Buddhist monk U Wirathu and Muslim representative of the Peace and Friendship Network, Diamond Shwe Kyi met on September 10 to discuss interfaith friendship, unity and peace between followers of Buddhism and Islam.
The meeting held in Kaythya Yama Monastery in 13rd Quarter, East Dagon, was their third interfaith meeting. U Wirathu belongs to one of the monasteries in the New Masoeyein Monastery compound in Mandalay and Diamond Shwe Kyi owns a diamond shop in Yangon.
U Wirathu told Mizzima before the meeting, “In the first meeting, we discussed building friendship; in the second we talked about difficulties we faced and agreed to continue to cooperate with one another and promote peace. In our third meeting, we will discuss broader topics. Our discussion will focus on prevention of communal violence.”
Diamond Shwe Kyi said in the meeting that, they would give their suggestions to prevent communal violence in Myanmar. They would also inquire Wirathu about ‘969’-related sermons that he preached.
“We will also highlight the history of Myanmar Muslims. Our main ambition is to establish peace. We will not use violence. We will not fight or argue,” said Diamond Shwe Kyi.
He also said that they have received threats against their meeting.
“Muslims made threats to me. They want to know why I am meeting U Wirathu. Islamic extremists have threatened our network,” said Diamond Shwe Kyi.
U Wirathu and Diamond Shwe Kyi had their first and second meeting on June 5 and June 21 respectively.
