ASIA/HOLY LAND - European Religious Leaders appeal for peace in the Middle East: “Jewish, Muslim and Christian leaders in the region must play a direct role to resume peace process” 24 Mar 2004Moscow (Fides Service)

Moscow (Fides Service) - Put an end to violence, reopen paths of dialogue restore hope in a situation of hatred and desperation: this was the appeal for Peace in the Middle East launched by members of the Council of European Religious Leaders in a statement issued following the death of Sheikh Yassin, leader of Hamas, killed by the Israeli army. The statement was issued from Moscow by the Council spokesman Orthodox Metropolita Kyril of Smolensk and Kaliningrad.

The members of the Council say religious leaders in the Middle East have an important role to play in restoring peace: “There will never be peace in the Middle East unless there is dialogue between faiths. This is why it is important for religious leaders to contribute to the peace process. We believe that policies of extra judicial killings and suicide bombings can only lead to an escalation in the Israel-Palestine conflict, stifling all hope for a peaceful solution. We urge the religious leaders in that region, Jews, Muslims and Christians and to work together to create the necessary conditions for a resuming of the peace process ”.

The Council is made up of European Christian leaders of different confessions, including the Catholic Archbishop of Brussels Cardinal Godfried Danneels and representatives of European communities of Muslims, Jews, Hindus, Buddhists Sikhs, Zoroastrians, committed to promoting interreligious dialogue and peace. The Council was formed in 2002, within the World Conference of Religions for Peace.

(PA) (Agenzia Fides 24/3/2004 lines 13 words 134)