Tehran, Oct 30, IRNA

The UNESCO Director General Koichiro Matsuura in his message on the occasion of 'International Conference on Molana, Tehran October 28-30, 2007, called on all nations and peoples to learn from the teachings of Molana on the fundamental values of compassion and solidarity.

The full text of his message, a copy of which was made available to IRNA by the United Nations Information Center (UNIC), reads:
"It is a great pleasure and honor for me to send greetings to the distinguished participants of this international conference on Molana. I wish to extend my sincere congratulations to the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran, which has organized this event in Tehran.

"As I stated at our Headquarters in Paris last month on the occasion of the celebration of the 800th anniversary of Molana's birth, UNESCO is most pleased to be associated with the international tributes to an exceptional humanist whose teachings and enduring legacy resonate strongly with the ideals and values the Organization seeks to promote.

In recognition of his universal message of tolerance, love and peaceful co-existence, UNESCO has issued a commemorative medal in his name this year.

"Primarily associated with Sufism, Molana's teachings interweave components from diverse religions and traditions to form a unique and coherent system with a distinctive interfaith approach. His notion of 'unity in diversity' is perhaps best expressed in his famous quote: "I go into the Muslim mosque and the Jewish synagogue and the Christian church and I see one altar.

"It is no surprise that the poet's influence has extended far beyond the borders of his home region. Today, his works have been translated into scores of languages. This clearly demonstrates that Molana's powerful humanistic message, and particularly his belief that we are one interconnected human family, strike a vibrant cord with many societies of the twenty-first century.

"In the current international climate marked by considerable intercultural and interreligious tension, the celebration of the 800th anniversary of Molana offers an opportunity to bring a new global impetus to the great mystic's message of love, brotherhood, dialogue and respect for diversity. Like Molana, UNESCO believes that the quest for peace can come only through the knowledge and understanding of different faiths and the overriding qualities that are common to all religions. Otherwise, mistrust can give way to conflict and raise a wall of rejection between cultures. For this reason, UNESCO considers intercultural and interreligious dialogue the most effective means of avoiding misunderstandings that reinforce negative stereotypes, fuel mistrust and pave the way for extremism and violence.

"I firmly believe that all nations and peoples have much to learn from the teachings of Molana on the fundamental values of compassion and solidarity. Let us all follow his example and together aspire to spiritual enlightenment and contribute to the building of lasting peace in the hearts and minds of all men and women.

"I thank for your attention and wish you much success in your deliberations."