Kochi: Described as the 'mobile peace village', 'Peace Boat,' carrying nearly 800 passengers from Japan and conflict areas arrived in Kochi on June 30, to foster understanding and tolerance among peoples of the world, particularly in the post September 11 scenario and the Iraq war.

Ryan, from the US, who lost his 27-year-old brother in the September 11 attack at Pentagon, said the war on terrorism, carried on in the name of September 11 attacks, "is not practical and will only make people suffer more. People from all over the world must stand up together against the US government to stop this madness."

Many thousands of innocent people had been killed in Iraq. "This is the last thing I want to happen and I do not want any others to undergo the pain my family has undergone," Ryan said, remembering his brother who left two small children.

Jasmina Opardija from Bosnia said she was happy to be part of the peace voyage as she had been able to exchange views with people from other conflict areas. All the conflicts were similar with children being the worst hit, she said.

This is the 43rd voyage of the Peace Boat, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary. This special voyage of 92 days passes through Panama and Suez canals and calls in at 20 countries, Paul Mason, press spokesman of the Peace Boat, told reporters on board the vessel.

PTI