Peace and economic prosperity must prevail in today's world to stave off the threats of war and armed conflicts, Prime Minister Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa said in a message marking International Day of Peace.

He called on all countries to refrain from using force and settle issues peacefully.

The Premier stressed the need for the international community to unite to spread peace and put an end to all sources of strife and tension in the world, on the basis of commitment to international law, respect for legitimacy and values of justice.

'Peace can never be achieved through an arms race or military supremacy but by boosting development programmes. Bahrain's celebrations to mark this special event denote the sensible policy we have adopted under the wise leadership of His Majesty King Hamad, a policy appealing for peace, dialogue and mutual respect between nations and people.'

'Bahrain's call for international peace is based on Islamic values that advocate peace within the framework of justice, compassion and equality,' the Premier said.

In order to achieve and be able to safeguard peace, countries must try to stop weapons of mass destruction and arms race and direct all their efforts towards human and economic development as well as eradication of poverty and starvation, Shaikh Khalifa reiterated.

The international community must play a crucial role in promoting the culture of peace through organised awareness and mobilisation programmes. The UN must not spare any efforts to enhance its capabilities to maintain peace and assume its responsibilities with high efficiency in this regard, the Premier said.

Shaikh Khalifa stressed the need to reach comprehensive peace in the Middle East as part of global peace. This requires, in the first place, a just settlement of the Palestinian crisis in compliance with the resolutions of international legitimacy.

The Information Ministry today holds a reception at Bahrain National Museum to mark the day. It is organised by the ministry's Press and foreign media department in co-operation with the UN Media Centre and will be held under the patronage of minister Jihad Bukamal.-TradeArabia News Service