Pichon Riviere

THE NATURE OF OUR COUNTRY

Carlos Mario I think that our country is a wonderful mix of cultures, races, talents, natural resources, makes us unique in the planeta.Como recognition of this cultural and ethnic diversity, this morning I went with my family, the great ceremonial temple Seiyua in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta.

There we met with leaders and representatives of the Kogi, Arhuaco, Wiwa and Kankuamo peoples, heirs of the ancient Tayrona culture. They preceded us in possession of these lands, and still watch from their reservations about the balance that should govern our nation and our relationship with the universe.

In a symbolic act, but with transcendent meaning, the "mamas" gave me a baton and a collar with four stones. One represents the land that we cherish, another represents water that is the source of life represents another nature with which we must be in harmony.

The fourth represents the government should respect the order of nature and the will of the Creator. Earth, water, nature and good governance those precious symbols will integral part of the administration that started today.

The message from our "elder brothers", because they are the guardians of universal balance, today I transmit, excited, to over 45 million compatriots who come from the Indian heritage, the legacy of Spain, the rich African heritage , and many other aspects that have built what we are.

It is the message of life, harmony, and unity in diversity. It is the message of peaceful and wise Colombia that we leave our children i honoring this message, solemnly reiterate today in this historic Plaza de Bolívar, who will chair a government of National Unity will seek and social prosperity for all Colombians.

Two hundred years ago, in this very square, a handful of neogranadinos took the first steps on our journey towards independence we are the Bicentennial generation: a generation with a sense of past and future-oriented.

In assuming the office of President of the Republic of Colombia, the highest honor but also the greatest responsibility that gives the Fatherland, I feel watching us from the history our parents Bolívar, Santander, Nariño and all the men and women who fought for us freedom.

If they return, they would see with joy and amazement how much we have grown in this country; how has increased; how much has changed but I also feel disappointed, because two hundred years later we have not reached consolidated social justice and peace, supports true freedom, the freedom for which they lived and died.

If we want to achieve full economic and social development, we must build unity among us, the heirs of the heroic deeds. On the bicentennial of our independence is more timely than ever we decide Colombians for binding and not confrontation.

A Government of National Unity, as I propose, raising is not a bureaucratic

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