At the headquarters of the UN began its work on the international conference "Dialogue of religions and civilizations"

At UN headquarters the day before the start of its international conference "Dialogue of religions and civilizations." The Forum is being held under the 63rd session of the UN General Assembly on agenda item "Culture of Peace." It takes part, King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia - the initiator of the conference news agency.

Speaking at the opening event UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon noted that the world is a paradoxical situation in which, through the development of new technologies and media, blurred the boundary between the countries and people have the opportunity to learn more about each other. But at the same time in different societies, there is still a place of anti-Semitism and Islamophobia. "The rise in extremist ideology, more polarized society," - he said.

The international community must overcome divisions, which aims to promote the Alliance of Civilizations, an initiative of Spain and Turkey, said Ban Ki-moon.

The main objective of the Alliance is to promote intercultural and inter-ethnic dialogue between the West and the Islamic world. The administrative head of the international community also noted that the various initiatives in this field are Russia, Kazakhstan, Iran, Philippines and other nations.

Today, the conference will attend U.S. President George W. Bush.

As noted in today's correspondence from New York, the first day of the representative forum, with participation of heads of a number of states, heads of government, foreign affairs and other departments, has allowed journalists and describe the "dialogue" the Saudi King and President of Israel Shimon Peres. During his speech, King Abdullah recalled that his country had "extended a hand to all supporters of peace, justice and tolerance," took the initiative to the Arab-Israeli settlement.

In turn, the head of the Jewish state from the rostrum of the UN appealed directly to the head of Saudi Arabia. "Your Majesty, the King of Saudi Arabia, I heard your statement and hope that your voice will be the voice of the entire region, of all people" - said Peres. "The future of our region, which emerges, thanks to your initiative, gives people hope and inspires confidence in the people" - he added.

However, such kind words addressed to King Abdullah, said from the rostrum of the UN General Assembly, did not prevent Peres and Foreign Minister of Israel strongly enough to speak against the Palestinians, held on Wednesday at UN Headquarters press conference.

Representatives of Israel reiterated its position that the Jewish state intends to defend itself against Palestinian terrorists, but also voted for an end to aggression by militant movement Hamas.

In general, speakers at the forum leaders of Islamic nations - Afghanistan's President Hamid Karzai, Jordan's King Abdullah II and many others - saying that Islam itself is not a source of terrorism, and the term "Islamic terrorism" is wrong and giving people astray .

During the second day of the forum along with U.S. President by the representatives of Japan, Pakistan and several other states. On behalf of Russia to the United Nations Member States will address the Permanent Representative of the Russian Federation at the United nations Vitaly Churkin.