Yangon (Agenzia Fides)  

"It is time to join - all religions, all ethnic groups - to truly make 2017 the Year of Peace. Peace is possible through justice. Peace is possible through negotiations. We urge all religions to observe the day of 1 January 2017 as a day of fasting and prayer for peace": is the appeal sent to Fides by Cardinal Charles Maung Bo, Archbishop of Yangon.

"Let us ensure that all those who flock to our monasteries, churches, temples and mosques bring signs and flags with the phrase 'Stop all wars!'. Let us try to spend the day in prayer and fasting for peace, to change the hearts of all people. It is urgent to put an end to the wars in Myanmar and make 2017 the year of peace", notes the text.
The Cardinal writes in his heartfelt appeal: "Brothers and sisters from Myanmar, all of us will say 'Happy New Year'. Every year we greet one another with this message. But honestly there is no happiness in many parts of this country. War continues in many areas. And for more than 200,000 displaced people in refugee camps, it will not be a happy new year. The war, which began sixty years ago, still rages. Cambodia has solved its conflicts, Vietnam has solved its wars. These neighboring countries are on the path towards peace and prosperity. We, in Myanmar are still involved in a war which is impossible to win. The agony of the population and forced displacement are the only results of violence. The silent majority of the people of Myanmar have only been spectators of a chronic war in Myanmar. Now: let us unite, all together, for genuine peace". (PA)