Demirel: Solution Of Crisis In The Balkans Depends On Settlement Of Cultures Of Tolerance And Compromise Besides Mentality Of Living Together

ISTANBUL - Former President Suleyman Demirel said on Saturday, ''we want peace and cooperation in the Balkans. Solution of the crisis in the Balkans depends on settlement of culture of tolerance and compromise besides mentality of co-existence.''
Speaking at the Fourth International Conference of the Balkans Political Club at Istanbul's Ceylan Inter-continental Hotel, Demirel said, ''the Balkans played an important role in formation of western civilization.''
''The Balkans experienced division, turmoil, war, bloodshed and migration in its past. All these different problems have continued in the region so far. Solution of the crisis in the Balkans depends on settlement of culture of tolerance and compromise besides mentality of co-existence. Purification of historical events from prejudices, perception of multi-cultural social structure as a cultural richness and prevention of all kinds of discrimination will make an important contribution to settlement of peace, stability and security. It will be beneficial to perceive common culture and historical inheritance as source of friendship and peace, not as enmity,'' he said.
Noting that some negative expressions took place in history and geography books in the Balkan countries, Demirel said, ''this does not serve culture of living together among ethnic communities in these multi-ethnical and multi-cultural countries.''
''Politicians have important roles in use of common culture and historical inheritance in the Balkans in line with peaceful purposes. Friendly relations among Balkan nations will make a significant contribution to this end,'' he added.
(UK-MS) 31.05.2003