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INTERVENTION BY H.E. MSGR. RENATO R. MARTINO Wednesday, 4 September 2002
The Holy See, in conformity with its nature and its particular mission, is pleased to join the consensus of the Plan of Action of the World Summit on Sustainable Development and expresses its thanks to the people and Government of the Republic of South Africa and everyone involved with the work that has brought us to this closing session of the Summit. The Holy See reaffirms its position that any discussion on development must centre on human dignity and in this, renews its commitment to the Rio Principles, the first of which states that "Human beings are at the centre of concerns for sustainable development. They are entitled to a healthy and productive life in harmony with nature". The Holy See only regrets that this first Principle did not find its way into the chapeau of each and every section of the document, helping to remind and guide the purpose of our work here and in every realm of sustainable development. My delegation is pleased to inform that in joining in this consensus adoption, it does so without reservation. At the same time, the Holy See reaffirms all of the reservations that it has previously expressed at the conclusion of the various United Nations Conferences and Summits, as well as the Special Sessions of the General Assembly for the review of those meetings. The Holy See asks that this statement be included in the report of the World Summit on Sustainable Development. Thank you, Mr. President *L'Osservatore Romano 8.9.2002 p.2.
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