Iran-Netherlands-Peace Group
A group of the Dutch youth with the motto of "Global Peace and Promotion of Friendship among Nations" arrived in Tabriz, East Azarbaijan province, en route to participate in Chinese Olympic Games.

The group arrived in Iran after passing the countries of France, Switzerland, Austria, Bulgaria and Turkey.

Tabriz Mayor Ali-Reza Novin received them and said that in the era of communication, the distances between Iran and the Netherlands as well as Tabriz and Amsterdam are not so far, and that his city, possessing over 3,000 year-long history, can play key role in boosting friendship between both nations.

Novin also pointed to cultural, scientific and historical potentials as well as economic and trade situation of the city, venerating the message of peace and friendship by the Dutch youth group.

Referring to the poem of Iranian great poet Saadi over the gate of the United Nations that "All People Are Limbs of One Body", he noted that the world nations should get rid of violence, terrorism and war.

The mayor further expressed regret at escalation of wars and hostility in Iraq, Yugoslavia and Afghanistan, which led to massacre of innocent people, and underlined the importance of non-governmental organizations in consolidating friendship among nations.

He also called on the Dutch peace-seeking group to convey the message of Iranian peace-loving nation to people of other nations worldwide.

Members of the Dutch group are scheduled to pass through Iranian cities of Qazvin, Isfahan, Tehran and Gorgan to continue their tour to China.