And even as there will be dark days ahead in Afghanistan, the light of a secure peace can be seen in the distance.

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Only U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, slightly testy in light of unresolved West Asian peace talks back at Camp David, cut to the chase.

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We are not some primitive herd following a mystical light in a journey to a new realm of bliss, peace, and plenty.

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"Alongside there will be many other minor intrigues, some of which will one day find the light of day, " it added, likening the occasion to the first ball of Tolstoy's War and Peace heroine Natasha Rostov.

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In particular, the President stressed the importance of the Security Council remaining united in urging all parties to the Comprehensive Peace Agreement on Sudan to abide by their commitments, particularly in light of the upcoming referendum scheduled for January.

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At this Easter season, British and Irish leaders have followed the admonition of Luke to give light to them who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death and to guide their feet into the way of peace.

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