The performance of Shiamak Davar Dance Company opened late Tuesday the Sahara Balkan Peace Festival at Skopje square "Macedonia", organized on the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi and the International Day of Non-Violence.

The festival is an initiative for promotion of peace, held annually in a different Balkan country.

"Peace is a value that progressive forces of mankind have always aspired to. Balance and harmony are its main traits, which represent the generator of development and well-being of society, as well as prerequisite for the happiness of each individual", said Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski at the festival opening.

According to him, Macedonia has gone through many temptations in its history and the country knows how valuable peace is.

"This is maybe the reason why our people have always demonstrated peacefulness and restraint, because we had continually been in a state filled with conflicts and violence in the past. That is why we know how to cherish peace. We can and we have to be the champions of peace through all possible ways and diverse social campaigns", added Gruevski.

Sahara Group owner Subrata Roy said the peace initiative was launched in Macedonia, because it is a country of love, tolerance and understanding.

"I have had this idea for a long time, but I was searching a city, a country full of love and understanding, a country free of corruption, and I found this in Macedonia", said Roy.

A charity peace summit will be held on Wednesday, including about fifty world leaders, former presidents, PMs, ministers, ambassadors, Hollywood stars. Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair is set to address the forum.

The festival is sponsored by the Sahara Group, under the Government's auspices.