SOCIETY 354 /2010

cultural achievements, not to repeat the
mistakes of the past.
How would you see the current development
of Ecuador (economically and politically)?
We are witnessing what can be defined
as a change of times, where finally social
and education expenditures are a priority.
At the same time, inclusiveness, equity, justice,
and better wealth distribution mainly
among the poorest of the Country, is becoming
a reality.
How would you assess the future of Latin
America as a unity?
The current dynamic of regional and
sub regional integration, based on a pragmatic
political will, is strengthening the
existing mechanism and opening new spaces
for the construction of cooperation
and understanding in Latin-America. Certainly
a growing common development
and security agenda are key elements to
trigger the welfare of the continent.
***
H.E. JOSÉ SERRANO CADENA
Ambassador of Colombia
Free trade and growth
Seeking Welfare
„This is what anniversaries are
for. To see where we come from
and where we wish to go.“
CHARGÉ D’AFFAIRES FRANCISCO
JAVIER BERGUNO HURTADO
What is the importance of the Bicentenario
for the people of Colombia and for you
personally?
The Bicentenario is a very important
event for all Colombians and, in general, Latin
Americans, because of the celebration
of two centuries of republican life. All this
time we have been seeking the welfare of
our people, as an independent nation, and
we have one of the most stable democracies
in our region.
How would you see the current development
of Colombia? Is further economic
growth possible?
Thanks to the willingness of the Government
of President Uribe and after several
decades of violence, Colombians are
enjoying an era of security that has enabled
us to attract foreign investment. Colombia
is betting on free trade, we hope
that the entry into force of the treaties we
have signed with several countries, particularly
with the United States and the European
Union, enable the access of the Colombian
products to these markets. This
way, we will achieve a sustainable growth
supporting the living conditions of everyone,
especially the most vulnerable sectors
of our society.
What will be done about the problems with
Guerrilla and Crime?
President Uribe’s democratic security
policy has been successful to combat all
forms of crime, particularly to prevent terrorism
and dismantle the armed groups
that have been engaged in trafficking and
production of illicit drugs. This policy will
be maintained. We hope to strengthen cooperation
with other countries to finally defeat
organized crime and terrorism.
How would you assess the future of Latin
America as a unity?
Latin American integration is a priority
of Colombia’s foreign policy, so we strive to
achieve this goal. If the union of Europe
has come this far, and it has been a stunning
achievement despite the differences,
why not us having common interests?
***
CHARGÉ D’AFFAIRES FRANCISCO
JAVIER BERGUNO HURTADO
Embassy of Chile
A Common Destiny
„The world should not simply
be determined by economic
interests and accumulation.“
H.E. ALI DE JESUS UZCATEGUI
DUQUE
Moving in the Right Direction
What is the importance of the Bicentenario
for the people of Chile and for you personally?
The Bicentenary is an important milestone
in our history as an independent nation.
We will be celebrating 200 years,
which have seen both formidable achievements
and also very difficult times. We are
today a modern democracy with an open
economy and where we have tried to build
an inclusive society. The Bicentenary is an
excellent opportunity to reflect upon this;
reviewing not only our successes and our
weaknesses, but also understanding where
we could improve, and what sort of society
we wish to continue building. This is what
anniversaries are for. To see where we come
from and where we wish to go.
There is a very strong sense of belonging
to this nation. My Grandmother used to say
the Andes Mountains cast a spell on people
binding them to the land. This year we were
struck by one of the strongest earthquakes
ever recorded. The reconstruction process
in the wake of the devastation of the
earthquake has shown the capability and
willingness of Chileans to come together in
difficult times and overcome adverse circumstances.
How do people celebrate the Bicentenario?
There are many ways that the Bicentenary
is being celebrated, and this is through
public works, emblematic projects, scholarships,
public and private events such as
concerts and folkloric dances, and much
more. It is a grand event and its celebrations
are many, lasting throughout the year.
The effect has been to create a broader
sense of unity, as well as a moment to reflect.
It is not only being celebrated by Chileans
in Chile, but also abroad. In our past
two events here in Vienna, we celebrated together
with other Latin American countries,
and it was not only our nationals who
came, but many others who were not from
our countries, willing to celebrate with us.
How would you assess the future of Latin
America as a unity?
The 19th Century was characterized by
nation building and yet the concept of a
unified South America was present even
during the process of independence. Integration
processes take time and are of a
complex nature. Nevertheless there is no
doubt that there is a sense of common destiny.
Most of the continent has a common
language, similar values and culture. Today
intraregional commerce and movement of
people is stronger than ever before. At a political
level we have UNASUR which in few
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