An article about the new mayor of the city of Leeds...
"Over the past year Leeds has spawned London's suicide bombers and a resurgence of support for the BNP – so is electing the city's first Asian Lord Mayor a futile gesture or a real chance for reconciliation? Rod McPhee asked Coun Mohammed Iqbal. Scrawled inside the Lord Mayor's visitors book in Leeds civic hall are a few simple words: 'Let's all be friends again.' "
and he goes onto say in an interview :
"If there's myths, ignorance and misunderstanding, whether it is among Muslims or the BNP, there's no room for that. This is a multicultural city and multi-cultural world."
But couldn't his election be viewed as cynical token gesture, an appointment born of positive public relations rather than merit? "My election is a positive step without a doubt," he said. "Yes, you could interpret it as a gesture, but it's a strong message that this city belongs to everybody.
"Someone living in one part of Leeds is no different to anybody else, we are all equal and we're all part of this city.
===
Meanwhile, in Portugal ...
"On May first, the Tamera University “Monte Cerro” was launched. For the next three years up to 200 participants from different parts of the world will study the development of peace villages and the social and spiritual foundations for a non-violent culture of peace. ",
we read on Peace Journalism
"During the Summer University from July 31st to August 10th interested individuals are very welcome and are invited to visit Tamera for a short period to participate in the various seminars that will be offered for study. For more information consult the website www.tamera.org or call +351- 283 635 306."
