Ethiopian, Eritrean Religious Leaders Call for Establishment of Lasting Peace

Addis Ababa, Feb. 15(ENA)-- Religious leaders of Eritrea and Ethiopia have called upon the governments of the respective countries to continue to work for the establishment of lasting peace for the benefit of the peoples of the two countries.

At a Public Address they held here at the United Nations Conference Center (UNCC) on Friday the religious leaders of both countries have reiterated the importance of peace to the leaders and peoples of the two countries.

"People who have faith know that peace is attained from God and realize that it is a grace given from God to humankind," his Holiness Abune Paulos, Patriarch of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church said in his opening address.

"Seen against the historical, racial, religious and blessed culture of both countries the conflict that started three years ago could have been resolved through dialogue and should not have led to war," the Patriarch said.

"Had it not been for the peace process we could have still been weeping," the Patriarch said. "We all are hungry for peace," he added.

The meeting was opened with a prayer led by His Holiness Abune Philipos, Patriarch of the Eritrean Orthodox Church, who said, "we are here to show you that we are one".

Two churches were in confrontation, but now with the will of God they stand together on the track of peace, Abune Philipos said. "I speak to you in Amharic to symbolize our oneness," Abune Philipos said.

"I'm certain that our two governments would continue to work towards the prevailing of peace in both countries," Abune Philipos said.

Sheikh Alamin Usman Alamin, the Grand Mufti of Eritrea, said on his part that the day he met his brethren in Addis Ababa was the happiest day and urged for the continuation of the peace process.

"The conflict should be forgotten and peace should prevail", Mufti Alamin said, and asked the United Nations to continue its support until lasting peace was achieved.

Abune Zecharias Yohannes of the Catholic Church of Eritrea said, it was only peace that will put every thing in order. "We have witnessed that nothing can be benefited from war except destruction," he said.

Abune Berhane Yesus D. Souraphel of the Ethiopian Catholic Church has quoted Pope John Paul II as saying that there is no peace without justice, and there is no justice with out peace.

Stein Vilumstad of the Norwegian Church Aid (NCA), which facilitated the meeting of the leaders, said on the occasion that peace is something that needs to be worked for, and expressed hope that the religious leaders would continue to work towards the attainment of lasting peace.

The Special Representative of the Secretary General of the United Nations, Legwaila Joseph Legwaila reaffirmed the religious leaders of UNMEE's unwavering support for their efforts, which are aimed at restoring confidence between the sisterly and brotherly peoples of Eritrea and Ethiopia.

"My hope-- my stubborn optimism--is that with your spiritual and pastoral guidance, with your prayers and actions, lasting peace will return to the land of Ethiopia and of Eritrea and their people will once again enjoy a life of dignity and prosperity," he said.

The religious leaders had met two days ago in Asmara, where they made a similar address to the people of Eritrea.

(END)