"Bogside Mural Is A True Honor" - Hume

John Hume has spoken of his pride at being included in a mural of humanitarian leaders which is to be unveiled by the Bogside Artists last week in Glenfada Park off Rossville Street in Derry.

Speaking in advance of the unveiling of the mural, Nobel Peace Laureate John Hume said, "I am truly honored that the Bogside Artists have decided to depict me alongside some of the most inspirational figures of the past century on this mural.

"I think it is very significant that this image has been unveiled on the 40th anniversary of the Caledon housing sit-in because for many people that protest saw the start of the civil rights movement.

"I was always convinced that the civil rights movement must remain totally peaceful and it was very successful in achieving its goals until the later outbreak of widespread violence that only served to increase distrust as well as result in so much injury and loss of life.

"For me personally I am proud that this mural is located in the heart of the Bogside in the city which I love very much.

"Of course, we looked at other parts of the world for ideas to deal with the injustice that we faced.

"From day one, I was inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King and his message of total non-violence to achieve civil rights and human rights.

"Mother Theresa lived a life where she served the poorest of the poor and showed that a girl from Albania in Eastern Europe who went to school in Dublin could bring about change in the developing world.

"Nelson Mandela must not only be admired for standing up to the inhumanity of apartheid, but for leading South Africa into democracy and especially to a shared country where barriers were broken down. Our society can learn from them all.

"I would also like to thank Bishop Daly for unveiling the mural today.

"He is respected throughout our city and our whole country and served the people of Derry so well in leading them through very dark times."