November 23 – Five-time world champions Brazil would be prepared to play an exhibition match against a joint Palestine-Israel team to help the peace process in the Middle East, the South American country’s President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said today.
Lula said: ”I’ve had a dream for the past three years, to organise a peace game in a neutral stadium, of a mixed team, Israel and Palestinians, against the Brazilian national team.
“This would be an extraordinary achievement for Brazil and, above all, a very important sign for peace.”
Brazil is seeking a broader role in the Middle East as part of the country’s push for a permanent seat in the United Nations Security Council.
Lula this month hosted Israeli President Shimon Peres and Palestinian Authority Mahmoud Abbas.
He said: ”There is willingness on their parts to form a half-and-half side.”
The match would be held in March 2010 in neutral territory during a visit by Lula to the Middle East.
A similar match was played by the traditional rivals against a Spanish team in 2006.
Earlier this month, Peres was presented with a signed jersey by Ronaldo during a visit to Brazil.
Ronaldo said that he is ready to go once more to the region of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict to contribute to peace process.
He said: ”For me, it is an honour.
“I have been to both sides to convey a message of peace, and I will make another visit.”
Related stories
November 2009: Israeli Government warn Palestine new stadium could be demolished
