LOS ANGELES: Peace reigns at least at the Miss Universe 2006 contest, where beauties Miss Lebanon and Miss Israel are the “best of friends” despite the bloody fighting between the two countries back home, their companions said.

Gabrielle Bou Rached of Lebanon and Israel’s Anastacia Entin have struck up a friendship. “I think the perpetrators of the current Middle East crisis could learn a few lessons from Miss Lebanon and Miss Israel, who are the best of friends here,” said Miss Germany Natalia Ackerman.

Some contestants said that the two Middle Eastern beauties’ friendship set an example for the world. “The fact that Miss Lebanon and Miss Israel can be friends ... people can see it sets a wonderful example,” said Miss Canada, Alice Panikian. “Something similar happens between Miss Greece and Miss Turkey, whose countries also do not get along,” she pointed out. “They are so lovely, and they don’t have any problem,” said one of the early favourites for the Miss Universe crown, Miss Australia Erin McNaught.

Miss Universe pageant is to be held on July 23 in Los Angeles.