QUOTES
The
concept of a regional identity arising from a vision of regional integration could
create a less threatening, consociational process where all the actors in the
region could be engaged in building a more equitable and peaceful social contract
that could lead to mutually enriching relation ships. Regional identity would
not be an end in itself, but a step in a transition to more inclusive identities.
It would challenge groups to recognize aspects of themselves that could they could
share beyond the ethnic group and the state.
The
major problem with the notion of ethnicity or nationality as a form of identity
is that it is a very exclusive concept. It is preoccupied with the identification
of how one is different from others. Without denying that aspect of identity which
is exclusive, an equal amount of energy must be put into exploring and articulating
more inclusive conceptions of identity as well.
Reconciliation
is a process of restoring relationships between parties that have been deeply
alienated from each other due to hurtful and destructive conflicts. Restoring
such relationships involves multidimensional, complex, and far-reaching processes
that aim at dealing not only with the past but also future relationships between
the protagonists. Civil-society actors have a special role to play as catalysts
and facilitators of societal reconciliation work.
if one is allowed to work with the parties step by step and layer by layer, it
is possible to get them to meet at a deep level when they recognize the humanity
of each other and recognize that their commonalities are much greater than their
differences. And based on that they can have the vision, fortitude and mutual
tolerance to work towards peace and reconciliation.
Mediation
and reconciliation work is about a profound quest for justice and social transformation.
But at the same time, they are about service, solidarity, about exploring and
rediscovering the human spirit that has been lost or shattered through human conflict,
cruelty, ignorance and greed…
It
is when we come to recognize that we are as fallible and vulnerable as the protagonists
but have had the good fortune of not being caught up in such difficult circumstances
that we are able to place ourselves in the shoes of the adversaries and begin
to understand their fears, needs and confusions. By so doing we become a bridge
of understanding between the enemies.
What
my experience has taught me is that regardless of how complicated the problems
might appear, it is possible to work through them and find solutions that are
mutually satisfactory to every stakeholder in the problem… most of our problems
on this earth are created by us and therefore we have the capacity and the obligation
to unmake them.
