Asmara - Eritrean and Ethiopian religious leaders have agreed to visit each other's country and meet with war-affected populations. The leaders agreed to cross the borders of Eritrea and Ethiopia and hold peace meetings staring May 19 to 21.
"We have agreed to meet in Adi Keih in Eritrea and Adi Grat in Ethiopia", said Rev Zerit Yohannes the secretary and spokesperson of the Eritrean delegation comprising Christian and Muslim religious leaders. "We want to create dialogue between the two war affected people. We hope this meeting will promote peace and reconciliation."
The Eritean religious Leaders arrived from Nairobi today from a three days peace meeting with Ethiopian religious Leaders where the decision to organize peace visits was made.
"Healing process has to start now, the hostility and hatred that the war brought has to stop. We have to look to the future, a peaceful future", said Rev Zerit. The Religious leaders also agreed to bring 12 elders from both countries to be part of the group who will dialogue with the communities on peace and reconciliation. "These elders will be dialoguing with the people and lead the peace process." Rev Zerit said.
The Religious leaders will be working with the grass roots population. They plan to address the war-affected population and bring change of attitude for peace and reconciliation.
"Our hope and prayers is to forget the past and bring peace between the two peoples of Eritrea and Ethiopia" said Rev. Zerit.
The Eritrean Religious leaders arrived in Asmara today from a three days peace meeting in Nairobi. The Nairobi meeting marks the sixth times the Eritrean and Ethiopian religious leaders have met since the border war started between the two countries. The Norwegian Church Aid is sponsoring these peace meetings.
During the May 19 to 21 cross border meeting the leaders will be accompanied by UNMEE.
Copyright =A9 2001 Visafric.