Middle East Peace Programs
22 UN Missions Briefed on Middle East Peace Initiative
Written by UPF-International
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
![MEPI Briefing attendees, Ms. Connie Taracena Secaira, (Guatemala), Amb. Zachary Muburi-Muita (Kenya), and Amb. Augustine P. Mahiga (Tanzania) at right holding a copy of the UPF's book, Middle East Peace Initiative MEPI Briefing attendees, Ms. Connie Taracena Secaira, (Guatemala), Amb. Zachary Muburi-Muita (Kenya), and Amb. Augustine P. Mahiga (Tanzania) at right holding a copy of the UPF's book, Middle East Peace Initiative](/images/stories/connie_secaira__zachary_muburi-muita_augustine_mahiga_001_tn.jpg)
The Kenyan Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations, H.E. Mr. Zachary Muburi-Muita, spoke movingly of his experiences with the UPF during the recent MEPI trip. As a former diplomat with the Kenyan Embassy in Tel Aviv, it was an emotional return to a land he knew well. He said his abiding memory is of a land with a lot of pain and suffering on both sides. "Diplomats and politicians are doing their best, with a good intention, but peace is not there."
"It is obvious that political effort has not been enough," he said, "so when we hear of initiatives like this from civil society, we still need to make the effort to take notice. Member states are losing their monopoly, and non state players are becoming increasingly important." Ambassador Muburi-Muita recounted his experiences on the recent MEPI that took place from April 10 – 16 visiting Jerusalem, Bethlehem and Jericho. The UPF North America's director Michael Jenkins also briefed the diplomatic gathering on some of the highlights of UPF's more than 20 MEPI delegations held from 2003 to date.
![Soprano Seiko Lee Soprano Seiko Lee](/images/stories/MEPI_22_nations/seiko_lee_004_tn.jpg)
The renowned soprano Seiko Lee, who has performed in Israel and Palestine, and in both North and South Korea, moved the audience as she sang a new composition by David Eaton and David D'Or, "Halelu," which evokes the heart of separation, hope, and longing that characterizes both divided societies. Lee is scheduled to perform the choral work in Tel Aviv and Los Angeles with top recording artist David D'Or.
![UPF UN Office Director Ricardo de Sena UPF UN Office Director Ricardo de Sena](/images/stories/MEPI_22_nations/ricardo_de_sena_005_tn.jpg)
Altogether, the event was well attended by the representatives of 22 missions. The Secretary-General's office was represented by Mr. Chris Coleman, the Director of Office of the Deputy Chef de Cabinet. "As an NGO in special consultative status with ECOSOC, UPF would like to invite more diplomats to our MEPI programs," said Ricardo de Sena, Director of the UPF's Office of UN Relations. "We are here to support the work of the United Nations and to work together for the sake of peace. We also hope to welcome our friends at the United Nations to our ongoing monthly series of UPF seminars."
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