SPEECH by The Implementation Committee of the Project « RECONCILIATION AND DEVELOPMENT »

 Cotonou – 1st  - 5th  Décember 1999

 (Presented by Minister Luc GNACADJA)

Thursday, December 2^nd, 1999

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Excellencies the Heads of State and Government,

Mr Speaker of the National Assembly,

Madam President of the Constitutional Court,

Mr President of the Supreme Court,

The Chairman of the Economic and Social Council,

The Chairman of the supreme Council on Commmunication matters,

Honourable Ministers,

Excellencies, members of the Diplomatic Corps and Representatives of International Organisations,

Honourable Senators,

Honourable members of the House of Representatives,

Royal Highnesses of the Kingdoms in Benin,

Distinguished Representative of Europe,

Dear and Honourable guests,

It is with  great emotion that I take the floor, at such a grand and solemn event, to welcome our dear African-American brothers and sisters, and our distinguished guests from three continents : Europe, Africa and America.

You are once again welcomed to the Republic of Benin, an african land noted for her historical past and hospitality. 

I extend my heart felt gratitude to each and every one of you.. Thank you for being here, thank you for honoring our invitation and for this show of trust and confidence.

Indeed, by honouring the invitation of the President of the Republic of Benin, you made a statement of faith.

In so doing , this momentous event, a manifestation of the moving power behind man, God’s most marvelous creature, is afforded an opportunity to be part of History. 

Could any one say it ? or could any one believe ! Yet the daunting  project conceived by President Mathieu KEREKOU, has taken shape and has crystalized into reality at the tail end of the same millenium which has witnessed the beginning and expansion of the Atlantic Slave Trade Traffic, the wounds of which we all feel compelled to heal through the love and grace of God ! 

If we are here today, it is certainly because the need to communicate with and to talk to each other is actually very strong,even too strong to be ignored.

For many years, people of good will have worked from both sides of the Atlantic Ocean for the advent of this day, for the actual holding of the Leaders Conference on Reconciliation and Development.

It is the opportuned time and place to express gratitude to them for their relentless effort , commitment, selflessness and perseverance the selfless commitment shown by them, the Project would not be at this stage of implementation today. Some of them are members of the Project Implementation Committee ; also, very many  men and women have joined them, working with equal zeal in order to achieve the common goal. While thanking those who have been quick to take up this fresh commitment, urge cach and every member of the Committee to stand fast and work toward the set goal.

Moreover, I note with happiness the sincere  and efficient collaboration which has prevailed between the National and International Committees whose members I now wish to thank very sincerely.

But why not give unto Caesar that which is Caesar’s, and unto God that which is God’s ?

It would be unbecoming if I failed to emphasize the major and determining role played by President KEREKOU in facilitating the gestation and development of the idea of « RECONCILIATION » between all those who partook in the three - continent trade.

Mr. President, allow me to tell your Excellency that, by taking the decision of developping the idea of « RECONCILIATION », you have achieved  an act whose historical scope is commensurate with the event.

This is an undertaking that is a pleasure to God. In fact, what is more noble and more exalting than seeking to bring peace where there is war, concord where there is dissension and love where there is hatred !

Mr President such is the task that you have laid your hands on; working at it patiently and relentlessly. On behalf of the National Committee may I respectfully express our sincere and heartfelt gratitude to you.

Ladies and Gentlemen, once again, I would like to thank you for attending this important historical meeting and I pray   the Almighty to bless our common endeavour, so that an ocean of love, submerge the streams of hatred which has kept us apart till to day and pave the way to a promising world in future.

Thank you.

Luc GNACADJA

Copyright © 1999 CASA Concept. Tous droits réservés.
Révision : 07 février 2006 .