TO POLISH PRESIDENT
Your
Excellency
Madame
Ochab
We thank Your Excellency sincerely for the
generous hospitality you have extended this evening.
Ethiopia is honoured to have had this
occasion to welcome you as her honoured guest, and to convey through you to the
Polish people, an indication of the warm friendship and sincere respect which
the name of Poland inspires here.
In the modern world into which Ethiopia
has emerged in this century, the distances between nations and peoples can no
longer be measured in units of space. Many kilometers separate Poland and
Ethiopia but with modern transport available we and all nations are virtually
neighbours. Yet we must also be neighbours in a far deeper and more significant
sense. The interdependence of the peoples of the world is already an
established fact and the sphere of mutual interest expands daily.
Economically, co-operation serves us all well, but economic co-operation
while of crucial significance, is not in itself an end. There must also exist a
body of shared principles of morality and justice which governs not only
economics but human relations as well. Many of these principles have already
been established and are enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations
Organization and the International Declaration of Human Rights. To these
principles the peoples of Ethiopia and Africa are earnestly dedicated, and we
are proud to have with us as staunch allies in this dedication, the people of
Poland.
Vile Racism
In recent months the world has been scared by crises, many of which
continue to cause destruction and havoc, in spite of the avowed dedication to
peace and human welfare, by those who scourge and destroy one another. This is
a tragedy on a scale which defies description but it must cease if man is ever
to realize the enlightened destiny which he seeks. But perhaps even more
shattering to the conscience of the world than the political and economic wars
of this age has been the vile doctrine of racism asserted by the illegal regime
of Rhodesia. The disease of apartheid which now contaminates the southern
portion of this continent would spread if permitted, but it cannot. We are
thankful to the United Nations which has risen to meet this threat. We are
proud to assert that the courage and strength and dedication of every Ethiopian
stands ready to meet this threat. We are convinced that the principles of
justice and equality which ought to prevail, will prevail because now there is
a collective will among men which will not tolerate the violation of these
principles and which is supported by the means to enforce them. We know that
the men and women of Poland share with us the dedication which will force the
eradication of the last vestiges of racism and colonialism from the earth.
Indeed, Your Excellency’s visit has gone far to illuminate the vast area
of interest and concern which is held in common by the Ethiopian and Polish
nations. The avenues for cooperation among us are numerous and they promise to
lead our peoples to great achievement, and mutual benefits. Our advances will
be made in trust and friendship, Mr. Chairman, and there can be no doubt that
your visit has formed an important link in the ties that will bind us closely
as we go forward.
Dec. 2, 1965.
Selected Speeches of His Imperial Majesty Haile
Selassie - page 136 –
Keine Kommentare:
Kommentar veröffentlichen