Statement of Archbishop Bernardito Auza, Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the UN, during the Security Council Open Debate dedicated to the Mediation and Settlement of Disputes.

New York - Archbishop Auza praised the role of patient dialogue and negotiation as a tool for the settlement of disputes and called for such mediation to be fair and impartial. He noted the role of the Holy See in helping to settle the 1978 dispute between Argentina and Chile, which has contributed to long-term peace between the countries. He also emphasized the importance of leaders and negotiators working alongside the local communities most impacted by disputes to reach solutions that lead to lasting peace. "Conflicts leave very deep wounds," he said, "and an inclusive, participatory process of mediation and resolution of disputes is essential to the process of healing and reconciliation that continue long after the ink is dry."

Archbishop Bernardito Auza's remarks can be found here.