A cordial greeting from the President of Uruguay, Dr. Tabare Vazquez

Dr. and Mrs. Moon arrived in Montevideo on December 9 and went to the Victoria Plaza (Radisson) hotel, where 300 people gathered to welcome the party, including 50 young volunteers who journeyed from Chile. The Victoria Plaza Hotel was acquired, expanded and remodeled to become the finest hotel in Uruguay and the largest building in the center of Montevideo.

The Peace Embassy in Uruguay is a former Presidential Residence, located in the best neighborhood of the city. The building also once served as the Argentine Embassy and the grounds are a botanical garden.

That afternoon, Father and Mother Moon met with the President of Uruguay, Dr. Tabare Vazquez, a practicing oncologist, at the presidential office. Father Moon advised the president that the most important of a president is to learn God’s will and then teach it to his people. In that way he can transform the nation through education in God’s truth. It wasn’t all business, though, with the two men sharing a love of fishing and soccer.

Soon after meeting the President, Father and Mother Moon met with former President Sanguinetti, who has been a friend for many years.

Blessing toast by Carlos & Margot Seoane

Presentation of Gifts

The UPF inauguration was held in the ballroom of the Victoria Plaza. Outside in the lobby there were many literature displays of projects initiated by Father Moon. The welcoming address was given by Dr. Rafael Addiego, a former president and long-time Chief Justice of Uruguay.

The audience at the Victoria Plaza

Good Governance Awards

In his peace message which he has been delivering during this global tour, Father Moon reminded the audience of the urgency of peace. “Time waits for no one,” he said. “In the next eight years we have to accomplish what would normally take hundreds of or even a thousand years."

The event included an invitation for couples to join in a world peace blessing toast of marriage rededication.