathers and grandmothers, about who put their hand in your pocket; remember those who said that you had to close the fiscal accounts with your life's work; remember those who said that the debt had to be paid with the sweat of those who had raised the country; Remember, retirees, and help us young kids who took away your right to think, youth, with that transformative capacity too. How can they go after the descendants of those who plundered the country! You, with your transgressive capacity and with the flag raised, take the pioneering courage and put the Capital at the forefront. Sisters and brothers of Capital, thank you very much. For the homeland, for the Argentines, for a new country,with the flag in hand, with plurality, with consensus, enduring the grievance, enduring the insult, always thinking of Argentina! For Argentina, everything! Thank you very much, people of the capital, thank you very much, compañeros and compañeras, thank you very much. To continue rebuilding the homeland and to recover joy and dreams, thank you Capital Federal, and long live the homeland! | 1 |
John Howard’s Fourth Term Ribbon Cutting Speech.
Aged Care Announcement, Holy Family Nursing Home, Marayong. Delibered on November 2, 2007
https://pmtranscripts.pmc.gov.au/release/transcript-15140
Well thank you very much Louise. My Ministerial colleague Santo Santoro, Sister Josita [inaudible], ladies and gentlemen, my fellow Australians is a better way of describing it. Can I say how very happy I am to be here again in Louise's electorate of Greenway, to be at this wonderful aged care facility and to acknowledge two things. To acknowledge the enormous contribution made by various orders and various sections of the Catholic Church in Australia over the years to the care of the aged. The Catholic Church has a wonderful record of caring for Australians at every stage of their life, not least of course in their older years. And I pay tribute, I pay an unconditional tribute to the contribution of the Catholic Church to the care of the aged within our community.
Can I also pay a tribute because this facility has a special flavour and character about it. Can I pay a special tribute to the wonderful contribution that people from Poland have made to the building of the modern Australia. They really are wonderful citizens, you've brought a resolute, defiant, enlivening spirit to our nation and we are very grateful for it. I look around this gathering, and you belong to a generation that came from a tragic part of Europe and you experienced things that those of us who've spent all of our lives living in this blessed country of Australia didn't. And we are all the more grateful and all the more admiring as a consequence of the contribution that you have made to our nation.
Today I've come with my Ministerial colleague Santo Santoro, who's done a wonderful job as Minister for Ageing in the time that he's had the portfolio, to announce a further contribution of $1.5 billion to aged care in this country. Let me put this in context, the simple fact is that over the next 20 years, as the baby boomers, as they're called, go into retirement, we will see the number of people over the age of 70 double. Simple statistic. It's a good thing. We're all living longer, we're all living healthier, longer lives and that is to be encouraged and appreciated. But it does of course mean that we need to put additional resources and we also have to recognise that there are two areas where those additional resources must go into. We must increase the financial commitment as a community we make to residential aged care facilities such as this, to give the providers in facilities such as this the wherewithal in a combination of ways to better care for the growing number of people in the older section of the population.
We must also recognise that people naturally want to remain in their own homes as long as possible, and one of the emphases in this package is on providing more community care places for people who want to stay in their homes longer. But it means logically the longer you stay in your own home with care being brought in, that when you do finally feel the need to go into an aged care facility, you are perhaps needing more help, more intensive care than might have been the case if you had gone in several years earlier.
And this package endeavours to meet both of those needs. We're making it a total cost of $1.46 billion. We're putting about $410 million over five years into an additional 7200 community care places. They're the places where people go into homes and look after people, provide them with care, so they can remain in their own home longer. We're going to increase by $490 million the commitment over five years into high care residential need because as people come in perhaps needing more care because they've been able to stay in their own home longer, the cost of caring for them is necessarily higher, and therefore you have to put more resources into that.
We're not going to increase accommodation payments for any existing residents. I want to make that very clear. We will be providing, according to need, for new residents in stages some increase in the residential charges and a commensurate increase in the matching payments coming from the Government. But importantly no increases for people already there, or here, or wherever and only for those new residents and whatever the payment you are committed to when you go in as a new resident, that's what you keep for the time that you are in the home. We're not intending to introduce accommodation bonds, I want to make that very clear.
We're also going to see that we have a better matching of the funding for the care. We have this thing that goes under the, romances under the title I think that call it an aged care funding instalment. It sounds very, very bureaucratic but, yes, yes don't give me acronyms Santo please. Don't give me any acronyms. But what basically we're going to do is we're going to put another $390 million into this device and it's really a way of providing additional help to residential facilities where a lot of people need high care. And we're going to add to the money we already provide for that but we're going to add in the area where people need high care because that essentially is what people want.
We're also going to introduce a fairer income tested care fee so that self-funded retirees in the same financial position are treated identically to pensioners. We're not going to reduce the support for pensioners, but we're going to recognise that you should get support according to your financial position, irrespective of whether you are a pensioner or a self-funded retiree. And if they're in the same financial position, they should get the same help and that's going to cost about $90 million. And then we're going to provide some more help for disadvantaged older people and people in remote areas, including indigenous people and homeless people and that is going to cost another $42 million.
And very importantly, there are a number of aged care facilities that used to be run by state governments and are now run privately. And for a combination of historical reasons, the amount of subsidy they receive from the Federal Government was lower than the subsidy they gave to other homes, and we're going to remove that anomaly and at the cost of $25 million we're going to pay them the same amount.
There are a few other things relating to administration and regulation and so forth that are going to cost a few million dollars. Everything always costs a few million dollars. But the important thing is, it's about $1.5 billion, roughly four to five hundred million of that is going into the aged care packages, that is providing more help for people to be cared for, intensively cared for in their own homes, and about a billion dollars going directly into the residential care sector.
Now this, for the benefit of those who follow this debate very, very closely, this is the final response, or certainly the second and largely final response to the Hogan Review of Aged Care Accommodation, and that led back in 2004 to the injection of more than $2 billion into the sector, and this represents the next stage.
