On Sunday, September 5, more than 300 delegates to the Third International Conference of Asian Political Parties (ICAPP), representing 81 political parties and organizations of 35 Asian countries, gathered at the Temple of Heaven Park in Beijing to sign for peace.
The Third ICAPP concluded on Sunday morning with the adoption of the Beijing Declaration, which declares that the conference strengthened friendship, exchanges and cooperation, and enhanced understanding, trust and consensus.
Before the final meeting, the delegates adjourned to the Altar of Prayer for Good Harvests at the Temple of Heaven Park, a UN World Heritage site. They were welcomed by hundreds of middle-school children waving flowers, accompanied by Chinese folk music. A huge length of green silk had been draped over a long ceremonial signing table in front of the altar.
Before the signing ceremony began, Cai Wu, deputy head of the International Department of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC), told the delegates that the Altar of Prayer for Good Harvests was the place that the emperors of two feudal dynasties had prayed for good harvests every spring. On this day, it would witness the promises of peace, development and friendship that the delegates had come to make.
Wang Jiarui, head of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee, said that he was satisfied that the conference had provided opportunities for multilateral consultations of political leaders from Asian and neighboring countries.
Long Xinmin, vice secretary of CPC Beijing Municipal Committee, extended his greetings to participants of the conference.
Dr. Surakiart Sathirathai, Thai foreign minister and deputy leader of the Thai Rak Thai Party, delivered a speech on behalf of the participants of the third ICAPP, saying, "Peace cannot be attained without diligence and tolerance.
Dr. Surakiart Sathirathai, Thai foreign minister and deputy leader of the Thai Rak Thai Party, delivered a speech on behalf of the participants of the third ICAPP, saying, "Peace cannot be attained without diligence and tolerance. Peace cannot be realized without peace within ourselves and cooperation for peace among all of us."
New Zealand Councilor Paul Tollich, a signatory from the Labor Party, commented that both the meeting and the signatures would benefit peaceful politics in Asia and other parts of the world. He said that people need to strengthen cooperation and dialogue to improve cross-cultural understanding.
Lebanese Communist Party Vice President Saadallah Mazraani said that the meeting provided an excellent platform for Asian countries to discuss cooperation for peace and solidarity. He expressed his appreciation for what the Chinese government and the CPC had done for the success of the conference, and contrasted China's foreign policy with the aggression and expansion of the US in many parts of the world.
When the speeches concluded, thousands of doves and balloon were sent soaring into the air. Clapping and cheering delegates gathered around the table, leaving their signatures and messages for peace on the cloth.
The theme of the third ICAPP was "Exchange, Cooperation and Development." Participants exchanged views and reached consensus on a wide range of issues of regional security and multilateral cooperation; economic growth and social progress; and party building and national development.
Initiated in 2000, the biennial ICAPP has previously been held in the Philippines, in September 2000, and in Thailand in November 2002. The CPC sent delegates to participate in the previous meetings.
