Secretary-General, in message to mark el salvador peace accords,

calls them point of reference for United Nations

 

Following is the text of United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s video message on the fifteenth anniversary of the El Salvador Peace Accords, today, 16 January:

It is an honour for me, as the new Secretary-General of the United Nations, to send this greeting on the happy occasion of the fifteenth anniversary of El Salvador’s historic peace accords.  I convey my warm wishes to the people of El Salvador and to the parties -- the Government and the Farabundo Martí Liberation Front.

El Salvador and the United Nations share a long history.  We can both be proud of having worked together to end a bitter conflict, and to forge a new beginning for El Salvador.

The groundbreaking accords signed in Mexico City in January 1992 not only set El Salvador on a new course.  They also provided precedents and experiences that continue to inspire others who are striving to rebuild their societies following conflict.  And they continue to be a point of reference for the United Nations, as we assist others on their path to peace.  It is highly fitting that your country has joined the new UN Peacebuilding Commission, so that you may share your rich experience with others.

Today, El Salvador continues to face challenges in areas such as public security, social equity and environmental protection.  The Millennium Development Goals provide a working agenda to help El Salvador fulfil the promise of the peace accords.  I congratulate all of you on what you have accomplished so far, and promise you that the UN will keep working by your side in the years ahead.

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For information media • not an official record