Film screening "Tangerines"

Ambassador Tsiskarashvili,
Ambassador Seilenthal,
Excellencies,
Ladies and gentlemen,

It is my privilege to represent the Director-General of the United Nations Office at Geneva, Mr. Michael Møller, who very much regrets that he cannot be here with you today. He has asked me to deliver a message in support of this event.

The message goes as follows:

It is my great pleasure to welcome you to the United Nations Office at Geneva for the screening of the remarkable, award winning film Tangerines. I would like to thank the Permanent Missions of Georgia and Estonia for making this event possible.

Set in the war torn region of Abkhazia, Georgia, this story portrays Estonian tangerine growers caught between conflicting parties. In the midst of violence and hatred, their unlikely mediation helps sworn enemies to achieve understanding and compassion, and to regain their sense of humanity. Although the events in the movie take us back to the early 1990s, its poignant plot carries the timeless message of the importance of an impartial mediator to set the stage for conflict resolution.

Called upon by its Charter to do so, the United Nations, throughout its existence, has played a leading role in conflict resolution in every region of the world, helping communities leave hatred and hostility behind.

This film shows the importance of International Geneva as a platform for peace, dialogue and reconciliation, and the UNOG Cultural Activities Programme is part of that effort by highlighting the artistic representations of our Member States, therefore giving us an opportunity to view ongoing challenges through a different lens.

It is my sincere hope that tonight’s audience will be as inspired by this touching anti-war parable of a human awakening amid turmoil and violence, as many spectators have already been around the world.

Thank you.”

That was the end of the Director-General’s message.

I join him in wishing you a very successful event. Thank you.