So it is a very big investment, made possible by the fact that we have a strong economy and a strong budget surplus. I mean we build up surpluses, and you've got to do good things with them. And you can't spend money on aged care, you can't spend money on defence, you can't spend money on anything if you don't have it. And fortunately we have it because we've got a strong economy that's been well managed and we're going to commit this extra $1.5 billion into aged care.
So I will leave it at that. I do want to again thank Holy Family for allowing me to come here, Sister, thank you very, very much. And I deeply appreciate the courtesy and hospitality that you've extended to me and to my colleagues Louise and Santo. And may I just say again what a wonderful job Santo is doing. He toils and works hard and he badgers his colleagues, his Prime Minister for more money and he's been very successful and he's done a great job and I am very happy to be with him here today but God bless you all, thank you.
[ends] | 0 |
Prime Minister Yuliya Tymoshenko on the political situation in Ukraine, 2009 http://www.kmu.gov.ua/control/uk/publish/article?art_id=220660537 Statement by Prime Minister of Ukraine Yulia Tymoshenko on the political situation 07.06.2009 | 21:38 Media Relations Department of the Secretariat of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine My dear! First of all, I want to congratulate you on the bright Day of the Holy Trinity! The birthday of the Church. On this fiftieth day from the Resurrection of Christ, the Holy Spirit descended on the Apostles, who gave them grace and strength to preach, perform divine services and sacraments for the salvation of people and humanity. May God's grace always be with Ukraine and with you! It was on this important day that I believed that all political forces of Ukraine would unite for one goal - to protect you, your children and the country from the global world disaster: from a murderous financial and economic crisis. All 4 political forces – the Party of Regions, Volodymyr Lytvyn's bloc, BYuT, most of the "Our Ukraine-People's Self-Defense" – agreed that for the sake of the people, for the sake of the country, it is necessary to unite. It is all together, and not, as black propaganda says: "Divide the country into two." I think most people remember how on October 20 last year, at the very beginning of the global financial and economic crisis, I addressed the nation and said the following words: "Entire countries - successful, wealthy and rich - were on the verge of bankruptcy and ruin, the giants of world industry and the banking sector forIn an instant, they turn into beggars and poverty. The terrible wave of crisis does not distinguish between borders and nations. It rolls like a ninth shaft around the world. And no one knows when and how it will be stopped." And then I said that in all countries, all political elites, the government and the opposition, parliaments, presidents and governments are uniting to counter this crisis. It was then that I called for the immediate abandonment of all political disputes, election battles, parliamentary and presidential elections and the creation of an association of all factions in the Verkhovna Rada to counter the crisis. And it was from that moment that I began to work for unification, step by step, day by day, uniting everyone, consolidating for national reconciliation. The negotiations were extremely difficult, but they still went on! Unfortunately, today Viktor Yanukovych put an end to them. He, unilaterally, without warning anyone, withdrew from the negotiation process, made a loud political statement, putting an end to unification, a chance for Ukraine. For more than six months, the Verkhovna Rada has been without adoption of the country's anti-crisis program – "gathering dust", and more than 300 government bills, which, for the most part, are anti-crisis. Their adoption, on the one hand, was blocked by President Viktor Yushchenko, and on the other hand, by Viktor Yanukovych. They are fighting for power. And without these laws,Without the quick help of the entire political united team, the country is currently drowning in crisis. To counteract the economic crisis, it is first necessary to stop the political crisis. And the main reason for the political crisis is the amendments to the Constitution of 2004, which I radically opposed, objected to and did not vote for. These changes destroyed the entire system of power in Ukraine, made the state uncontrollable, weak, dilapidated, and unable to withstand the crisis. Today, according to the current Constitution, no one is responsible for anything in the country, it creates several antagonistic and mutually exclusive decision-making centers, it unbalances the governance of the state, brings chaos, anarchy and a complete absence of any responsibility... Amendments to the Constitution must be adopted immediately. Because the current Constitution is an element of the destruction of the state and its sovereignty. It is unacceptable to live under such a Constitution in the future. We need to clearly delineate the powers and responsibilities of the President, the Prime Minister, and the Parliament. We need to create an independent judiciary from scratch. We need to decide in which state, and what form of government we want to live with. For this reason, together with the negotiations on unification, we worked out, worked hard, draft amendments to the Constitution, which, after final elaboration, public discussion and public adoption, had to go through all the procedures of the Verkhovna Rada and be adopted. We had to give the country a European state system. Now everything has been stopped. But I believe that right awayafter the presidential elections, we will definitely do it – we will change the Constitution for the better. And one more thing. I want to finally put an end to the discussion on the most resonant topics of negotiations on amendments to the Constitution. It was not about extending the powers of the parliament, nor about the unequivocal election of the President in the parliament, nor about any measures to restrict freedom of speech. Such changes were categorically and immediately opposed by our political force, as well as by the Lytvyn bloc and the Our Ukraine-People's Self-Defense bloc. I publicly stated this on the program "Freedom of Speech" on December 19, 2008, when the negotiation process was destroyed for the first time. Then one of the journalists asked me the question: "Why did the negotiations collapse?" I clearly answered that I received the conditions under which the president should be elected in the parliament, and his powers remain the same as today. Even then, I said: "Such conditions are unacceptable. We can't agree to them." And that's why I remain in such positions now. And I want to emphasize that all these conversations were made to discredit the negotiation process, which were already difficult, very difficult and difficult. Still, in recent years, a lot of mutual antagonisms, insults, and insurmountable contradictions have accumulated in Ukrainian politics and society. Since 2004, the country has been divided in half. This is a fact,which does not require confirmation. To bring these negotiations to their logical conclusion, in order to unite the country, it was necessary to forever bury all private grievances, all ambitions and personal power appetites deep into the ground. Our political force was ready for such sacrifices. This association had both supporters and opponents. Perhaps, from the point of view of the Maidan, from the point of view of the Orange Revolution, such a union looks unnatural. You know that I myself have repeatedly spoken out categorically against such an association. But