ADDRESS AT THE NEW YEAR
As we contemplate the Ethiopian New Year, 1958,
We cannot avoid thanking the Almighty for his innumerable blessings bestowed
upon Us and the Ethiopian people in the year that has just passed. Nor can We
escape thinking of the problems faced and overcome, those existing at present
and those anticipated in man’s unending march forward in the search for peace,
progress, and prosperity.
Ethiopia and the Ethiopian people have
passed another year in their successful striving for a better life, and an
inventory of the past year makes Us confident of continuing achievements in
this New Year and the years ahead. This is so because the foundations that we
have laid and that we continue to lay as we travel the high road of progress
assure the stability and resilience of a superstructure that under modern Ethiopianism
We are committed to build. The splendid co-operation and collaboration among
our people and their steadfast striving for education and enlightenment bring
to mind those proverbial busy workers – the bees – which combine their efforts
and work for the common good.
The task of nation-building is one that
involves generations – the duty of each succeeding to consolidate the gains
made by its predecessor. The Ethiopian people have demonstrated this awareness,
so that in the manifold areas of the nation’s life, with their eyes fixed on
the future, they continue to conquer new frontiers year after year. Our people
shall never lack the solicitude and guidance which We pledged from the day We
assumed leadership and the sustaining of which history has thus far eloquently
vindicated. The desire and eagerness of our people to work together and their
keen interest to improve the general welfare of the nation have been a great
source of satisfaction to Us. Much has been accomplished, but more remains to
be achieved.
In her
international dealings Ethiopia has adhered to the guiding principles of
non-alignment, friendship, mutual respect and non-interference in the internal
affairs of other states. These general principles which Ethiopia follows in
accord with other states, embrace her relations with all nations near and far.
In Africa, under the umbrella of a continental family, Ethiopia has
scrupulously followed these principles – the basis of good neighbourly
relations.
Ethiopia covets not the territory or
possession of others; conversely, she stands ready always to defend her
sovereign right against the malicious designs of others.
For Ethiopia, however, peace is priceless;
it has become traditional; this had been so in the years past, in 1957, and
will be so in this New Year, 1958. The role of Ethiopia in the United Nations,
in the Organization of African Unity and in the Afro-Asian Conference is
founded on the open avowal that peace is the keynote to progress, prosperity
and even human survival. Unless the desire for peace is expressed in terms of
concrete achievements and thus give a sense of assurance and serenity to humanity,
mere pious hope constitutes only self-delusion.
Thus our minds turn to the Twentieth
Session of the United Nations General Assembly to convene within the next ten
days; to the Afro-Asian Conference in Algiers and the African Summit Assembly
of the OAU to be held in Accra.
Ethiopia recently proposed that all Heads
of State and Government should personally attend the forthcoming session of the
United Nations General Assembly to exert their collective influence in finding
ways and means to restore peace in the trouble spots of the world. The
participation of Heads of State and Government at the United Nations Assembly
would help maintain international peace and security.
Ethiopia intends to play her full part in
the forthcoming international conclaves. Her principal and over-riding desire
is to help strengthen the forces of peace and human progress. She has never
flinched nor will ever flinch from her responsebility as an active member of
the international community. In greater measure, Ethiopia will continue to
support the campaign to end colonialism and will continue to do so until all
dependent territories in Africa and elsewhere breathe the clean air of freedom
and independence.
The former colonial territories, which
have now attained independence and freedom, are today beset by the residues of
colonialism. Even if those former colonial territories had benefited in some
respects from the colonial administration, these states have inherited people
divided unto themselves – the result of the divide-and-rule policies of the
colonial era. This has become a cancerous disease which is spreading fast with
the effect of not only pitting brother against brother but also endangering
international peace and security. These are some of the reasons which have
prompted Us to propose that all Heads of State and Government should attend the
forthcoming session of the United Nations General Assembly to work out concrete
proposals for the eradication of this evil colonial heritage, thriving under
different guises.
For the New Year, it is Our wish that the
Ethiopian people continue to march forward; that peace will be restored in
areas that are disturbed by conflict, and that the Almighty will continue to
bless all efforts in creating a better life for Our people and all the peoples
in the world.
Sept. 11, 1965.
Selected
Speeches of His Imperial Majesty Haile Selassie – page 477 –
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