UN General Assembly
2013

and future rights to the sea. I want members to be aware that this request cannot and should not be interpreted as an act of hostility. On the contrary, it is a demonstration of Bolivia’s respect and confidence in the mechanisms for the peaceful settlement of international disputes. Members cannot imagine how much damage we have suffered, economically and geographically, or the damage that has been done to the people of Bolivia and to our past and future generations, by the 1879 invasion. Our grandparents continue to ask us when we are going to go back to the sea, because Bolivia was born with an outlet to the Pacific Ocean. So that everyone is aware: we are seeking a peaceful solution to this dispute. We have heard the various statements made over the past few days. One cannot listen to every single one of them, but I want to say that, while we are working to eliminate extreme poverty, we, the Heads of State and Government, are also working for peace with social justice. Nevertheless, a handful of Powers promote