Altogether 18 participants of the World March for Peace and Nonviolence met in Vieste, Southern Italy, to receive all of the information necessary for the challenge which awaits them for three months around the world. The members of the team committed themselves to exhibit flexibility, tolerance, humility, and an open heart in order to incarnate the spirit of this initiative.

PressenzaVieste, 2009-08-15Surrounded by the majority of the European representatives of the World March, Rafael de la Rubia, the spokesperson of the international event, presented all of the necessary information to ensure smooth sailing for their mission.

He explained that the team of walkers will be made up of two groups, the first consisting of participants performing a precise function (doctors, journalists, IT specialists, coordinators, etc.), and the second consisting of official spokespersons responsible for informing the press and cooperating with the authorities and other interlocutors met on the route.

Over the course of the 90 day project, more than a hundred individuals will ‘pass the torch’, thereby insuring a core group of circa 30 marchers.

He reminded the group of how important it is that all citizens on the planet endorse the World March, since it is a project for - and of - each of us.

De la Rubia also insisted on the values and ethical behavior which every member has to uphold during this journey, particularly that of respecting the customs of each country they pass through, and of prioritizing the collective mission first and foremost (instead of the participants’ personal interests).

Each participant will be asked to sign a declaration of principles committing him/herself to respect the laws, customs, and peoples encountered en route.

The spokesperson of the March also invited the members of the basic team to exhibit flexibility, tolerance, humility, and an open heart in order to incarnate the spirit of this initiative.

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