Snegur: Protection Of Cultural And Linguistic Diversity In United Europe Should Be Considered A Target

ISTANBUL - Former President Mircea Snegur of Moldova said on Saturday, ''protection of cultural and linguistic diversity in united Europe should be considered a target.''
Speaking at the Fourth International Conference of the Balkans Political Club at Istanbul's Ceylan Inter-continental Hotel, Snegur stressed, ''civilizations determine identity of nations not ethnic backgrounds. In today's world, nations should cooperate with each other on the path leading to civilization instead of ethnic clashes. The Balkans should change its direction towards united Europe. Protection of cultural and linguistic diversity in united Europe should be considered a target.''
Describing ethnic and cultural diversity as richness of countries, Snegur said that this richness could make a significant contribution to prosperity of countries.
Meanwhile, former President Kiro Gligorov of Macedonia said, ''ethnic and cultural diversities in the Balkans caused clashes throughout the 20th century. In fact, ethnic and cultural diversity are richness of countries. In the 21st century, we should use cultural diversity for prosperity of our countries.''
Mayor Dora Bakoyanni of Greek capital Athens pointed out that countries should live in prosperity and cooperation in the 21st century.
She said that they should leave diversities in countries and come together.
Highlighting importance of cultural cooperation and cultural exchange in order to reach a common future, Bakoyanni said that culture and education were the most important factors in relations between neighboring countries.
Bakoyanni stressed that cultural cooperation among cities and municipalities in the Balkans should be increased.
The conference will end on Sunday.
(UK-MS) 31.05.2003