Shabait.com (Asmara)
4 September 2007
document
Asmara — Foreign Minister Osman Saleh said that Eritrea maintains the conviction that mutual respect in the domains of culture, identity and sovereignty hold the key in ensuring peace and stability at the regional and international level. He made the remarks in a speech he delivered at the Non-Aligned Movement's Ministerial Conference on Human Rights and Cultural Diversity that was held in Tehran, Iran from 3-4 September 2007.
Mr. Saleh underlined that as a people who were forced to pay heavy sacrifices to achieve independence, the Eritrean people attach great significance to the respect of human rights and the preservation of cultural diversity.
Full text of the Minister's speech follows:
Your Excellency Mr. Manuchehr Mottaki, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran,
Your Excellency Mr. Felipe Perez Roque, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Cuba and Presidency of NAM
Your Excellencies, Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Heads of Delegations of
NAM member states,
Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Let me start by thanking the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran for the warm reception and generosity bestowed upon us since our arrival in this beautiful country.
Excellency,
This meeting provides a timely opportunity to strengthen NAM's work in the area of human rights and culture diversity as well as to forge a common understanding on these issues among members of the Movement. The establishment of the NAM Center on Human Rights and Cultural Diversity in Tehran could also create a much-needed momentum in promoting our Movement's role in these areas.
All people and nations have the right to have their own cultural and to preserve their own identity. The determination to lead a life free from colonialism and foreign domination emanates not only from the heartfelt affection to one's land but also from the attachment to a citizen's special identity, values and origin. In this regard, Article 1 common to both human rights Covenants provides that: "All people have the right to self-determination. By virtue of their right they freely determine their political status and freely pursue their economic, social and cultural development." As a people who were forced to pay heavy sacrifices to attain their independence, the people of Eritrea attach great significance to the respect of human rights and the preservation of cultural diversity.
Excellencies,
The cultural diversity that has enabled the creation of various organizations over the millennia and which has been recognized as a common heritage of mankind is now facing a major threat to its survival. The vibrant tapestry of diverse cultures is threatened by an imposed and supposedly universal culture. In essence, however, this 'universal' cultural does not take into consideration the rich diversity of the various cultures of the great majority of the world population.
Excellencies,
The Government of Eritrea recognizes the universality of the inalienable nature of human rights. Based on its strong commitment to the respect of human rights, the Government has been doing and continues to do its utmost to promote social justice in the country and to create a country where its citizens live without fear or want.
Nevertheless, it is our belief that universality of human rights should not be at the cost of cultural hegemony of a small group of state over the rest. Instead, universality should accommodate and tolerate the cultural particularities of every people.
The State of Eritrea believes that mutual respect for the culture, identity, and sovereignty among states constitute a crucial element for the maintenance of regional and international peace and security.
Excellencies,
Let me conclude by reaffirming Eritrea's continued commitment to the importance of the preservation of cultural diversity and the attainment of the common aspirations to the full enjoyment of all human rights by all peoples and nations on the basis of respect for the UN Charter and internationally agreed instruments.
Thank you.
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