Peres, Livni to represent Israel at UN interfaith forum

Participants will meet to discuss Judaism, Christianity and Islam, as well as other religions practiced around the globe.

By GREER FAY CASHMAN
Livni happy 248.88 (photo credit: Ariel Jerozolimksi )
Livni happy 248.88
(photo credit: Ariel Jerozolimksi )
President Shimon Peres will fly to New York with Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni next week to represent Israel at a United Nations interfaith conference on Dialogue of Civilizations. At the November 11-13 conference, Peres and Livni will be rubbing shoulders and shaking hands with royalty, presidents, prime ministers, and spiritual and lay leaders from most, if not all, of the UN's 192 member states, several of which have no diplomatic relations with Israel. Among the dignitaries who have confirmed their attendance are Saudi Arabia's King Abdullah, outgoing US President George W. Bush, Spanish King Juan Carlos, Kuwaiti Emir Sabah al-Ahmad al-Sabah, Lebanese President Michel Suleiman and Jordan's King Abdullah. The participants will meet to discuss Judaism, Christianity and Islam, as well as other religions practiced around the globe. The conference, initiated by the Saudi king, is an outgrowth of the Madrid Interfaith Conference held in July. Peres and Livni will probably be joined by Israeli spiritual leaders of the country's three prominent monotheistic faiths. Peres intends to consult with them this week. He told reporters that while he did not anticipate any miracles, the fact that Israel would be sitting and dialoguing with leading figures from all parts of the region was a significant breakthrough, and could be the beginning of a new reality because Israel would like to enter into peace agreements with each of the countries in the region. "There is no need for us to be in conflict with any other country, and we will make peace with anyone who wants to make peace with us," he said. The president will have only a brief respite when he returns home before he flies to London for a state visit. Also Wednesday, Peres hosted a ceremony at Beit Hanassi for the installation of the new Chief Rabbinate Council.