BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA: Nearly 7,000 couples kiss for ten seconds in Bosnian town of Tuzla to set world record for number of people kissing simultaneously

Thousands of couples and their supporters gathered at the main square in Bosnian town of Tuzla on Saturday (September 1) to set a new world record for the largest number of people kissing simultaneously. With a total of 6,980 registered couples, Bosnia overtook Hungary which in June this year claimed a Guinness world record with 6,124 couples. For many of those who came to the square last night the event was much more than just setting a new world record. "This is the only way for all those who gathered here to say in one word, by one kiss that we love this town," said a woman from Tuzla. "I love love and love people, and that's all I can say. My message would be that we should all take part in this in order to set a new record and to show to world that we know to kiss and to live as normal and civilised people," said a Tuzla resident. For many years only news coming out of Bosnia were related to the 1992-95 bloody war and a painfully slow post-war recovery. "There are so many bad things happening nowadays and we gathered to show the world that there is some beauty, love and peace among young people, and not only them but among older population as well," said a young man. "We came here to show that Tuzla is a town of love. It is love that gives life and not hatred or fighting. Youth always wins," said a man while his wife added: "More kisses in life makes one healthier and happier." Prior to the mass kissing, ten couples were married at the square by the Mayor of Tuzla. The organisers will announce official results on Monday (September 3) and expect the Guinness World Records body to officially certify them soon. "We have come here to send all together this kiss to the world, to show that Bosnia and Herzegovina is a champion and that here live the best people in the world and this kiss was sent to everyone," said Zlatko Berbic, one of the organisers of the event.

ITN Source | September 2, 2007

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