Major Changes around the World

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.

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.

For approximately the last 20 years, Sri Lanka has been caught in a civil war between two factions, the Sinhalese and the Tamilese. An estimated 64,000 people have died on both sides, and 700,000 civilians have been displaced. From the end of 1999 to early 2000, the Tamil Tigers launched a severe attack and ignited suicide bombs in the capital city of Colombo. As a result, panic and anxiety prevailed throughout the whole country, with fully armed soldiers patrolling and inspecting passers-by everywhere.

At the moment of curfew and crisis, Master arrived in Colombo in 2000 and delivered an open lecture. Sincere Truth seekers came to greet Master despite the threat to their own security. Since then, the conflict has greatly subsided and the international community has shown much more attention and concern for the well being of this island. For example, in 2002 Norway acted as an intermediary and helped the two sides arrive at a ceasefire agreement, which enabled the start of negotiations. In February 2006, both sides met in Geneva to proceed with the first round of peace talks.

Although some extremists were reluctant for the peace talks to go ahead and tried to create further conflict, both sides are still determined to go for peace. They expect the next round of peace talks to progress with fewer obstacles as the whole situation becomes more stable and secure.

Positive Improvements on the Planet

Major Changes around
the World

Historic Peace Development in Northern Ireland

By the Dublin News Group (Originally in English)

ETA Declares a Permanent Ceasefire

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

Heading for Peace

By Formosan News Group