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FSM receives Hiroshima peace stone

Palikir, POHNPEI (FSM Information Services): February 4, 2005 - The Stone for Peace Association of Hiroshima presented President Joseph J. Urusemal with a 'stone' for peace during a short ceremony held in Palikir on January 25, 2005.

Association Chairman, Michio Umemoto, presented President Urusemal with the stone and said the stone represents the Association's mission to advocate world peace. The peace memento is a 4-inch thick granite slab measuring 1.3 ft by 1.6 ft with the front engraved with the image of "Kannon," the Japanese goddess of Mercy.

Since the association's establishment in 1991, stones have been distributed to over 97 countries as a mission to "pray for peace."

President Urusemal commended the association for its continuing mission to ensure through its memento that the Hiroshima tragedy not be repeated anywhere in the world. He said the FSM share similar aspirations for peace as evident in its Constitution which states, "we extend to all nations what we seek from each; peace, friendship, cooperation and love in our humanity.

"Today, we reiterate these sentiments as we proudly accept this stone of peace and join you in spreading throughout the world your important message of preserving peace," concluded the President.

The "peace stone" is currently in the President's office awaiting a display area most effective for its purpose.