the crisis has changed everything, changed the world, there is a common mortal enemy on the border – the crisis. And from the point of view of responsibility to history, to future generations, we are obliged to defeat the crisis. We must act together. This was the only possible way out. Believe me, it was not easier for Gandhi to unite India against the backdrop of an all-out war between Muslims and Hindus, just as it was not easy for Angela Merkel to unite all the political forces in Germany, the government and the opposition, which were also opposed, into one coalition to confront the world crisis. And we must do it in the same way. And now I want to thank, I am really very grateful to my colleagues in the faction and the democratic coalition for understanding this. Especially for those people who, due to the peculiarities of their own political biography and worldview, found it most difficult to do: Mykola Tomenko, Serhiy Sobolev,Volodymyr Yavorivskyi, Volodymyr Filenko, Mykhailo Kosiv, Ihor Hryniv, Pavlo Movchan, Stepan Kurpil, Viktor Teren, Andriy Shevchenko... I can continue this list endlessly, and to all other deputies of our faction, the faction "Our Ukraine - People's Self-Defense" for stepping on their own throats, having to sacrifice their visions and beliefs for the sake of protecting and preserving national interests, for the sake of national reconciliation. These people showed high political honor, dignity and courage in the struggle for unity. I know that the majority of deputies of the Party of Regions were also and remain our like-minded people. In fact, unity was achieved. After difficult hours, days and weeks of negotiations, we have reached the finish line of consolidation. And now I know that in difficult times, times of crisis, difficulties, you can find a common point of contact, common interests, join forces for the sake of Ukraine. Our political force made great, unprecedented compromises. We were inferior to everyone. We were ready for any sacrifices – political, electoral, image, personnel. But even today, not for a moment, I regret that such an attempt was made. This is the right and righteous path. I will not give up on this and will do everything in my power to connect, consolidate, and consolidate the country. The only condition that we categorically refused (and it was almost on the last day, it waswas on Friday, June 5), when Viktor Yanukovych proposed to me personally such an "exotic" norm of the Constitution, according to which only a person not younger than 50 years of age could be elected as a presidential candidate. I categorically refused these proposals. I believe that it is unfair to limit people's choices so tightly. I think that the non-perception of such requirements by me and our team was the reason for Viktor Yanukovych's withdrawal from the negotiation process. Unfortunately, private ambitions, unwillingness to compete, personal interests won again. This humiliates and disgraces the country, disgraces the state and its citizens. Unfortunately, even today in Ukraine there is a lack of politicians who are able to put their own interests on the altar of national interests. Unfortunately, deception, intrigue, betrayal and meanness still prevail in Ukrainian politics... It's sad and sad about this. But it is so.... In today's situation, when the world crisis is literally eating the country in large pieces, we all need to be together, and I will fight for it. And I would like Viktor Yushchenko, as the President of the country, to stand by the same way, and not to create obstacles. Joining forces to overcome trouble together is important. But, this is exactly the case when it is better to remain silent about what oppositions are being made to my work, the work of the Government. On behalf of all Ukrainian politicians, I apologize to you for the fact that this time unityIt didn't work out. But we will still fight! What to do in such a situation, how to move on? I will never give up, I will not stop fighting the crisis. Today I am with this crisis one-on-one, face-to-face, one-on-one. And from everyone else - irresponsibility and conscious opposition to my work. But even that won't stop us from winning. I will not stop trying to unite the country, all political forces even for a moment, despite any personal losses, ratings and sacrifices. And in this I see the only chance to protect people. This is my country, my Motherland, my Ukraine. And I will not back down a single step, I will give everything so that she can see better times. They say that when you come to politics, forget about gender, forget that you are a woman, everyone is equal here. But if men lack courage, responsibility, dignity and honor, then all this is enough for me. And that is why, and right now, in order to prove that it is not for nothing that you stood on all the squares, streets and squares of the country, I declare that I am going to the presidential elections and will win! I believe and know that Ukrainian politics will someday be clean and honest. The government will be strong and non-selling. I believe and know that Ukraine will be what you dreamed it of: a European and beautiful state.So it will be! I know and believe! And I urge all of you to believe in it! | 1 |
Speech by the President of the Republic, Jair Bolsonaro, during the Inauguration Ceremony of the President of Banco do Brasil, Mr. Rubem Novaes; President of the National Bank for Economic and Social Development (BNDES), Mr. Joaquim Levy and the President of Caixa Econômica Federal, Mr. Pedro Guimarães- Brasília/DF Brasília-DF, January 7, 2019 Mr. Vice President, Ministers, Civil and Military Authorities, Brazilians, Good morning. Certainly the event is very popular, because it is the money men who are here. Only this time, it's good money. I want, first, to thank Mr. Paulo Guedes, who believed in me and, obviously, he got to know me, from that moment on, about two years ago and I said to him: "I believe in you". And he has already said that he could call him "you", but our training does not allow that. I, Agulhas Negras Military Academy, and he, Military College. But a friendship was born there. Ignorance of me or of you in many areas and the acceptance of this is a sign of humility. I am sure, without any demerit, that I know a little more about politics than Paulo Guedes. And he knows a lot, a lotmore of economy than me. So, starting from this principle, from respect above all, we started dating, in a good way. And I was strengthening, alongside him, something that seemed like it was not going to happen, due to the tradition of Brazilian politics, in fact, it came true. And what is very important and there has never been any government in Brazil. Mr. Paulo Guedes, as well as the other ministers, had the freedom to choose his entire first rank, without any political interference. The current heads of BNDES, Banco do Brasil and Caixa Econômica chose all their directors. Not long ago, with the experience of 28 years as a parliamentarian, what was heard most was a real fight over which political party was going to take this or that bank board. A clear sign that we could not succeed in the economy. In the informal meeting just now in my office, it was the first time I shook hands with Joaquim Levy, I even asked him, already informally: "Will Brazil work?". And the answer was simple. To take a penalty without a goalkeeper. If it didn't work, we wouldn't be here. It's the same thing as theGentlemen. You are here because I believe in you and if you are here, it is because you believe in our Brazil. And I have been talking, during the pre-campaign, campaign and now also, with these young people who will be at the forefront of national economic policy here. Transparency above all. All our acts will