CALD Resolution No. 4 S. 2009

CALD Resolution No. 4 S. 2009

CALD resolution expressing its deep sadness for the untimely demise of former South Korean President, Nobel Laureate, and CALD co-founder, Kim Dae-jung

“I believe that democracy is the absolute value that makes for human dignity, as well as the only road to sustained economic development and social justice. Without democracy the market economy cannot blossom, and without market economies, economic competitiveness and growth cannot be achieved. A national economy lacking a democratic foundation is a castle built on sand.”

– Kim Dae-jung in his 2000 lecture as Nobel Peace Laureate

Saddened by the untimely demise of a Pillar of Democracy in Asia, President Kim Dae- jung, last August 18, 2009 in Seoul;

Noting that Kim Dae-jung, the eighth President of the Republic of Korea, made history by democratically winning the first peaceful transition of power after decades of authoritarian rule;

Remembering that he endured being kidnapped, imprisoned, and tortured, and that he had survived several assassination attempts to achieve true democracy in Korea, struggles which have not been forgotten just as the sacrifices of democracy fighters such as Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, Sam Rainsy, Chee Soon Juan, etc. who continue to work tirelessly for real democratic freedom in their countries;

Remembering that, while he became president at the height of the Asian economic crisis, President Kim Dae-jung had devoted himself to economic reforms based on democratic principles to move his country back to recovery and achieve a freer and more competitive economy;

Citing that President Kim Dae-jung, the Nobel Peace Prize Awardee in 2000, remained steadfast in his “Sunshine Policy,” a policy of engagement rooted in his belief in peaceful change that provided the crucial first steps towards a unified Korean peninsula, establishing a new beginning for all Koreans and the rest of the world;

Citing that President Kim Dae-jung keynoted the first ever meeting between Asian and European liberals in Seoul last 2002 during the CALD-ELDR Meeting;

Aware that President Kim Dae-jung is one of the co-founders of CALD and that on the occasion of CALD’s 10th Anniversary, he said: “The Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats has greatly contributed to pursuing democracy as a common value of Asia beyond the differences in language, religion, and culture. As a result, CALD has developed as one of the epicenters in promoting democracy in Asia.”

Acknowledging that CALD is proud of having him as a founding father, as his life reflects the very embodiment of CALD’s mandate to promote and safeguard justice, human rights, freedom, and democracy;

Believing that the legacy of President Kim Dae-jung must live on and that his initiatives in establishing a more peaceful, open, and globalized society must continue to keep the ideals of democracy alive;

Be it therefore resolved that the Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats express its deep sadness for the untimely demise of former South Korean President, Nobel Laureate, and CALD co-founder, Kim Dae-jung

For the Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats:

Dr. Chee Soon Juan

Singapore Democratic Party CALD Chairman

Dr. J.R. Nereus O. Acosta

Liberal Party of the Philippines CALD Secretary General

Categorised in: Resolutions

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