ID :
68659
Thu, 07/02/2009 - 13:43
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https://oananews.org//node/68659
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3rd Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions opens in Kazakhstan
Astana, July 02, 2009 (Khabar) - Astana became capital of all religions for several days. In the Palace of Peace and Accord in Astana, the head of state, Nursultan Nazarbayev, has opened the 3rd Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions. The President greeted all believers in their native languages and noted that today every word pronounced by religious leaders is important for peace and harmony. This religious congress is well acknowledged worldwide with the large number of its attendees proving it. This congress was held for the first time six years ago in Astana and now the capital of Kazakhstan gathers Muslims, Orthodox Christians, Jews and Buddhists for the third time. Astana during last 9 years become center of inter religious dialogue for the third time. Representatives of different countries of the world, religions and confessions come to Astana to discuss world problems and define their role in their solution. Representatives of 77 delegations from 75 countries gathered today.
Nursultan Nazarbayev, President of Kazakhstan:
- Kazakhstan’s experience in inter-ethnic and inter-religious accord was recognized as one of the most successful in former Soviet countries. In our country, there are almost 3200 mosques, churches and prayer houses. The day before yesterday, I buried a time capsule in the foundation of a new mosque. Next year, we will complete the construction of the Region’s largest orthodox cathedral called the Assumption of the Mother of God Church.
Kazakhstan initiated to hold forum of all spiritual leaders in 2001 after series of terrorist acts in USA. And in 2003, during the first Astana congress the religious figures adopted declaration about inter confessional dialogue as the most important instrument of support of peace and accord among people. The events in Middle East occurred before the second congress. And the participants of the meeting appealed for stopping of military actions and initiating of peaceful negotiations. Nursultan Nazarbayev said unfortunately the third congress also is held during difficult time.
Nursultan Nazarbayev, President of Kazakhstan:
- People continue killing each other in different region of the planet and violate God’s main commandment. Thousands of civilians are sacrificed for illusory goals and interests. Large-scale terrorist acts took place in Istanbul, Mumbai, Peshavar and Baghdad during the last year. Violence causes violence and this exclusive circle will be not ended. Situation is worsened in Afghanistan where extremists activated and threaten the stability of the whole region.
According to Nursultan Nazarbayev, some new threats such as epidemics, famine and the global financial and economic crisis have emerged recently. This means that the role of the congress in the provision of stability in the world is increasing. At this stage, Nursultan Nazarbayev believes it is vital to focus on the promotion of morality and spirituality. Jona Metsger has been to Kazakhstan several times as he is one of those who has been participating in the Congress since its establishment. The chief Rabbi of Israel is convinced that the third congress will bring some constructive results.
Jona Metsger, Ashkenazi Chief Rabbi of Israel:
- I would like to ask representatives of all religions to turn to their Educational Ministries asking to terminate all books calling for intolerance. It is vital for the next generation to be brought up in accordance with the principles of fairness, belief and peace, which are discussing now.
Sheikh Abdallah Ben Abdel Mohsen At-Turki, General Secretary of the Global Islamic League:
- People were created on the Earth to fill it with good and worship Allah as he created us and inhabited the Earth with us. The Global Islamic League hopes that this meeting will demonstrate mutual understanding between its participants who spread this mutual understanding around the world among their people and beliefs.
Jean-Louis Tauran, President of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue:
- Our presence here underlines that we are all eager to live in brotherhood, peace, mutual respect and trust. So let us live in peace for the sake of peace.
The Congress received a great number of telegrammes with best wishes from the Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia Kirill I, the Archbishop of Constantinople Patriarch Bartholomew I and the ex-prime minister of Malaysia, Mahathir bin Mohamad who also took part in the meeting in Astana. The President of Israel Shimon Peres stated that in the near future there will be a meeting either in Jerusalem or Astana to discuss Arabic peaceful initiatives. This document supposes regulation of all conflicts in Mideast, including conflict between Palestine and Israel.
