Plaid Cymru MEP Jill Evans is the guest speaker at today's (Wednesday 20 September 2006) inaugural National Peace Mala Youth awards ceremony at the Temple of Peace in Cardiff. The ceremony recognises the work of young people in schools and other places of learning to promote peace, tolerance and understanding.

Speaking before the ceremony, Mrs Evans said:

"It's good to see such a positive and innovative way of encouraging young people to think about promoting peace, tolerance and understanding. I'm delighted to take part in this first national awards ceremony of its kind and I commend the organisers for their hard work to putting this together.

"My congratulations go to the young people across Wales who take part in this initiative. In a world where we see scenes of violence and suffering daily on our TV screens, it offers hope for the future to know that so many young people are actively supporting the principles of tolerance and respect for diversity."

The inaugural Peace Mala Awards for Youth takes place on Wednesday 20 September at 1.30pm at the Temple of Peace in Cardiff. More information on the organisation and the awards ceremony at www.peacemala.org.uk.

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