Religious Leaders Call For Constant Dialogue

The 18 point declaration that was adopted on Sunday at the close of the conference emphasises respect for religious freedom and cultural diversity.

The conference called for increased participation of women at all levels of society, and for the breaking of stereotypes, intolerance and prejudice.

"Culture and religion are the strongest factors for peace, coexistence, prosperity and welfare," Macedonian Culture Minister Elizabeth Kanceska Milevska told conference participants.

Religious intolerance is a barrier for the safety of all people, but also for the freedom of thought. Respect for human rights and religious teachings creates a basis for tolerance and mutual respect, the declaration says.

Although attended by many high level representatives of a variety of confessions, the second inter-religious conference in Ohrid was held without the noticeable participation of top religious leaders.

Organisers announced that the next gathering will be held in 2013. The event will again be staged in the lake town of Ohrid.

Macedonia organised the first Inter-Religious Conference in 2007. The project was launched to honor the initiative of late Macedonian President Boris Trajkovski, who died in a plane crash in 2004 and was not able to implement his plan to organise such a conference.