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Jakarta: Head of Muhammadiyah, Din Syamsuddin, has said that Muhammadiyah will hold an anti-violence world dialog.

“We want to reduce misunderstanding between different communities by promoting humanitarian values,” he said in a press conference entitled “The Second World Peace Forum” today (10/6).

He said he considered that violence started from human rights violations that are usually justified by religious or ethnicity sentiments.

“This threatens peace,” said Din Syamsuddin.

The planned forum will invite 100 world figures including religious, political, academic, business, and media figures.

This will be held at Jakarta’s Sultan Hotel between June 24 and 26, 2008.

Muhammadiyah's representative for international affairs, Rizal Sukma, said the figures could exchange perspectives regarding conflict and violence.

“To find the best solution for the peace in the world,” he said.

Those who will certainly attend the forum include: former Malaysian Prime Minister; former Indonesian Foreign Affairs minister Ali Alatas; Timor Leste leader Xanana Gusmo; former President of the Philippines Fidel Ramos; the Dutch Prime Minister; the Australian prime minister; and the New Zealand Minister of Foreign Affairs.

“They will campaign for peace,” said Rizal.

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