UN General Assembly
1972

229. At first sight, in looking back at the great events that have marked international life since the beginning of this year, some of us might be inclined to find some sources of satisfaction. Many clouds fraught with threats and conflicts have in fact been dispelled and dialogs that yesterday were impossible have been started. Man in 1972 has witnessed events which the most optimistic of prophets would have hesitated to forecast only a few years ago. And, even if these encounters and these conversations are still only harbingers and do not yet represent any real change, they at least reflect the sincere desire of mankind to go beyond immobility and misunderstanding, in order to progress towards the recognition of others and the right of others to live. We are perhaps only at the stage of a comedy of peace which is being played by the leaders of this world. But if they are doing this, it is because they feel compelled to do this by the pressure of their peoples. But, for that matter, if they are content only to play at the drama, they will create in their peoples a desire to come upon the stage and become no longer actors in an imaginary history, but actors, once and for all, in a real drama according to the dictates of their heart.