A religious group representing a variety of religions attending the world conference against racism in South Africa, this evening urged Israel to end its "colonialist occupation in the occupied Palestinian territories."
The Ecumenical Caucus led by Archbishop Desmond Tutu also asked Israel to pave way for the "achievement of the right to self- determination by the Palestinian people, including the right of return, and for the establishment of a sovereign Palestinian state.
"We encourage dialogue between and among Jews, Muslims and Christians to promote peace, tolerance and harmonious relationship."
At a press conference Archbishop Desmond Tutu - a member of the board of the directors of Simon Perez in Tel Aviv - said he is optimistic peace would reign in Middle East. He urged parties to sit down and resolve the burning issues in their relationship.
"Conference is about telling God's children who have been treated as rubbish that they are not rubbish. You may not be a VIP but you are a VSP - Very Special Person," he said, adding although "we regret American withdrawal at the conference there are other Americans here who represent very important constituencies."
Archbishop Tutu said he strongly supports the call for reparation and apology as a way of redressing the past injustices done to developing countries. "Reparation is saying we are sorry for what happened. It is not weak person that confesses. It is the strong person."
Yesterday the US downgraded its delegation to the conference yesterday with US consular general in Durban as leader of the US delegation.