UN General Assembly
2006

conceives an essential clash between “us” and “them”. I believe that we are living through a turbulent and bloody struggle between, on the one hand, the forces of extremism, present in both the East and the West, and, on the other hand, secular tolerance, also fortunately manifested everywhere on Earth. Andorra is an old country whose borders have remained unchanged since 1278. Our history is one of survival. We were in existence when the Cathars fled the might of the first Crusade to seek refuge in our mountain pastures. We survived the French Revolution, the Spanish Civil War and the Second World War. History has taught us that power demands restraint. And our own experiences have taught us — and the past few weeks have reinforced this costly lesson — that displays of military might, intended to shock and awe, cannot, by themselves, bring about the desired result. Is it not paradoxical that at this moment, when the need for civilized discussion between people is greater than ever, this venerable institution is deemed