Historic handover of command in Paraguay
Peace and justice is the challenge ahead for the former Catholic Bishop Fernando Lugo, who was sworn in as Paraguay’s new president.
Paraguay's President Fernando Lugo waves to the crowd after receiving the presidential sash
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A new dignitary of the Patriotic Alliance for Change Party succeeded Nicanor Duarte, ending six decades of uninterrupted government by the conservative Colorado Party.
The outgoing president Nicanor Duarte handed over the presidential attributes to Enrique González Quintana, president of Congress, in a solemn session, a prerequisite for Fernando Lugo to assume the presidency. During his last presidential speech, Nicanor Duarte surprised the attendees by acknowledging that democracy is advancing in Paraguay; and that his country was experiencing a historic moment. "For the first time there is a transfer of power from one party to another in an atmosphere of hope. Beyond the differences that political parties and social sectors face we cannot deny that there is an overwhelming hope,” he said.
AMISRAEL'S International Director Dr. William Soto, Kelita Cunha Administrative Director and the President of Argentina, Cristina Kirchner.
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In a ceremony held at the Congressional palace, former Bishop Fernando Lugo was sworn in and given the baton of command by Enrique Gonzales, president of Congress.
Among the dignitaries of foreign delegations who attended the ceremony were the heads of state of Argentina, Brazil, Bolivia, Chile, Ecuador, Honduras, Taiwan, Uruguay and Venezuela, and Prince Felipe de Borbon, the Heir of the Spanish Throne.
Dr. William Soto, International Director of AMISRAEL, participated as a special guest in his capacity of worldwide pacifist, promoting the formation of a culture of peace as the foundation to the growth and strengthening of countries. During the solemn ceremony the national anthem was sung in both Spanish and the Guarani indigenous language, and 21 salvos of cannon announced the arrival of the new president. Also in this ceremony Federico Franco was sworn in as Vice President.
AMISRAEL'S Executive Director Dr. Salomon Cunha, Administrative Director Dr. Kelita Cunha, Dr. William Soto, International Director, Congresswoman Emilia Alfaro Franco and Luis Federico Franco Paraguay's Vice President.
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Amid great expectations, nervousness and uncertainty a crowd of more than 15,000 gathered to witness an unprecedented act in Paraguay’s democracy.
The new 57-year-old president recently obtained a special dispensation from Pope Benedict XVI, downgrading him to layman’s status to fully engage in politics. With the imposing Coat of Arms as witness and surrounded by the motto, Peace and Justice, the new president delivered the inaugural speech: “Today marks the end of an exclusive Paraguay,” and he added that the new officials who will govern until 2013 “will be implacably against the country’s thieves.” He stated that among the tasks of his administration is the challenge of “defeating the secretive state institutions and make them accountable,” and recalled that as pastor of the Church he opted “for those who were exposed to exclusion and misery.” "I refuse to live in a country where some can’t sleep because of fear and others can’t sleep because they’re hungry," he said.
The transition of military power to the new administration concluded with a military parade for Lugo.
AMISRAEL’S address:
Today Paraguay celebrates the feast of democracy. It is a turning point that will be decisive for the future of the Paraguayan people, and perhaps a group of countries that are united in a common goal. As a human family we have many challenges to conquer, and unity is an important value for these conquests.
Dr. Soto and General Lino Oviedo
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On behalf of millions of Agents of Peace throughout the world, I congratulate the Honorable President Fernando Lugo and his administration, especially my friend, Dr. Federico Franco, Vice President of the new government that is now beginning, desiring that the culture of peace becomes the foundation of the conduction of Paraguay’s presidential term.
The presence of so many heads of state and highly distinguished personalities is evidence of the support to the victory of democracy and a demonstration of disposition to join forces to make the dream of Bolivar a reality among so many brotherly countries.
Under the protection of God, may there be peace and harmony in Paraguay.
Dr. William Soto, International Director
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| Enrique Gonzales President of the Congress of Paraguay and Dr. Soto. |
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| The President of Chile Michelle Bachelet and William Paras AMISRAEL'S Delegate to Paraguay. |
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