Opening Plenary - Part 2

The Moderator, Mr. Jacques Marion, said that “The harmony of religion is the core of peace whether here in the Balkans or the whole world.” He then called on stage two faith leaders for an invocation, Hajji Dede Edmond Brahimaj, World Leader of the World Bektashi Order, also co-chair of the Summit, and Dr. Marijan Orsolic, Interfaith Department of the Catholic Diocese of St Polten, Austria.  Baba Mondi Brahimaj prayed God to give all strength to “go beyond division and create bridges of brotherhood eternally”. Dr. Orsolic read St. Francis’ prayer starting with “Lord, make me an instrument of your peace”.

Dr Thomas Walsh, Chairman of the Universal Peace Federation, highlighted the wisdom of Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon’s guidance of UPF and the World Summit Series. He explained that the structure of UPF will be revolutionary after the inauguration of three further organizations next February in Korea and that the Southeast Europe Peace Summit, like other UPF conferences, brings a vision to deal with challenges and development. He mentioned that Dr. Moon, who, with a loving heart, is bringing values and vision to foster progress, had been to Albania before, during the world tour in 2005 following UPF’s inauguration, and that in the coming months, she will be participating in other Summits in Niger, Cambodia, South Africa, Tanzania, Palau and the Dominican Republic. Forming a revolutionary structure of UPF was her inspiration with 6 organizations under the UPF umbrella, all of which are featured in the impressive program of this Summit. He concluded by saying “that the work of UPF has prospered throughout the world… At its core, UPF and the Summit series are guided and driven by a spiritual vision”, that of Dr. Moon.

Representing H.E. Edi Rama, Prime Minister of Albania, Elisa Spiropali, Minister of State for Relations with the Parliament, presented his speech expressing his admiration for Dr. Hak Ja Moon, as a leader of peace, and welcomed her to Albania.  She admired the way Dr. Moon is keeping the lantern of peace in the world years after her husband’s passing and that it is a pleasure and honor to welcome her to Albania, where racism and intolerance cannot find a place, a unique model that could be exported to other nations in the world. As an example of that, she said that the number of Jews increased during World War II in Albania because the people refused to surrender them to the Nazis. She added that UPF is doing well by bringing together leaders of the world in different forums, as an answer to the eternal quest to build a better world. She also mentioned that, in February 2019, Prime Minister Rama had attended the UPF World Summit in Korea, where so many important issues had been considered and that they are proud to hold the UPF’s Southeast Europe Peace Summit in Tirana, as a good omen for the future. She emphasized giving more than taking, being more patient, upholding the human rights, and hoped that some of the values of this summit would be materialized. She concluded by saying that Albania was considered the North Korea of Europe but is now cooperating with the neighbors in the Balkans and is on the verge of joining the European Union, after years and years of efforts.

H.E. Stevo Pendarovski, President of North Macedonia, said that Southeast Europe is feeling disappointed as the accession to the EU, and thus solving visa issues, was just postponed. He mentioned that countries in the region had been held back by corrupt elites and oligarchic business groups, preventing development and causing conflicts between nations and that some of the elites with democratic legitimacy are faced with the temptations of populism. He feels a huge responsibility to resist this negative climate and advance the democratic process, in which European values are prevalent. He emphasized the importance of investing in youth, who have expectations and dreams. They tend to move to European nations to fulfill those dreams and need assistance to fulfill them here. He also indicated his desire to support the process of integration with the EU values, even if it takes a long time, knowing that peace starts at home, which is one of UPF’s core values.

H.E. Hashim Thaçi, President of Kosovo, attended a Summit in Korea some years ago and was very impressed. He reminded the participants that over 20 years had passed since the war in the Balkan ended with the support of NATO. The Thessaloniki Agreement in 2003 then started a process of reforms to adjust to European values, which opened a new stage for the nations of the Western Balkans. However, he deplored that 20 years later the Western Balkan nations were still not part of the EU and were waiting to have an all-including agreement with Serbia.

