EDIRNE - Final statement was issued on Saturday at the end of the meeting of the Edirne Meeting of Parliamentarians of Balkan Countries' Turkish Communities in European Union (EU) Process held by Thrace Balkan Turks Culture and Solidarity Association.
In the final statement, the participants expressed belief that searches for a solution to regional problems should be made with mutual understanding and compromise and tolerance not by blood, tears, violence, torture, exile or migration.
The statement asked democratic organizations and especially parliaments of all Balkan countries to exert serious efforts to ensure stability and welfare in the Balkans, provide better living conditions, protect and improve human rights, pluralist democracy and rule of law, end problems like racism and xenophobia and environmental pollution.
The parliamentarians decided to often express the view to make political, economic, cultural and social cooperation among Balkan countries in the parliaments.
Working groups including scientists will be formed to reach the above mentioned targets. They will work to erase the statements which provoke enmity from the school books.
Signing of protocols encouraging scientific and cultural works aiming at student and lecturer exchange among the universities will be given importance.
Publication of books regarding historical, cultural, economic and social lives of every country which will increase mutual tolerance through translations will be encouraged.
(BRC-AY) 08.06.2003