Secretary-General, Marking Twenty-Fourth Anniversary of El Salvador Peace Accords, Urges Harnessing Courage, National Passion for Peace

Following is the text of UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s video message for the twenty-fourth anniversary of El Salvador’s peace accords, on 16 January:

Excelentísimo Señor Salvador Sánchez Cerén, Presidente de la República de El Salvador, distinguidos invitados, damas y caballeros,

Es un honor estar con Ustedes.  Los felicito en esta celebración.

I was privileged to be with you last year to celebrate in person.  I will never forget the great energy and hope.

Twenty-four years ago, the people of El Salvador showed the power of peace.  You showed the world how an inclusive process could bring a country out of war despite deep differences and a tragic legacy of conflict.

Today, Salvadorians continue to face challenges.  Violence.  Crime.  Social inequality.  Yet I know your great courage and passion for peace is very much alive.  Let us harness that spirit so that El Salvador’s future generations will benefit from the gift of peace that you and all the world celebrate today.

Muchas gracias.