H.E. Alfred Moisiu, President of Albania from 2002 to 2007, and co-chair of the organizing committee of the summit, welcomed everyone to Albania and thanked Dr. Moon for her support for this Summit aiming at Peace, Security and Human Development in Southeast Europe, a very essential topic. He emphasized the importance for Albanians to establish good neighborly relations with other nations of Southeast Europe and appreciated the Podgorica club for having become a partner that added value to this Summit. He reminded all that Ambassadors for Peace have assigned themselves to overcome old grudges and build a better and more peaceful future, and that some issues have already been overcome, like the North Macedonia and Greece agreement, thanks to North Macedonia’s sacrifice. He mentioned that relations between Kosovo and Serbia are still unresolved and that leaders need to go beyond old views and find new solutions. Also in Bosnia, the situation may become aggravated if things don’t change. He acknowledged that the issues that each country is facing require the involvement of international structures in order to be solved and that the purpose of the Southeast Europe Summit is to find solutions, like for example, the 2000 youth who are part of the Summit and conduct joint projects, working together for the sake of the future of the region. He also hinted at the strong family culture of the Balkans to build upon. 

President Moisiu concluded by warmly introducing Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon. He explained that she and her late husband, Dr. Sun Myung Moon, were born in North Korea and experienced refugee life during the Korean war and, as a result of the suffering they experienced, have been dedicating themselves to peace. They have 14 children and more than 40 grandchildren and they have been promoting peaceful loving families as a means to establish a peaceful world. He testified that while he was in office, he had welcomed them to Albania in October 2005 during their world tour for the inauguration of UPF. He admired Mrs. Moon for having continued the work even after her husband’s passing.

Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon, Founder of the Universal Peace Federation, mentioned that she was born on the Korean Peninsula and was now on the Balkan Peninsula. She said that peninsulas are blessed by heaven with virtuous men and women, who have suffered for being good. She emphasized the special blessing given by God to human beings, the portion of responsibility and that Heaven’s providence advances centered on virtuous people like her, the only begotten daughter of God, who has been dedicating her life to do Heaven’s Will. She mentioned the countless challenges facing the world and that many nations want to become part of the EU. She reminded all that the UN was formed 70 years ago, but hasn’t been able to bring peace because predominant national interests are promoted above the whole purpose. She pointed at the importance of including God in order to find lasting solutions. She recalled that the first human ancestors failed and that fruitful ancestors, who include God in their lives, are needed in order for peace to be established. She regretted that Jesus, sent after 4000 biblical years as a fruitful ancestor, was crucified, that Christianity faced tremendous challenges to implement the values he taught and that Communism developed amid the Christian cultural sphere.

In order for human beings to attend God in our daily lives, she said that He raised religions in all areas of the world and that His providence advanced through the birth of the only begotten daughter, a fact that Christianity needs to recognize, and she became True Parent in 1960. She deplored that due to Christianity’s misunderstanding of their mission, they couldn’t become the foundation to build a world of peace, and advised all to research Heaven’s Truth. She expressed her desire to guide all 7.6 billion people to God and to the Marriage Blessing, an important step to raise humanity to become God’s beloved children. She recognized the wish of the Balkans in regard to the European Union and reassured Albania for being considered to be last, because it is written in the Bible that the last shall be first. Finally, she encouraged the country to become a model that the EU could follow instead of being disappointed about their rejection, and declared the country as ‘Heavenly Albania’, which can take the lead in Europe in becoming ‘One Family Under God’. 

At the conclusion of the plenary, ISCP founding medals were offered to 8 former heads of state or government:

• Former President Stjepan Mesic of Croatia
• Former Prime Minister Hasan Muratovic of Bosnia & Herzegovina
• Former President Fatmir Sejdju of Kosovo 
• Former Prime Minister Mirko Cvetkovic of Serbia
• Former President Zivko Budimir from the Federation of Bosnia & Herzegovina
• Former Acting President Jakup Krasniqi of Kosovo
• Former Prime Minister Vilson Ahmeti of Albania
• Former Prime Minister Bajram Kosumi of Kosovo

This was followed by the lighting of the Holy Flame of Peace. The torch of peace has now been lit on to the continent of Europe, in Albania.’  

The International Summit Council for Peace Declaration was signed at the subsequent ISCP luncheon.