Two Belgian government members, together with representatives of the
Kosovan and Albanian embassies, were present in the inauguration of the
first “Vatra” branch in Brussels, created by the Albabel Association,
which focuses on teaching Albanian to Albanian children.
“You should be proud of your roots”, was the message of the Belgian Deputy Prime Minister, Laurette Onkelinx.
For Ambassador Ilir Tepelena, this novelty shows that there is an organized, integrated and dynamic community that cultivates the traditions and cultural heritage, which is open to share them with the other communities, by guaranteeing moral support of the Albanian state for these initiatives.
The Belgian states aims to create more space with these funds for Albanians to discuss and present projects about their culture.
“We welcome subventions from the Belgian state, because now we are a community made of 60.000 people, and one third of the community is concentrate din Brussels. We want to promote our culture as everyone else”, declared Ahmet Gjanaj, president of the Albabel.
“This community has been here for a long time, but we haven’t opened our arms enough for this culture to be heard. I am thrilled that today there is a center for culture and cultural exchange”, Onkelinx declared.
Top Channel: As Deputy Prime Minister, what will Belgium’s stance be about the candidate status, a decision that is expected to be taken this December?
Laurette Onkelinx: For the PS, it is simple, because we are in favor of the enlargement. We want Europe to expand with all countries that want membership and try to respect the European norms.
The Federal Government of Belgium is a coalition between six political parties, thanks to an agreement reached 589 days after the elections 2010, marking a new world record.
Prepared by: ARTA TOZAJ
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