Kathmandu, April 5:

Today, a nine-member team of mountaineers from seven different countries including Palestine, Israel and Nepal, announced its plan to scale Everest to spread the message of world peace.

The multi-religious group consisting of Buddhists, Christians, Hindus, Muslims and Jews will scale the 8848-metre high peak under the umbrella of Everest Peace Project.

“We are organising a history-making Everest climb to spread the message of peace in the world. And Nepal needs peace as much as any other country,” said Jamie McGuinness, an atheist and the climbing director from New Zealand. The team intends to send a message of peace, teamwork and cultural understanding from the top of the world.

“Our message is clear: That in a climate of peace, all cultural, religious and political barriers

can be broken and that through friendship and teamwork, even the tallest mountain poses no obstacle,” said Lance Trumbull, the team leader.

The peace team will gather at the summit of Mount Everest and fly the United Nation’s flag. The team will attempt to scale the mountain from the Tibetan side.

“Heroic stories and images motivate people. Our Everest ascent for the cause of peace will provide the world with inspirational stories, images and videos that portray courage, friendship and teamwork,” Trumbull said.

The Everest Peace Project will also make a documentary film tentatively titled “A Climb for Peace.” Panasonic is a major sponsor of the project.

Asked about the response to the project in Palestine and Israel, Ali Bushnag of Palestine said: “This kind of project has never been attempted before. All my friends and family members have been supportive but around 50 per cent of people I met were still against it.”

“Some people were cynical but, by and large, the response has been good back home,” said Micha Yaniv and David Dudu of Israel.

Other members of the team include Namgyal Sherpa from Nepal, Gautam Patil from India, Tonya Riggs from the United States and Selebelo Selamolela from South Africa.

Brad Clement, a high altitude cameraman from USA, is also accompanying the team.