Negotiation and discussion are the greatest weapons we have for promoting peace and development.

We must always reiterate this. The greater the foreign dependence, the greater the country's failure. For global peace, stability, and prosperity, the country with the world's largest population must become Self Reliance.

Mutual respect, cooperation, dialogue and the freedom to exercise one's beliefs within the confines of the law, are the conditions that allow for Singapore's success and stability. They are necessary for avoiding conflict and chaos, and provide instead for a balanced and sustainable development.

The message of reconciliation, of nation-building, of granting amnesty, indemnity, has struck a powerful, favorable chord. And people can understand that we're here not for purposes of retribution but to forget the past and to build our country.

It was just a gradual development over the years. Last year was "All You Need Is Love." This year it's "Give Peace a Chance." Remember love. The only hope for any of us is peace.

Peace is the most powerful weapon of mankind.