be, will have to be open to the public and what happened in the past as well. We cannot admit in any of these institutions any past confidentiality clause. Those who went to these institutions because they were friends of the king, seeking privileges, no one will persecute them, but these acts, these actions, these contracts will become public. So, based on that, it's me too, because no one alone can do anything. We have a team by your side, it's just that I believe in this team composed of Mr. Paulo Guedes, to lead the destiny not only economic, which is the reason he is here. But the destinies of our Brazil. If the economy does well, we will have more jobs. The rate of violence will decrease, satisfaction will be present among our people. And we will begin to live better days for our Brazil. We can't make mistakes. If we make a mistake, you know well who can come back. AndThe good people, who were the majority who believed in what we preached over the last few years, will not be able to be disappointed with us. And I am sure, with this economic team here, with the team of ministers that is in front of me, with the military of the Armed Forces, that they will have their value recognized in Brazil. With this great team, we will be able to put Brazil in the prominent place it deserves. And to conclude, it seems that it is simple, but it is not. I also talked to the authorities here in the economic area. We are going to democratize advertising budgets. No press organ will have the right to more or less, in what we, in a very rational way, will spend on our press. That we want, yes, more and more, that you are stronger and more impartial, and not be as some unfortunately were a short time ago, partial. The free press is the guarantee of our democracy. We will believe you, but these advertising funds will no longer be privileged for company A, B or C. And we will seek, together with the Brazilian Parliament, the issue of BV. This has to cease to exist. I learned a little while agowhat is that and I was surprised and even scared. We are going to eliminate these issues, so that the press can increasingly do a good job in Brazil. The issue of NGOs also seems to be unimportant, but it does. The resources, those that are released to the NGOs, will suffer, as is everyone's hope, a strict control, so that we can then make sure that the public resource is well used. Gentlemen, ladies and gentlemen, my dear Paulo Guedes, my friend, if I can call him that, elder, Zum Zaravalho. I want to thank you, for having accepted this invitation, to seek a way out of the economic crisis that we have. And make the population believe in your work. Because only then can we really be happy in the future. So, to everyone present here, especially the economic team, thank you very much and even a new opportunity, God willing. | 1 |
Werner Faymann, OSCE Parliamentary Assembly
SPEECH MADE TO THE ASSEMBLY
THURSDAY, 30 JANUARY 2014
http://www.assembly.coe.int/nw/xml/Speeches/Speech-XML2HTML-EN.asp?SpeechID=60
Madam President, honourable members of the Assembly and the Bureau, may I first express my gratitude for having the opportunity to speak here before the Parliamentary Assembly? To come back to something Madam President mentioned in her kind words of introduction, the role of the Council of Europe, its tasks and challenges, in these times which are anything but easy, are particularly important. Precisely against the background of the history of the 20th century, Austria, as the Chair of the Council of Europe’s Committee of Ministers, feels particularly committed to playing an active part in building peace in Europe. The function of the Council of Europe is of paramount importance.
As Chancellor of Austria, I am very proud that the highest functions within the Council of Europe have been held with great commitment by fellow Austrians such as Peter Schieder, who was President of the Parliamentary Assembly. So there is an Austrian tradition, I feel, and this chairmanship is part of it.
In many respects, 2014 will be a year in Europe and throughout the world of historical reflection. The year 1914 marked the beginning of an age of wars and of mass murder, an age of injustice and dictatorship. Seventy-five years ago, Hitler’s war of aggression against Poland signalled the beginning of the Second World War. This war, and the Holocaust, were the greatest human catastrophe the world has ever witnessed. One cannot commend enough the generation of that world war, because after 1945 it held out its hand and made it its paramount goal to achieve peace on this continent. Anyone who accepts the lessons of the 20th century cannot allow the economic crisis to lead, as it did in the 1930s, to mass unemployment – to a complete lack of prospects, to poverty or to incitement of national hatred. We cannot allow anything of this kind to be repeated.
Europe has invested a lot of time and money during the current crisis, but in the European Union we have also invested a lot with those who are not members of the European Union, because we see Europe as a common family. We have devoted a lot of resources to taking the first step towards doing what is perhaps most pressing – rescuing banks and stabilising monetary flows, and thus, through our energy, time and money, supporting economies. It is right that since 2008, step by step, we have taken these steps in our united Europe, but I am equally convinced that we have not yet done enough. Banks believe that they have returned to stability, but we still see very high levels of unemployment – above all, youth unemployment – around our continent. That means that the crisis is not over, and therefore the political challenges cannot be considered to have been won.
We must not allow ourselves to become accustomed to these levels of unemployment. In this time of rapid change, we cannot grow complacent and become used to seeing these things time and again. Such complacency must not take hold when we know how many people live close to the poverty threshold and how few of them manage to find new jobs. We know how high youth unemployment is, and that sounds an alarm call to us all about how many young people do not have an opportunity to make their own contribution to being part of our community. They are prepared to join the labour market but they do not find an opportunity to do so in the globalised economy. The crisis since 2008 has shown us that today there are fewer and fewer solutions at national level to our global problems. Those who want to lead us astray will say that the time has come to concentrate on our national and domestic problems and that national injustices should be seen as justification to turn our backs on the international community.
Let us not let up when it comes to the repair costs after the crisis. Together with many other countries – many of their representatives are here – we have had the idea of a financial transaction tax, but that will not solve unemployment in Europe. It would be too easy just to come forward with one simple solution. Someone who does that is, to my eyes, suspect in principle. This is part of an overall puzzle. We need to ensure that those who caused some of the crisis should at least make a contribution to remedying it. We need to think about the huge resources that will be involved if a form of co-funding is required. Speculation based on wagers on the collapse of whole economies must be constrained. We must have some kind of guarantee of employment for young people and do our level best to generate more employment, because without the necessary sustainable and high-quality growth we will be living at the expense of the next generation. We need that growth to create the necessary foundations for new employment and prosperity in Europe.
