UN Aproves Philippine Proposal for Interfaith Dialogue Amont Nations

November 16, 2004

Source: The Manila Times

http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2004/nov/16/yehey/top_stories/20041116top11.html

On November 16, 2004 The Manila Times reported, "The United Nations has adopted the Philippine government’s proposal for an interfaith dialogue among nations to support peace-building efforts of the international community. Speaker Jose de Venecia, the original proponent of the interfaith dialogue, welcomed the development, saying the Philippines has gained a 'major moral and diplomatic victory' with the UN’s approval. Both President Arroyo and de Venecia first proposed the interfaith dialogue to US President George W. Bush in the presence of US officials Secretary of State Colin Powell, Secretary of Defense David Rumsfeld and National Security Adviser Condoleeza Rice, during Mrs. Arroyo’s state visit to Washington last year. The proponents believe the dialogue would be of great help in preventing conflicts between Christians, Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists and other religions in various parts of the world."