

Minhaj Reconciliation Council, a sub-branch of Minhaj-ul-Quran International
(Greece), has started functioning regularly. "Peace Conference" was held in October
2009 to formally inaugurate the Council, which was attended by a large number of
people, representatives of different social, religious and political organizations
of Greece. Ijaz Ahmad Warriach, president of Minhaj Reconciliation Council (Europe)
was the chief guest on the occasion. In his speech he threw light on the nature
of activities being performed under MRC across Europe especially in Norway. An executive
body was also elected comprising Sayyid Jamil Shah as patron, Ghulam Murtaza Qadri
as president and Rana Muhammad Waqar as Secretary.

Within the span of two months since its inception, MRC Greece hosted a Christmas
ceremony on December 13, 2009. It is the first occasion in the history of Greece
that a Muslim organization organized a Christmas ceremony. The Greek community applauded
this step very much terming it a 'positive indication' for the mutual relationship
between both communities. Local media gave the event an extensive coverage. The
major highlight of the programme was the presence of Mayor of Ranti as the chief
guest.

The formal proceedings got underway with recitation from the Holy Quran by Allama
Hafiz Muhammad Nawaz followed by Naat, which was recited by Baqir Chughtai along
with his friends. Special excerpts about the life of Jesus Christ in the Greek language
were also read out.

Addressing the ceremony Oconopos, ex-football player, appreciated the work of
Minhaj Reconciliation Council. President of AB Zois threw light on the welfare activities,
whereas president of Human Action appreciated the notion of bringing religions together
through greater understanding and harmony.

Sayyid Jamil Shah, representative of Minhaj Reconciliation Council, said in his
speech that the Pakistani community living in Greece regarded it their second home
and were contributing to the best of their capability to its development and progress.
He said there was a need to highlight the real teachings of our great religions
in order to foster the feelings of mutual brotherhood.

Mayor of Renti, who was the chief guest, said that it had been his utmost efforts
to give maximum facilities to the expatriates. He said that the Pakistani community
cooperated fully in his endeavours for development. He also appreciated the launching
of Minhaj Reconciliation hoping that the forum would play its due role in resolving
conflicts in the community. He assured his full cooperation in that regard.
Ijaz-ul-Haq conducted the proceedings of the programme. Ghulam Murtaza, president
of MRC, delivered concluding remarks and thanked guests.
