Rev Dr Sun Myung Moon's 14th Ascension Anniversary

USPA NEWS - Wars and conflicts are as old as the history of mankind. Power rivalries, territorial disputes, poverty and inequality compounded by nationalism, racism, religious extremism and disrespect to international laws have been the main causes for conflicts and highly destructive global wars."

Said Senator Lt General Abdul Qayyum while speaking at UPF
Office London. The ceremony was hosted by UPF Secretary General UK Mr Robin Marsh to pay homage to their co-founder Sun Myung Moon at his fourteenth death anniversary.

Senator Abdul Qayyum added that we need to believe in geopolitical realism, global power equilibrium and pragmatic diplomacy, and refrain from global interventions as was highlighted in former US President Nixon's doctrine of 1969. International law and not the super power might should provide security guarantees to smaller states.

It is a fact that kinetic power also has limitations as was proved by NATO's embarrassment in Afghanistan and US unsuccessful regime change operations in Iran. It is important to note that nations can bear economic pains to protect their autonomy.

Senator Lt General Abdul Qayyum paid rich tribute to Father Moon for his untiring endeavours for global peace and interfaith harmony. Father Moon who was born in 1920 started his Unification Movement in 1954. He worked for international harmony and unification of Churches. He visited Soviet Union in 1989 and also met North Korean President Kim Il Sung to convince him for integration of North and South Korea.

General Qayyum went on to say that we salute Father Moon's vision and selfless efforts for achieving international peace but feel that the best way to pay homage to late Father Moon was to practically implement his vision for which he founded UPF in
2005.

Senator Abdul Qayyum praised the role of United Nation In peacekeeping and conflict resolution in addition to their contribution in the fields of health, education, climate change and handling of refugee issues. However, Qayyum added that this institution could not succeed without full support and cooperation of its members who needed to abide by its Charter and implement its resolutions. This highly important global institution surely needs restructuring because the veto powers with few influential members and limited representation of various continents and the Muslim bloc in the Security Council do not allow it to function impartially as per democratic norms.

There are arms races, undeclared nuclear bombs, political oppressions and worst human right abuses in many parts of the World including Palestine and Kashmir. The vison of Father Moon and many other great Leaders like Nelson Mandella, Martin Luther King Jr, and Mother Teresa can only see the light of day if we learn to resolve our issues through mediation, negotiation and abiding by International Laws. We need to promote fair trade through International water ways, allow access to energy and mineral resources, create a spirit of tolerance and ensure effective checks for arms control.