We must not allow the wrong people – that is, young people – to pay the highest price for the crisis. It is our sincere wish that a whole new generation will commit itself with conviction to our principles – democratic development and the rule of law – but to that end society must be strong and these young people must find their place in the community. To give you just one of the worrying figures from our united Europe, since the beginning of the financial crisis in 2008 the number of unemployed young people in the European Union has risen by more than 2 million from 3.5 million to 5.7 million. It is therefore particularly important in Europe to continue to combat youth unemployment. We are pleased that perhaps the situation in our country is slightly better, but we are also concerned about every single unemployed individual, so we need to take up this challenge and overcome it – to take up the gauntlet to create employment and find common solutions.
Solidarity does not end at the borders of nation States, so we must not remain indifferent if half of all young people in the countries of southern Europe have no job, although not everyone sees it that way. What people call the rationale of the market in the globalised economy pays no attention to whether the prosperity of some is achieved at the cost of the misery of others. We must halt the advance of chronically insecure employment contracts. It is clear that no European country can manage this on its own, so it is self-evident that we need to think and to act beyond national borders. Incitement to hatred, to which some have now devoted themselves, is a very irresponsible way of proceeding, and we need to combat it. It is important to remember our historical duty to counter with determination the enemies of democracy. We must take up these important challenges. Prosperity is inconceivable without peace and social justice, without freedom, and without the rule of law – that is, without our common values. Closer co-operation still between the Council of Europe and the European Union is possible, and it can make a great contribution if we think about our specific strengths, so we need to concentrate on those. For decades, the Council of Europe was at the vanguard of human rights and democratic policies, and I am sure that it will continue in this way, because that has huge importance.
Discrimination against homosexuals in some member countries of the Council of Europe has gained significant attention. Such legal and de facto discriminations are contrary to the European Convention on Human Rights. It is important for me to emphasise that from my point of view a boycott of an international sporting event is not a suitable means of supporting the justified concerns of human rights activists. That would result in damage to international sport. But the discrimination that used to exist in the world of sport has been overcome. The measures taken in recent years need to be reconsidered and perhaps we need to continue our efforts to undertake international reorganisation, to bolster our work against discrimination.
Austria will continue to play its part constructively to support the work of the Council of Europe. What unites all of us here is our common commitment to human rights, social justice, democracy, freedom and peace. I wish us all the best for our common work. Thank you very much. | 0 |
1 Please, check against delivery Address by His Excellency Mr. Nursultan A. Nazarbayev, President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, at the General Debate of the 62nd Session of the United Nations General Assembly, New York, 25 September 2007 2 Dear Mr. President, Dear Mr. Secretary General! Ladies and gentlemen, I would like to invite everyone to go back in time and recall that in 1946, the first United Nations General Assembly, convened by its first decision, established a Commission to consider the problems that arose in connection with the discovery of atomic energy. As you can see, even then the world community was concerned about the extraordinary power of this scientific discovery and its use for military purposes. And since that time, almost nothing has happened that could reduce the anxiety of mankind. On the contrary, all these years the race for the possession of nuclear weapons has been going on, in which even terrorist organizations have now joined. Although the international community has long recognized the need to reform the international security system, there has been no tangible progress. The lack of international consensus on these issues has led to a sharp weakening of the collective security system. On the whole, we are talking about a systemic crisis of international governance, and the international community has fewer and fewer legitimate levers capable of stopping the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. In addition to moral, economic and other motives, legal barriers to the process of proliferation are needed. Therefore, first of all, Kazakhstan proposes to adapt the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) to the new realities.It must be recognized that the Treaty has become an asymmetric agreement. It provides for sanctions only against non-nuclear states. But if the nuclear powers call for a ban on the development of nuclear weapons, they themselves should be an example of reducing and abandoning the nuclear arsenal. This does not happen. Such injustice is an incentive for States that do not abandon their desire to acquire weapons of mass destruction. It should be added that from our point of view, such an aspiration is irrational. The people of Kazakhstan have experienced all the horrors of the consequences of atomic explosions. At the Semipalatinsk nuclear test site, 456 of them thundered. Therefore, the first historic decision of Kazakhstan after gaining independence was the closure of the Semipalatinsk nuclear test site. It was followed by the abandonment of the nuclear missile arsenal, the 3rd fourth most powerful in the world, and the destruction of its infrastructure. I note that at that time we had not only trained personnel, but also almost all types of means for the delivery of nuclear warheads. These steps determined the strategy of our state in the field of global security. For the first time in the history of mankind, a t r a n a , which possessed destructive power, voluntarily renounced it. I am sure that with this decision, Kazakhstan has aroused confidence in the world. Thanks to this, significant investments have been made in our country, which have become the basis for impressive successes in development, known today throughout the world. With this step, we have strengthened our independence by receiving security guarantees from all nuclear Powers.Why shouldn't others follow our example than spend huge sums of money on an arms race? Ladies and gentlemen, In recent years, international terrorism has significantly weakened the security of the world community. Terrorism is financially supported by the international drug trade. Today, a third of the annual turnover of the "economy of terrorism" falls on the drug industry. It is a well-known fact that terrorism finds ground in fragile and poor countries. Afghanistan is such a country in our region. It is from this country that the drug trade comes in an ever-increasing volume. Poor countries need the help of developed countries. The kind of assistance that would bring real results. Thanks to the rapid growth of the economy, our country, which until recently was a recipient of foreign aid, is included in the group of states - "new donors". Over the past few years, the economy in Kazakhstan has been growing at an annual rate of about 10%. Now we are helping our neighbors. Kazakhstan is concerned about the difficulties faced by the process of rebuilding Iraq and stabilizing the situation in Afghanistan. The peoples of our region, as well as the entire world community, are counting on a peaceful resolution of the so-called crisis around Iran. The best way to do this is if Iran, whose people have a great history and culture, proves the peaceful nature of its nuclear program. 