Holy See says peace is precondition for development

02,Oct.2013: Peace is a precondition for the integral human development, and peace and development goals can be achieved only if every state "fully assumes its responsibility for the common good." Vatican Secretary for Relations with States, Archbishop Dominique Mamberti made the remark on Tuesday at the 68th General Assembly Session of the United Nations in New York, which focussed on the tragedy of Syria. He lamented that a little over a year and half before the deadline of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) in 2015, the world was behind in achieving them universally. The difficulties to achieve the 8th goal of global partnership for development, is the reason behind other 7 goals faltering, he said.
Archbishop Mamberti stressed on the key issue of peace saying without it development cannot be achieved. Saying that limiting the use of force to resolve conflicts, the Vatican official noted that UN mechanisms have failed in preventing serious strife such as in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Central Africa and the Middle East.
Drawing attention to the Syrian situation, the prelate expressed the Holy See’s deep concern for Christians and minority communities of the country, saying they must not be forced into exile, as they have a role to play in the future political configuration of the country and make their contribution to the common good. Archbishop Mamberti recalled the appeal of Pope Francis to the recent G20 meeting in Russia about the responsibility of the international community to resolve the Syrian conflict through dialogue.