Swiss association plans 100-metre "World Peace Monument" in Israel

A tract of 15,000 square metres of land had been bought on Mt Ora and the foundation stone for the monument had been laid, the "Association for a World Peace Monument" said in Zurich.

Construction of the building, which would rise 100 metres and have a cylindrical shape 40 metres in diameter, was expected to take two years, it said.

The building had been designed by French architect Jean Nouvel and would serve as a meeting place and museum for the three religions, the announcement said.

The project was being financed entirely on a private basis. Donations totalling 4 to 5 billion francs (2.36 to 2.98 billion dollars) were expected from 40 million individuals.

Part of the money would be used to pay for the construction, part would go to the three religions and humanitarian organisations such as the Red Cross, while 2.5 billion francs would go to the Swiss "World Peace Monument Foundation" which would promote "projects for maintaining world peace", it said.

There was no immediate reaction from Israel.

(dpa)