A special event of the European Popular Parties at the European
Parliament this week wer the case of Albania for “inter-religious
dialogue as an instrument to resolve conflict and reconciliation”. Under
the special care of Deputy President Antonio Tajani, representatives of
various religious leaders gathered to continue the international
meeting of Tirana “Pray for Peace”, organized this September bty the
Sant-Egidios community.
Antonio Tajani, Deputy President of the European Parliament: Albania has the chance t represent a real model of inter-religious dialogue for the entire European Union, because Christians, Muslims and Hebrews live without any problem in your country. The Catholic Church in your capital city is very close to an ancient mosque, which shows how people can live in peace by practicing different religious beliefs. We ask Albania various things for the EU, but this model is something that Albania can teach to the EU”.
“Religious tolerance is an Albanian reality that needs to be exported to Europe and the USA”, said MP Eduard Selami, the only MP of the Democratic Party who spoke on behalf of “Konrad Adenauer” foundation, reminding with pride the presence of Albania in the Paris homage parade. Together with him was the Socialist Mayor of Tirana, Erion Veliaj.
Erion Veliaj, Mayor of Tirana: Albania may be the only country that creates conflicts for anything else besides religion. This is a powerful message and I am happy that I am among the right wing MPs of the EU, although I am a Socialist Party Mayor. This may show that we can work on many good things if we have good will, and we can advance with the righteous causes. I am happy that this is a good promotion for Albania and Tirana, and among the other criteria, we will also be voted for this asset that we bring to the world”.
Ali Zaimi, vice leader of the Muslim Community in Albania: “We are Europeans. The special asset of Albania is that the co-existence culture comes from families, first of all, and then from friends and society. As Albanians and as Muslims, we have shown to the world the values of co-existence and love for each other in the darkest moments of the human history. Not only the Albanian Muslims, but Catholics and Orthodox too, welcomed the Jewish people during their biggest persecution.
Similar messages were given from the vice leader of the Jewish Community in Albania and the General Secretary of Religions at the Sant-Egidios community, who spoke on behalf of the Albanian Catholics, who were absent due to the death of the Albanian Catholic Leader only recently.
Prepared by: Arta TOZAJ
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