Ahmadinejad: Nowruz can promote world peace, justice

With the Persian New Year of Nowruz becoming a UN-recognized international event, Iran’s President says world nations should use the joyous occasion to strengthen their bonds.

Speaking at the first International Nowruz Celebration in the Iranian capital of Tehran, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad urged the international community to work harder towards establishing stronger unity and closer ties.

President Ahmadinejad also called for joint efforts to further acquaint the world about the meaningful holiday, adding that it could significantly promote global peace and justice.

“Observing Nowruz will not only promote cultural values, but it will also help nations establish relations based on friendship, peace, justice and respect,” he emphasized.

The Iranian President made the comments in the presence of his counterparts from Iraq, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan, who have joined the Turkish Prime Minister and the Azeri Foreign Minister in celebrating the New Year festivities in Tehran.

Nowruz, meaning “a new day,” is an ancient Iranian tradition that has been celebrated around the globe for nearly three millenniums. It honors the first day of spring as a new year and a brand new beginning on a merry, peaceful note. It is celebrated on the day of the vernal equinox, which normally lands on March 21.

The UN General Assembly recognized March 21st as the International Day of Nowruz earlier in February, calling on world countries to draw on the holiday’s rich history to promote peace and goodwill.