The conference appointed Ashok Vajpeyi from India to further elaborate the theme and to collect additional comments from the participants.

However, not all of those invited could participate. The Indonesian playwright Ratna Sarumparet was recently jailed for her participation in a pro-democracy manifestation. The conference demanded her immediate release. The situation in Indonesia is alarming, but the pro-democracy movement is gaining force.

Another case of concern is the situation for the Turkish poet Can Yuel.

Federico Mayor arriving

At lunchtime, Federico Mayor, Director General of UNESCO arrived. His speech highlighted the freedom of speech and the role of artist. A resume of what he said could be found here.

However, though the participants agreed on much of what he said, it is not so easy to create an atmosphere of dialogue as was demonstrated in the intermission by the Palestinian playwright George Ibrahim.

On the whole the participants were very pleased with Federico Mayor.

The principal theme of the first day was the role of culture in areas of conflict. Several papers have been written on this subject.

Among those making speeches based on their papers where Sture Sjölander (Sweden/Australia) and Olessia Turkina (Russia).

To be continued...