"Peace is not just the absence of war, but the presence of justice."
This quote suggests that peace, beyond merely ending conflict or war, involves ensuring justice. It implies that a society where everyone's rights are respected, where there is fairness and equality, is truly peaceful. Simply stopping hostilities does not guarantee long-term peace unless the underlying issues of injustice are addressed and rectified. In essence, Juan Manuel Santos posits that enduring peace depends on justice, not just the absence of war.
"If we want peace, let us work for justice."
This quote by Juan Manuel Santos underscores the idea that lasting peace can only be achieved through a commitment to fairness and justice. In other words, creating an environment where all parties are treated equitably is essential for preventing conflict and building sustainable peace. When people feel their rights and needs are being addressed, they are less likely to resort to violence. This quote emphasizes the importance of pursuing justice as a means to achieve lasting peace.
"The road to peace was long and hard, but it was worth every step."
This quote by Juan Manuel Santos emphasizes the importance and value of pursuing peace, even when the journey is difficult. It suggests that the path to achieving peace may be challenging, filled with obstacles and setbacks, but the end goal - a peaceful resolution - makes every step worthwhile. The quote serves as a reminder that perseverance and resilience are key in overcoming adversity for the greater good of humanity and society.
"We must never forget that Colombia's reconciliation is only just beginning."
The quote by Juan Manuel Santos underscores the ongoing nature of peacebuilding in Colombia, emphasizing that the act of reconciliation is a continuous process rather than a one-time event. It suggests that despite the formal end of conflict, true healing, understanding, and unity among Colombians will require sustained effort and commitment over time. This quote highlights the complexities involved in post-conflict societies, where peace must be nurtured and maintained to ensure lasting reconciliation.
"Let us not forget the past, but let us also look forward to the future."
This quote by Juan Manuel Santos emphasizes the importance of learning from our past experiences while maintaining a focus on moving forward towards the future. It encourages us to remember historical events or lessons in order to avoid repeating mistakes, but also advises us not to be trapped by the past and instead, continue growing and progressing as individuals and societies. The message conveys the delicate balance between understanding our roots and striving for a better tomorrow.
Anybody who doesn't see the impact of climate change is really, I would say, myopic. They don't see the reality. It's so evident that we are destroying Mother Earth. This is not the problem of one country or a few countries: it is the problem of mankind. We need to work together to stop this. Otherwise, our future generations will simply disappear.
- Juan Manuel Santos
I have had extremely good relations with the United States and with both parties (Republicans and Democrats), and I hope to continue to have these good relations, which I, again repeating, do not consider to be mutually exclusive with having good relations with Venezuela or Ecuador or whichever country in South America.
- Juan Manuel Santos
During the Cold War, tensions between the West and the Soviet Union affected virtually all countries worldwide. As a result, throughout Latin America, guerrilla groups emerged, seeking to destabilize military dictatorships and attain democracy, freedom, and policy reform - goals that they believed could not be achieved peacefully.
- Juan Manuel Santos
Democracy is like three oxen pulling a plough. The oxen are the independent powers, but you have to walk in the same direction; otherwise, you cannot plough and that is what was happening in Colombia. One ox was walking in one direction, the other in another direction, so the democracy was not working.
- Juan Manuel Santos
I remember in 2000, when President Clinton came to Cartagena just before Plan Colombia started, the country was on the verge of becoming a failed state. Today, we are one of the most solid democracies, where institutions are working, where the scandals such as false positives have come to light because of those functioning institutions.
- Juan Manuel Santos
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