KING CALLS FOR UNITY IN CHRISTMAS SPEECH

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Kevin Reardon / 2009-12-25 17:58:47

King Juan Carlos delivering his speech to the Spanish people on Christmas Eve

In his traditional Christmas speech Juan Carlos, the King of Spain, made particular reference to the crisis affecting the country calling for unity in his message to his Spanish citizens broadcast on Christmas Eve.

All Spaniards should redouble their efforts to overcome the tensions, achieve economic growth, and create employment as quickly as possible, and those efforts should be made through agreements between political, economic and social forces to allow maximum solidarity and to carry out necessary reforms, said the Spanish king.

The king also referred to the unemployment problem, he said, " It is the main concern of Spanish families. It affects millions of people leaving many of them in distress not only for the loss of revenue, but by the lack of prospects in their work and their personal lives."

Juan Carlos also urged Spanish citizens to coordinate efforts at the maximum level to reinforce the internal cohesion and exterior projection, because the security, progress and welfare of the Spaniards largely depend on efficient protection and promotions of their interests in the world.

On the subject of International terrorism the King recalled the kidnap of the three aid workers held hostage in Mauritania by Al Qaeda, describing the situation as "intolerable" and demanded their release.

"Such terrorism, has caused immense suffering" he said, and if these terrorists want to take a small step toward earning some small amount of respect from the International Community they must release their captors now".

In this context, the King stressed the importance of foreign policy and said that "consensus and coordinate care to maximize the international role of Spain." "Our security, progress and prosperity depend increasingly on the effective promotion of our interests in the world," he added.

The King also referred to the fact that Spain will take over the European presidency for the fourth time from Jan. 1 as the Lisbon Treaty takes effect.

"It is of vital importance to obtain a more united and dynamic Europe in the world," he said.

Tags: King Juan Carlos Ii