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.