19 June 2012 -The commemoration of the 114th anniversary of the declaration of Philippine Independence attended by the diplomatic corps of the United Nations (UN) highlighted the Philippines' "long-standing contributions" to peaceful settlement of disputes and underscored the country's "commitment to advance the peaceful settlement of disputes in the United Nations."
Attended by an estimated 300 guests, the reception, hosted by Philippine Permanent Representative to the United Nations Libran N. Cabactulan, featured a specially-produced visual presentation that traced the history of Philippine contributions to international peace, stability and security and stressed on-going accomplishments, particularly in the areas of peacekeeping, peacemaking, disarmament, and the 1982 Manila Declaration on the Peaceful Settlement of International Disputes, whose 30th anniversary of its adoption by the United Nations General Assembly will be commemorated on November 15 this year.
"The entire international community has a direct stake in the peaceful settlement of disputes. That obligation by all Member States of the United Nations is expressed clearly in the UN Charter and must continuously be reaffirmed by everyone," said Ambassador Cabactulan in a press statement.
"As the Philippines celebrates its freedom as a sovereign nation and a responsible member of the international community, we must also remind ourselves and our partners around the world that all Member States likewise have the responsibility to abide by our commitments under international law, particularly in the peaceful settlement of disputes," added Ambassador Cabactulan.
"The commemoration of Philippine independence, therefore, is an appropriate opportunity to highlight our contributions as a responsible member of the international community in the peaceful settlement of international disputes, foremost of which is the Manila Declaration on the Peaceful Settlement of International Disputes whose 30th anniversary of its adoption will be observed in November this year," Ambassador Cabactulan remarked.
"We will continue to do everything that we can to ensure that global peace, security and stability is maintained as these are the foundations of a progressive and prosperous world," said Ambassador Cabactulan. END