UN General Assembly
1991

I hope that my Dominican brothers and sisters will always walk side by side with us in dialogue so that together we may protect the rights of all Dominicans and Haitians. I say to my Dominican brothers, whom I love so much: let us go forward together to build a world of peace. The seventh democratic milestone or commandment is: No to violence, yes to "lavalas". Is an unarmed political revolution possible in 19917 Yes. Incredible, but true. This is "lavalas" teachings the tactical and strategic convergence of democratic forces brandishes the weapon of unity to combat that of violence. A stunning victory, a historic surprise! In the schools of the poor, the teaching of active non-violence and of unity is triumphing over institutionalized violence. 1804 was the date of our first independence, but 1991 marks the beginning of the era of our second independence.