Positive Improvements on the Planet

 
 
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Major Changes around
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Historic Peace Development in Northern Ireland

By the Dublin News Group (Originally in English)

On July 28, 2005, a momentous and historic peace development occurred in Northern Ireland when the Irish Republican Army (IRA) formally declared an end to its three-decade long armed conflict with the British in Northern Ireland and pledged to pursue the goal of a united Ireland through "exclusively peaceful means." British and Irish leaders said they hoped the statement, brokered in negotiations between the IRA's political representatives and officials in London and Dublin, would revive the province's peace process and bring a final end to over 30 years of sectarian violence known as "The Troubles" that has killed more than 3,600 Catholics and Protestants since 1969.

Since the peace declaration was made, the ancient animosities between the North and South of Ireland are becoming a thing of the past. Neighbors who once might have been enemies because of being split on both sides of the political divide are now finding that they can be friends. Catholics and Protestants alike have taken down flags and other symbols of religious affiliation so as not to offend their neighbors. Also, on April 24, 2006, political leaders from the D.U.P. (Democratic Unionist Party) in Northern Ireland for the first time in history took part in an inter-governmental discussion in Dublin to bring forth a peaceful solution to the struggles of the North.

These are all definite signs of the ice melting. Everyone in both the North and South wants reconciliation and longs for peace more than ever before.

 

 
 
Spain
 
 

ETA Declares a Permanent Ceasefire

By Pablo Monedero, Madrid, Spain
(Originally in Spanish)

 

In 1936, a civil war in Spain resulted in a dictatorship (Franco, 1939-1975). Shortly after, a separatist group organized in northern Spain, calling itself ETA (Euskadi ta Askatasuna – meaning ‘Basque Fatherland and Liberty’). Since then the group has been continuously executing attacks all over the country up until the present time.

However, in early 2004, ETA indicated that it was considering a ceasefire, and on March 23, 2006, the group announced its intent to stop all violence. This recent declaration in Spain, aside from being good news by itself, has also helped the government as a whole since the leaders working on this issue now receive the support and alliance of other political parties and leaders, despite their differing political views.

As Supreme Master Ching Hai said during Her lecture in Madrid, Spain, on May 5, 1999: "Only enlightenment can destroy ignorance. Only God's love can nullify hatred. Only real brotherhood can dissolve the different conflicts and opinions among our brothers and sisters…. You help me. You bring God's love into this planet. You help me to pray together in silence to know God, to bring Hiers love and heavenly Kingdom to this planet." We are very happy to see the real brotherhood is eventuating with the grace of God.

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