Shimon Peres, President of Israel:
- Process of Israel’s closing in with Arabic states, Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Egypt was already begun. And in connection with this I want to address from this tribune to the Jordanian king to meet here, in Kazakhstan. In this way we will be able to realize President’s of RK viewing of common world and we must shake each other’s hands for well-being and prosperity of humanity. Let it be.
The first plenary sitting was held on Wednesday and it was dedicated to the role of religious figures in building of peace and second day will be dedicated to moral and spiritual values.
Nursultan Nazarbayev, President of Kazakhstan:
- Kazakhstan’s experience in inter-ethnic and inter-religious accord was recognized as one of the most successful in former Soviet countries. In our country, there are almost 3200 mosques, churches and prayer houses. The day before yesterday, I buried a time capsule in the foundation of a new mosque. Next year, we will complete the construction of the Region’s largest orthodox cathedral called the Assumption of the Mother of God Church.
Kazakhstan initiated to hold forum of all spiritual leaders in 2001 after series of terrorist acts in USA. And in 2003, during the first Astana congress the religious figures adopted declaration about inter confessional dialogue as the most important instrument of support of peace and accord among people. The events in Middle East occurred before the second congress. And the participants of the meeting appealed for stopping of military actions and initiating of peaceful negotiations. Nursultan Nazarbayev said unfortunately the third congress also is held during difficult time.
Nursultan Nazarbayev, President of Kazakhstan:
- People continue killing each other in different region of the planet and violate God’s main commandment. Thousands of civilians are sacrificed for illusory goals and interests. Large-scale terrorist acts took place in Istanbul, Mumbai, Peshavar and Baghdad during the last year. Violence causes violence and this exclusive circle will be not ended. Situation is worsened in Afghanistan where extremists activated and threaten the stability of the whole region.
According to Nursultan Nazarbayev, some new threats such as epidemics, famine and the global financial and economic crisis have emerged recently. This means that the role of the congress in the provision of stability in the world is increasing. At this stage, Nursultan Nazarbayev believes it is vital to focus on the promotion of morality and spirituality. Jona Metsger has been to Kazakhstan several times as he is one of those who has been participating in the Congress since its establishment. The chief Rabbi of Israel is convinced that the third congress will bring some constructive results.
Jona Metsger, Ashkenazi Chief Rabbi of Israel:
- I would like to ask representatives of all religions to turn to their Educational Ministries asking to terminate all books calling for intolerance. It is vital for the next generation to be brought up in accordance with the principles of fairness, belief and peace, which are discussing now.
Sheikh Abdallah Ben Abdel Mohsen At-Turki, General Secretary of the Global Islamic League:
- People were created on the Earth to fill it with good and worship Allah as he created us and inhabited the Earth with us. The Global Islamic League hopes that this meeting will demonstrate mutual understanding between its participants who spread this mutual understanding around the world among their people and beliefs.
Jean-Louis Tauran, President of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue:
- Our presence here underlines that we are all eager to live in brotherhood, peace, mutual respect and trust. So let us live in peace for the sake of peace.
The Congress received a great number of telegrammes with best wishes from the Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia Kirill I, the Archbishop of Constantinople Patriarch Bartholomew I and the ex-prime minister of Malaysia, Mahathir bin Mohamad who also took part in the meeting in Astana. The President of Israel Shimon Peres stated that in the near future there will be a meeting either in Jerusalem or Astana to discuss Arabic peaceful initiatives. This document supposes regulation of all conflicts in Mideast, including conflict between Palestine and Israel.
Shimon Peres, President of Israel:
- Process of Israel’s closing in with Arabic states, Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Egypt was already begun. And in connection with this I want to address from this tribune to the Jordanian king to meet here, in Kazakhstan. In this way we will be able to realize President’s of RK viewing of common world and we must shake each other’s hands for well-being and prosperity of humanity. Let it be.
The first plenary sitting was held on Wednesday and it was dedicated to the role of religious figures in building of peace and second day will be dedicated to moral and spiritual values.