4 Mr. Chairman, Today, the UN's efforts to conduct peacekeeping operations remain the most effective tool for the peaceful resolution of regional crises. 15 years ago, Kazakhstan from this rostrum put forward an initiative to strengthen thethe Organization's peacekeeping capacity. We proposed the creation of a UN peacekeeping fund through the voluntary allocation by states of one percent of their military budgets. This idea was supported by the Secretary-General, Mr. Ban Ki-moon, who proposed to redirect 1% of world military spending to development. I believe that this decision would be an important step towards the implementation of the UN strategy to achieve the Millennium Development Goals. Ladies and gentlemen, Let me draw your attention to a number of issues that are important in the context of Kazakhstan's cooperation with the UN and its members. First. Kazakhstan welcomes the decision of the General Assembly to single out the problems related to climate change as the priority theme of the current session. In this regard, I would like to draw attention to our initiative put forward at the Johannesburg Summit on Sustainable Development and once again propose the creation of a Register of World Environmental Problems within the framework of the UN. This document will help develop mechanisms for combating environmental disasters. By the nineties of the last century, the once large inland sea of the Aral Sea had lost three-quarters of its water body. This has become a disaster for millions of people living around the sea. Salt from the bare bottom of the sea is spread throughout Eurasia, damaging the environment. The countries of the Central Asian region have done a lot to restore the sea, but it is impossible to solve this problem without consolidating the efforts of the world community. And I suggestagain, as at the Earth Summit in 2002, to give the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea the status of a UN institution. Second. Today, the most acute problems for the world community are the deepening global energy crisis and the growing threat of adverse climate change on the planet. We share the concerns of the leaders of the G-8 and APEC on these issues. 5 It is advisable to discuss it within the framework of the energy and environmental strategy at the World Summit on Sustainable Development in 2012. Third. The Caspian region, of which Kazakhstan is a part, plays an increasing role in the international energy market. To date, Kazakhstan ranks 7th in the world in terms of oil reserves, 6th in terms of gas reserves, and 2nd in uranium reserves. By 2017, Kazakhstan will become one of the ten largest oil producers in the world. Kazakhstan is also increasing the volume of gas produced in the country. With large uranium reserves, we will play an important role in the development of nuclear energy. At the same time, Kazakhstan is fully aware of its responsibility for ensuring global energy balance and security. In order to further diversify energy supplies to consumers, as well as to provide guarantees for energy producers, Kazakhstan proposes to adopt a Eurasian Pact for the stability of energy supplies. Fourth. The holding of the first global conference on the problems of landlocked developing countries in the history of the UN on Kazakh soil led to the adoption of an international document in 2003- "Almaty Programme of Action". We believe that it will provide effective assistance to this group of countries. An important and logically consistent step in this direction was the decisions on the development of regional cooperation and transport and transit infrastructure reached at the last session of the UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), held in Kazakhstan in May this year. Fifth. Speaking of Asia, it is impossible to ignore the topic of the formation of a collective security mechanism on a continental scale. This became possible thanks to the Kazakh initiative to convene the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia (CICA), which I made public from this rostrum in 1992. Today, CICA unites 18 states occupying 90 percent of the territory of Asia. The population of these countries is half of the total population of the world. Time has proved the relevance of the CICA process, within the framework of which the political dialogue of Asian states is gaining momentum. Sixth. We support joint efforts to reform the activities of the UN. In our opinion, the expansion of the Security Council should be carried out through both permanent and non-permanent members, and on the basis of equitable geographical representation and respect for the sovereign equality of states. Reform should also address the working methods of the Security Council in order to enhance its transparency and accountability. The General Assembly should have a central place as the main onedeliberative, policy-making and representative body of the UN. Dear delegates, Of the sensational predictions about the imminent "conflict of civilizations", most, fortunately, have not yet come true. However, it should be clearly understood that interfaith tensions feed the social basis of international terrorism and religious extremism. I believe that ensuring the harmony of religions and the peaceful coexistence of ethnic groups is the most important dominant in the process of preserving global security. Kazakhstan, home to representatives of 130 nations and 45 religious denominations, is an example of tolerance, which has become a decisive factor in ensuring peace, stability and economic progress in Kazakhstan. Considering it fundamentally important to establish a dialogue between world religions on key issues of the modern world order, in 2003 and 2006 Kazakhstan became the venue for the Forums of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions, at which religious authorities sought not only a language of mutual understanding, but also mechanisms for relieving interreligious tension in the "hot spots" of the planet. I would like to propose that the 3rd Congress of Religious Leaders, which will be held in 2009, be held under the auspices of the United Nations. I also propose that the United Nations declare one of the coming years the International Year for the Rapprochement of Cultures and Religions. Ladies and gentlemen, A few days after the tragic days of September 11, former Pontiff John Paul II visited our country. I am convinced that in the world there is noThere are problems that cannot be solved if we oppose enmity with harmony, tolerance and spirituality, if we are based on mutual trust and cooperation. Understanding this gives hope and strengthens faith in the future. The United Nations has a special role to play in strengthening those hopes. We are not skeptical about the legitimacy of international law and do not believe in the effectiveness of multilateral mechanisms such as the UN in ensuring security and justice. We are against weakening our Organization. Kazakhstan is in solidarity with those states that are ready to raise the role and authority of the UN, seeing it as the only international body that can effectively influence issues of war and peace. Thank you for your attention. | 0 |
