Ottawa, 28 May 2012 – Over 150 guests listened as Her Excellency Roza Otunbayeva recounted the “darkest days and nights” of the 2010 uprising that precipitated Kyrgyzstan’s recent and remarkable democratic transition. “We allowed hate to take root in our hearts,” she said, adding that all citizens of Kyrgyzstan must accept blame for the country’s recent history of inter-ethnic violence.
Madame Otunbayeva delivered her remarks as the first speaker in the Global Centre for Pluralism’s Annual Pluralism Lecture series. Located in Ottawa, and founded by His Highness the Aga Khan in partnership with the Government of Canada, the Global Centre for Pluralism is a new international institution dedicated to helping divided societies value their diversity.
A distinguished audience joined His Highness and Secretary General John McNee in welcoming President Otunbayeva. In addition to members of the Centre’s Board of Directors, guests included The Rt. Hon. Beverley McLachlin, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Canada, Ministers John Baird, Bev Oda, and Jason Kenney, and several Senators.
http://www.pluralism.ca/images/stories/home_page/GCP-Pluralism_lecture_1.pdf
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