2010 HAS KICKED OFF UNDER THE SIGN OF HOPE AND RENEWAL
In their New Year messages world leaders call for optimism and Hope.[01-01-2010]
2010 has just kicked off and we all witnessed on TV festive mood and joy on most people's faces around the world. The joy, we believe, of them being alive and happy to see a new year starting up with hope that things might be different than in 2009.
Fireworks in major European capital cities and festivities in New York, USA have transcended the fear of terrorism as security measures were strengthened to prevent any terrorist attack. The botched terrorist attack on the Delta flight 253 from Amsterdam on Christmas day was a reminder that the war against terror is still an ongoing one.
Ousainu Darboe, Secretary General and Party Leader of the United Democratic Party (UDP) of Gambia; in what could be seen as an attempt to reconcile Muslims and Christians reminded both faiths that “a few days ago, we celebrated together the auspicious feasts of Christmas and Tamharet. This is a pleasant coincidence with Christians and Muslims all over the world celebrating two of the most important events in their religious calendars. The Christian feast of Christmas commemorates and celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ whose prophet-hood and status, as one of the messengers of God, is recognized and accepted by every true Muslim”.
Prime Minister Gordon Brown of Britain, in a statement Wednesday, suggested that terrorism book-ended the decade, with the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks in the United States, and foiled plot by a Nigerian man to set off explosives on a U.S.-bound airliner on Christmas Eve.
The UDP leader concluded that the Muslim feast of Tamharet or Yumal Asura is the beginning of the new Muslim year. Both events hold promises of redemption and deliverance for mankind. The two feasts being celebrated in the month of December this year conjure peace and joy, good neighborliness and harmony. In this month of December, Christians and Muslims the world over rededicate themselves to peace and renew their hopes for a better, more peaceful and a just world in the coming year.
Brown suggested that “In late December we were reminded at this decade's end, just as we were at its beginning, that there is a terrorist threat which puts our safety and security at risk and which requires us to take on al-Qaeda and the Taliban at the epicentre of global terrorism," he said.
Elsewhere, other world leaders had messages to wish their citizens and the peaceful people of the world. They mostly have spoken of their hope for 2010 with respect to the difficulties many countries encountered last year.
Nicholas Sarkozy of France affirmed on national TV during his New Year address that "the year that is ending has been difficult for everybody. No continent, no country, no sector has been spared," n a New Year's Eve address. "Even if the tests are unfinished, 2010 will be a year of renewal,"
President Dmitry Medvedev said Russia will move forward on the path to a "smart economy" as the country emerges from the worst recession in a decade, in his New Year's message on Thursday.
Germany's leader Angela Merkel warned her people that the start of the new decade won't yield immediate relief from the global economic ills.
Jacob Zuma, the South Africa's president was more ebullient, saying the World Cup is set to make 2010 the country's most important year since the end of apartheid in 1994.
Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd said 2009 had been an extraordinary year for the world — citing the inauguration of the United States' first black president and international attempts to deal or grapple with climate change and the global financial crisis.
"The great message from 2009 is that because we've been all in this together, we've all worked together," Rudd said in a New Year's message.
My Africa Magazine reiterates its best wishes to all its readers around the world: Happy New Year 2010! Let’s get to work!
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