Friday, August 28, 2009 at 5:53 pm Remarks during the donation delivery to Hogares Crea I have always been indirectly involved with Hogares Crea, because of the personal relationship I have with the Gago family, and I have always admired what Rosario and Lazaro have done for the community. They have always given not a little bit, but a "peck", and in truth one has to come into the world to give what they give and give more. I congratulate you, young comrades of Crea, because I am seeing that the process you are following is practically the same as the one we are following in the State. And the fact is that the Panamanian State also has a lot of problems and we have to start re-educating it with a true commitment and a detoxification room like the one you have. Because the Panamanian State is full of corruption, full of people who do not have a vision of the State, and we must help them to heal. And I hear Mrs. Marta say that here they have not been given the property title since 1996, that we have been doing that for 13 years, when here in the State there are six institutions that giveproperty titles: they are given by the Municipality, given by PRONAT, given by the Canal Authority, given by the Cadastre, by ANAM, and by Agrarian Reform. There are six institutions that have not been able to solve such a basic and simple problem. There is an invasion, I don't know how many houses there, this is a government that goes and removes the intruders, and here no one has paid attention to Hogares Crea. I was going to ask Doña Marta to give it to me in writing, but she already gave it to me, and now we have the legal tools: because in order to get those people out, we first have to give you the title deed, because in theory you have a possessory right here, so we are going to call Mr. Alejandro Castillero or Mr. Publio Cortés, I don't know if it's Cadastre or PRONAT, so that they can give them the title deed. By giving them the title deed, we are going to remove those intruders. Friends: I think that the most important thing, as I have already told Mrs. Marta and now to all of you, is that you take advantage of the fact that I am in the government, because the government hasmany programs and many projects and I have the will that those resources be spent on really productive activities, such as helping you, and not on nonsense. I don't know what they need, I don't know if they need psychologists, if they need psychiatrists, if they need the road to improve. But for now, I'm going to tell the minister of the MOP to enable the road from the entrance to here. And it is that the same process that the State follows is the one that you implement here, and that allows you to reintegrate people with addiction problems into society so successfully. Believe it or not, that is the same process that I am trying to do with the reengineering of the State. I am trying to ensure that the law is respected, that all those people who have stolen resources from the State through concessions, through contracts, through schemes and who do not pay a real to the State, even though everything comes in their name and title, is returned to the State so that the State can invest those resources in a place like Hogares Crea. or on a highway or in a hospital orpaying with these resources for works of great social importance that are what our country needs and requires. What happens is that sometimes we can't do them, because there are three "alive" people who took them before they reached the final cast, and that's what we're trying to heal, through an aggressive program, to change the mentality, change the philosophy, change the way we act. There were people in certain places who were used to smuggling. There were others who were used to undervaluing the merchandise, or over-invoicing it; there were others who were used to simply not paying. There were also others who were very used to the fact that we paid dearly for that light that had to go down. So that same process that you are doing and that you are doing here with so much success, is the same process that we are doing in the State; and if you have managed to do it, we are going to do it too. But that process, as you well know, takes time and we must have a great commitment, as you do, to obtain those results. You have here people dedicated to rescuing the sick, to reintegrating them into society as men and women ofWell, because we all make mistakes, no one here on earth is perfect, perfection is only up there in heaven. But since we are not perfect and we make mistakes, we also have the right and the obligation to be able to amend them and to be able to reintegrate ourselves into society again, and that is what you are doing here and that is what we in the State are trying to do as well. Many times there are people who do not understand it and criticize it, but let me tell you, just like the professors you have here, I will still be working until you are reintegrated into society, that it changes and that the way of doing government changes. In short, I am inspired by you. So I say to Mrs. Marja, Mrs. Rosario to all the teams to please tell us what they need, both in this home and in the other four homes to see how we can help them. There will be things we can do, there will be things we can't do, but what does exist at least is the will to be able to cooperate and to be able to comply. Dear friends: I am here today, because in the campaign I said thatI was going to donate my salary and that I was going to come, and that's why I am here. Now I tell you that I want to help you, but it is up to you to tell me what you need so that I can act. I cannot break the law, I know that it is unfair that they have not given you the title to the property and that the invasions have occurred, but I cannot go and remove someone just because you tell me: you need to have a property title. If the law allows me to do so, and I ask the minister if it can be done, I will do it ahead of time. Because I believe that property must be respected, and I have seen that agreements with European countries have been lost as a result of not having the property title. That is unfair, because every week the State distributes a thousand property titles, two thousand titles, and we do acts of delivery in different towns in the interior, we deliver it to this one, they give it to the other and here, close to the city, and we have not been able to give you a property title, we have to remedy that. So, please, Mrs. Rosario, keep me informed. Doña Marta, nothing moreWrite to me, now you have computers, now you can send me an email. I believe that what we have done here, must be done in the other Crea Homes. We are going to get you computers for the other Crea Homes because, although you may doubt it, computers will be the ones that move the future world. 20 or 25 years ago, no one would have thought that you were going to be able to have a phone to be called wherever you were or that you would have been able to have all the wonders, a microwave, any of those things that the modern world has now, that didn't even exist before, and a lot of people who have them today say, "Joo, I don't know how I could live without them!" But the important thing is that they are here. Learn how to use them. Use them for good. There are many good things that one can find in the world of the "Web", as they say, many things that will help you to be better people, better individuals, better men and women and better citizens, better companions of Hogares Crea, use them for that good. Learn that you have to continue helping your neighbor and others. And count on what you will always have in meto a friend. Thank you very much http://www.presidencia.gob.pa/ver_nodo.php?cod=289 | 0 |
