音频下载[点击右键另存为][00:01.21]Passage 13. Peace and Development: the Themes of Our Times

[00:09.31]Peace and development are the themes of the times.

[00:13.35]People across the world should join hands in advancing the lofty cause of peace and development of mankind.

[00:22.06]A peaceful environment is indispensable for national,

[00:26.22]regional and even global development.

[00:29.50]Without peace or political stability there would be no economic progress to speak of.

[00:35.96]This has been fully proved by both the past and the present.

[00:41.09]In today’s world, the international situation is, on the whole, moving towards relaxation.

[00:48.54]However, conflicts and even local wars triggered by various factors have kept cropping up,

[00:55.65]and tension still remains in some areas.

[00:59.37]All this has impeded the economic development of the countries and regions concerned,

[01:05.06]and has also adversely affected the world economy.

[01:08.89]All responsible statesmen and governments must abide by the purposes of the UN Charter

[01:16.01]and the universally acknowledged norms governing international relations,

[01:20.72]and work for a universal, lasting and comprehensive peace.

[01:25.64]Nobody should be allowed to cause tension or armed conflicts against the interests of the people.

[01:32.64]There are still in this world a few interest groups,

[01:36.81]which always want to seek gains by creating tension here and there.

[01:41.95]This is against the will of the majority of the people and against the trend of the times.

[01:48.40]An enormous market demand can be created and economic prosperity promoted

[01:54.63]only when continued efforts are made to advance the cause of peace and development,

[02:00.77]to ensure that people around the world live and work in peace and contentment

[02:07.00]and focus on economic development and on scientific and technological innovation.

[02:13.67]I hope that all of us here today will join hands with all other peace-loving people

[02:20.57]and work for lasting world peace and the common development and prosperity

[02:26.48]of all nations and regions.