The Fourth Mediterranean Conference opened here this weekend with Israelis present but Arabs absent. The conference will discuss a number of problems, including colonialism, racial segregation, the situation of minorities in Middle Eastern countries, the suppression of cultural and religious freedom in Communist lands, and Cyprus.
The Arab boycott of the conference was considered an indication that the Arab rulers have no intention of talking about peace in the Mediterranean area at conferences–even regional meetings–in which Israel participates.
Mayor La Pira of Florence, in a message to the heads of the Arab states, said that the opening of the conference “was magnificent” and reminded them that in the same hall “the free for Algerian peace was planted” in 1958. Emphasizing that the conference hopes for “a total peace in the Mediterranean,” Prof. La Pira concluded his telegram to the Arab rulers with the words: “God bless our hope. May He assemble in brotherly peace the tormented family of Abraham.”
In his opening address, Mayor La Pira recalled the First Mediterranean Conference in 1958 was held in the same hall as the present conference but with the participation of delegates from France, Algeria, Israel and the Arab countries. At that time, he pointed out, peace between France and Algeria seemed a dream. Referring to the Bible, Mayor La Pira appealed to the political leaders of the Arab nations to work for peace in the area.
“Let us gather around these tables and stop fighting Jews. Christians, Moslems; let us search for points that unite us and forget those that divide us,” he declared. He expressed hope that eventually the Mediterranean Conference will take place “not in Florence but in Jerusalem, the City of God, the City of Peace, the Holy City which is venerated by all nations of the family of Abraham.” He emphasized that he considered Florence only the “deputy seat” for world peace because Jerusalem is still a city divided and enjoys no peace.
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