2012-11-28-Seeking Peace

Session

Lesson

Prolotheos: “Diversity is the origin of conflicts in life. Since diversity is one of God’s strategies in creation, conflicts resulting from a diversity of views should not necessarily be seen as either wrong or bad. They are what could be classed as ‘impasses’. Conflicts can, and historically surely have, degenerated into violence. However, besides creating a risk of wars, conflicts are also opportunities for progress, and the creation of understanding between opposing parties. Based on this, let us discuss an important question related to today’s situation in your world: How can you solve conflicts without resorting to wars?

“The first step to peacefully resolve conflicts is to reach out to the parties involved in the conflict. One of the parties or even a third party, that is, a mediator, can do this. There can be a peaceful conflict resolution if at least one of the involved parties is willing to solve the conflict in a peaceful manner. If there is a real and total commitment from at least one side, or persistence from the mediator, peace is a real possibility. If this commitment is serious from one side, it wisely reaches out for the other party to seek identical commitment, looking for common ground. This reaching out attitude must be one of consideration, of sincerely taking into account the other party’s basic interests and a preliminarily agreement with their right to exist. It is entrusted to the peace-seeking party to bring the other party or parties to the negotiating table. Besides, this reaching out attitude must come neither from a threatening position nor from one of fear, but rather from a position of understanding. This is perhaps the most difficult part of the peace process, when supposed enemies have to agree to dialogue.

“After all involved parties, including a possible mediator, come together, it is time to take steps towards agreement. It is important to classify each party's demands as either critical, important, or non-essential. Agreement should start by first focusing on the non-essential issues, establishing what can be agreed upon, or negotiated, regarding the demands of all sides. Each side must be willing to let go of something non-critical in their demands. When all parties are satisfied with the agreement at that point, negotiations advance to the important issues, and finally to the crucial level. The more progress that is obtained, the more respect must be shown by all. It is important for all parties to acknowledge that achieving fairness all around is better than unilateral decisions disrupting relations.

“Once satisfactory agreements are reached by the parties, it is important to wisely schedule the implementation of the agreement, with trial periods and possible adjustments before moving to final broad measures. Peace is a great ideal, but its reality does not come without effective willingness, agreeable spirit, and diligent commitment to what was agreed upon. If each party follows up on its commitment, or calls for more negotiations for what didn’t work as expected – and fair satisfaction of all parts is always the objective – peace can satisfactorily be worked out between the parties, until a stable situation is finally reached. Peace is feasible, as long as there is willingness towards it.

Closing

I am your teacher and tutor Prolotheos, wishing peace to all.”