WORLD MARKS THE INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE

armradio.am
21.09.2009 11:53

On September 21 the world marks the International Day of Peace
(Peace Day).

It was established by a United Nations resolution in 1981 to coincide
with the opening of the General Assembly. The first Peace Day was
celebrated in September 1982.

In 2002 the General Assembly officially declared September 21 as the
permanent date for the International Day of Peace.

By creating the International Day of Peace, the UN devoted itself to
worldwide peace and encouraged all of mankind to work in cooperation
for this goal.

International Day of Peace is also a Day of Ceasefire – personal
or political.

UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon issued a statement on the
International Day of Peace. The message reads: "The International
Day of Peace is a global call for ceasefire and non-violence.

It is a time to reflect on the horror and cost of war, and on our
duty to resolve disputes peacefully.

Most of the victims of conflict are powerless. Innocent
civilians. Fathers, mothers, children.

Without peace they have little hope of improving their lives. Little
hope of escaping poverty.

Often, those who work on behalf of the powerless are also targets.

Journalists, medical professionals, humanitarian workers, United
Nations staff and peacekeepers have all found themselves under attack.

Combatants, warlords, arms suppliers and=2 0their sponsors continue
to display a cruel disrespect for life.

On this International Day of Peace, I remind all of them that there
is another way. A better way. The path of peace.

We should be encouraged that war between nations is happening less
often.

Diplomacy and negotiation are becoming a more frequent choice.

And even where States are torn by internal strife, history shows that
peace can prevail if there is sufficient will.

There are many examples where the advocates of peace have successfully
subdued the voices of hate.

I also draw hope from the renewed engagement of the international
community on the issue of nuclear disarmament.

That is why I have launched the WMD-WeMustDisarm! Campaign. As long
as such weapons exist, no-one is safe.

On this International Day of Peace, I have a simple message for all:
We Must Disarm! We must have peace.

I appeal to people throughout the world to join in this effort. Support
the United Nations, and do your part for peace."