Pressenza Pressenza International Press Agency Santiago, 30/12/09 Peasants on horseback, with their ponchos and spurs; half-naked Easter-Islanders dancing to the rhythm of their tambores; people walking on stilts who were waving their scarves from above, eye-catching and noisy batucada dancers, as well as cyclists, young people dressed like all kinds of characters, military personnel and activists for disarmament and peace - all of these people accompanied the arrival of the international team this morning to the La Moneda Palace. The team has visited more than 90 countries during the last three months to raise awareness about the necessity of a new, non-violent culture.

The president, Michelle Bachelet, who was one of the first proponents of the cause, met them with curiosity, and asked the team to describe their achievements to her.

She told the team that a Memory Museum would soon be inaugurated in the capital, before her presidential term is up.

Predicting the best for the final stage of this journey, which will take place in the Cordillera of the Andes, Bachelet went with Rafael de la Rubia, international co-ordinator of the March, to the emblematic balcony of the palace to greet the multitude which had come to the Plaza with its rhythm, balloons, and festive spirit.

(Translation: Meghan Storey)