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Make Peace |
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Once more I was demonstrating in the streets of Paris against
war on Iraq and the people that were there impressed me. They
were a great number and determined; they were walking for hours
in the cold and endlessly asking for peace. |
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- When I was marching with them some thoughts came to my
mind.
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- To be at peace in order to give
peace
To be at peace with oneself, to let us be pacified, to find the
peace of the heart, it is essential. Because violence is also
in ourselves. It stands inside us.
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What a blessing to meet persons at peace with themselves!
You feel well with them. With them you feel happy, we are not
built to be worried and to live an agitated life. Their life
has deepness: in front of them we dare to be ourselves and true
with our humanity. Their struggle tells to us that peace is to
be shared like bread. It is why they open their hands and their
hearts to the benefit of others. |
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- Peace is our concern
It depends on us. All of us are concerned. It is magnificent
to see all these demonstrations against war in Iraq happening
in USA, Japan, Arab countries and in most of the European countries.
This mobilization of public opinion demonstrates that war is
avoidable and not written in advance. As I am writing these words
I do not know if there will be a war but I am sure that this
formidable protest of the people will not be without effect.
We are working for peace each time we restore confidence in a
family, in a community, in a neighborhood, in downtown or in
suburban areas, or between two countries.
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The German-French reconciliation, forty years ago, is a good
example of the restoration of confidence between two countries.
This is one of the conditions for peace. |
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- People are afraid of Peace
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This may sound strange. But I heard it for the first time
from a Palestinian. This friend wanted me to understand that
it is easier to make war than to make peace. Violence is fast
like lightning. It is quickly started. |
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- But retaliations and attacks bring no solution. Misunderstanding
and hate can only ever-increase the gap between people. Peace
is slow to come.
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It supposes a change in thinking and in action. Peace requires
justice, application of the law, and a regard for the UNO resolutions. |
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- Reconciliation with a brother who is an enemy is not easy,
it is so much easier to fight against him! Going toward somebody
who is not like me is more difficult than to stay at home to
avoid problems. Yes peace makes people afraid because it is a
struggle that we need to undertake without any delay.
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