Dear Mr. President, Ladies and gentlemen, I would first like to thank the organizers of this meeting for the invitation and welcome all the participants. It is a good opportunity for me to represent Armenia to scholars, politicians, diplomats, and journalists, as well as to reflect on the South Caucasus, emphasizing my whereabouts. Yesterday, a meeting was held under the shadow of Ms. Madeleine Olbright, the U.S. Secretary of State, between the Presidents of the three south Caucasus states. In my opinion, we attended an interesting discussion about the present and future of the region. It was, in effect, the first such attempt to discuss regional issues at such a high level as delegations. I believe that such meetings and discussions should be of a regular nature because the region is not stable, political processes are very fast and the possibility of free communication because of existing conflicts is problematic. I would like to continue discussing the subject today, sharing with you my understanding of regional processes and activities that can lead to solutions to accumulated problems. For centuries, the South Caucasus was part of an empire that determined the geopolitical realities of the region. The weakening or expansion of any of the empires has necessarily led to wars and, as a result, a new geopolitical redistribution. At the beginning of the century, the scattering of the Russian Empire was marked by bloody events in the Southern Caucasus. The Soviet Union's turmoil in the region created a new situation in principle and led to flaring of frozen conflicts that are still ongoing. Today in the SouthThe republics of the Caucasus have a historic opportunity to build independent states. Fulfilling those goals is their own responsibility. Will we be able to evaluate the past and the real opportunities for development, make bold, pragmatic, future-minded decisions, see a partner in a neighbor, not a competitor, and provide the public with constructivity? The situation is beneficial because the world has changed. Obviously, we are developing international ties that will enable us to form new types of relationships. Yet there is a gap between reality and our perception of reality. We have inherited that from our past. Problems such as the Armenian-Kurdish, Armenian-African relations have inherited us from the past. There are problems we have achieved in recent years. The Republics of the South Caucasus are in the process of shaping their foreign and internal political priorities. Somewhere a certainty is great, somewhere small, something is shaped by objective prerequisites, something subjective, and sometimes emotional perceptions of events. It is essential that we try to combine our imaginations according to the general picture and verse. I am convinced that in a number of ways, our positions can be significantly closer together. I see three major blocks of questions. First, a closer look at the dangers posed by the southern Caucasus, the second in each country in the South Caucasus, and third, every people in the South Caucasus. That is,take three platforms that are interconnected and each play a key role in the overall security of the region. None of them should be given superiority. Understanding this can help us to properly evaluate our common concerns. It is worth noting that the roots of the conflicts in the region are not seen by the threats posed by the peoples of this third settlement, the Peoples of the South Caucasus. The second block includes prerequisites for accepting because they are open: A thriving neighbor is better than a hungry neighbor, and only if the South Caucasus states are economically stronger will they be able to solve problems more efficiently and have a greater ability to make their own judgments. This process has a great natural inertia and requires patience and wisdom, and it will raise the proportional development of all republics of the South Caucasus, both in the level of security in the region and the likelihood of self-development for all. The experience of isolating any country is harmful to all and, first and foremost, for their safety, the economic aspect of development in any country cannot be viewed as a tool for pressuring one side. Azerbaijan's preaching as an instrument of politics has shaped very negative attitudes in Armenia. Caspian oil is perceived as a threat to Armenia, with all the consequences, and the region as a united economic area is undoubtedly more attractive to large businesses. The unification of economic regulators in all three republics is affordable,The South Caucasus needs to evolve along the path of democratic reform. It is only by being democratic states that we can be predictable, which will raise the level of mutual trust. The region cannot be a jealousy of someone's sick imagination or infinite accusations; it does not shape an enemy against a neighbor among the people. We ourselves will be victims of that public opinion, which we will have to take into account as democratic institutions develop. I should point out that, at least over the last year, we have built our policies on the principles outlined above. Finally, the third is to take into account the concerns of neighbors, Russia and Iran, and try to treat each one with impartiality. You have to consider certain aspects of the past and the present. Our region is an extremely sensitive region. It cannot be compared to Europe, where many ideas—political, economic, humanitarian, ecological, legal, and so on—have been formed in deeply unified ways and powerful integration processes take place. Many in Europe view themselves as citizens of the world. This is a revolution in thought, and I believe that the consequences are not calculated to the end (Yugoslavia is the exception). Russia in the north is in a very difficult phase of reform, and extremely complex processes are taking place in the North Caucasus. In the south, Turkey has a huge difference between the proclaimed political line and the way the population thinks. Iranhas chosen its own path to development and has an opinion of the processes under way. All three countries have inherited historical memories of their previous influence in the region. Finally, we, the republics of the South Caucasus, are economically weak, have a large number of problems and conflicts, and we have adopted a course of integration into European institutions. The situation is truly very delicate, and it is necessary to be extremely careful. Because it is about a regional development that is different from the formed concepts, we must do everything we can to prevent this development from falling into hostility. The Caucasus is easy to argue and reconcile if reconciled at all. In practice, these problems can be accomplished in a variety of ways. Apparently, it is better to start with the simplest: what is openly appropriate for us and that cannot be done. The processing of specific directions and steps requires consistent effort. What is Armenia's role in the South Caucasus? There is no doubt that Armenia can play a leading role in the region because of several existing prerequisites, it becomes the most organized country in the Caucasus. Those prerequisites include the lack of ethnic problems within the country: The historical traditions of the Armenian people, the existence of the Armenian sphere worldwide, the political and economic ties and experience accumulated, and the mythical hopes of the miraculous influence of oil or transit programs. Two Words in the Mountainsabout the settlement of the Arab conflict. We have repeatedly expressed our position. The following principles should be based on regulation: equality of the parties, the exclusion of the LPR, and the guaranteed safety of the people of Arabia. We are also convinced that without the full participation of Arabia in the negotiation process, it will not be possible to succeed. I will recall that the national liberation struggle in Arabia has begun with the decision to join Armenia. Later, Arabia declared independence and enshrined it in a conference vote, thus retreating from the idea of reunification, which I should point out is still dominant among our people. In accepting recent proposals from the Minsk Group on the formation of a common state, Arabia and Armenia actually took both a major step toward regulating, and Azerbaijan's position, based on Soviet autonomy, remained. I want to remind you that all such autonomy has either led to war or the disappearance of the indigenous people.—Kosovo is the most up-to-date example. We need to find a legal relationship between self-determination and the principles of territorial integrity. We believe that the idea of a common state is a sober attempt to find such a decision. It is obvious to us that "wholeness" cannot already appear as a high priority. Such are the historical realities of the last decade. Thank you for the attention. 1999 | 0 |
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