Published Monday, 17 October 2011
The aim of the one-day meeting, in the northern city of San Sebastián on Monday, was to encourage the Basque separatist grouping ETA to give up its arms for good.
In a joint statement, read by Mr Ahern, the delegates said: "We know from our own experience that it is never easy to end violence and conflict and secure lasting peace.
"It requires courage, willingness to take risks, profound commitment, generosity and statesmanship.
"Peace comes when the power of reconciliation outweighs the habits of hate, when the possibility of the present and future is infinitely greater than the bitterness of the past."
ETA - which is classified as a terrorist organisation by Spain, the European Union and the United States - declared a permanent ceasefire in January of this year, but previous similar declarations have been broken by violence.
The Spanish Government was not officially represented at Monday's conference.
The ruling Socialist Party and leading opposition People's Party refuse to enter talks on the subject unless ETA disarms.
ETA has been seeking independence for the Basque country for decades and has been responsible for the deaths of over 800 people in bomb and gun attacks.
It was not represented at the conference either and has yet to respond, although delegates are hopeful of a positive outcome in the search for peace.
Gerry Adams said a "step-change" in the situation was possible following the event.