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21 September – International Peace Day
The presence of weapons in the country causes worries
This year, the non-governmental organization “Civil” marked the International Peace Day – 21 September, expressing worries on the presence of weapons in the country. “In Macedonia, there are about 330 000 pieces of weapons, 170 000 of which are illegal. WE can only guess that there are about half a million pieces of weapons, but the problem is that it was taken out on the streets”, said Dzabir Derala, president of “Civil” at the ceremony for marking the International Peace Day that this organization is marking together with the French NGO “Caritas – France”. Derala pointed that according to his data, all those possessing weapons, keep at least one piece in their homes. “Reaching for ones gun has become a culture of our living. The citizens feel its normal to hold a gun in their hands. Therefore, this problem has to be addressed systematically”, Derala thinks. He emphasizes that though the number of weapons does not increase, its use does.
Part of this years’ campaign for marking the peace day is the organization of several cultural events. This year, the peace promoting campaign started in Tetovo where an art event took place and it will continue in all towns in Macedonia. Part of the campaign is the distribution of leaflets throughout the country at all events that are going to be organized.
“It takes courage, strength and wisdom for peace. It is a long-term process, but eventually, it leads to welfare, happiness and dignity, Derala said. At the same time, he sent an appeal to all politicians and public people to give their contribution in marking the Month of Peace. The Month of Peace will last until 21 October. In that period, four workshops are going to be organized involving children and young people. The activities will be realized under the motto “With art against the weapons”. The results from the Month of Peace will be presented at the “Peace Unlimited” Festival that will take place between 25 and 29 October .
The International Peace Day is marked in other countries as a day of global cease-fire and termination of the violence.
Z.Gj.
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