THE EGYPTIAN GAZETTE

14 October 2003

Prodi stresses importance of inter-cultural dialogue

by Hamed Hassan

President of the EU Commission Romano Prodi yesterday said that the revival of the Bibliotheca Alexandrina was important for spreading knowledge, understanding and cultural dialogue.

At a conference at the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, Prodi spoke of the advantages of cooperation between countries of the European Union (EU) and the countries that desire dialogue and peace, saying that there should be a bridge between Europe and the Middle East.

Prodi expressed hope that the Egyptian-EU Association Agreement would soon be activated, stressing the need for cooperation between countries of the north and the south and for the promotion of human rights, role of women, and developing civil society, because these are the only ways to stage practical dialogue and cultural understanding between the EU and Mediterranean Basin countries.

He stressed the importance of Egypt’s role in bolstering efforts for Middle East peace, especially at this time of escalating violence and terrorism, and lauded Egypt’s contribution of civilisation.

These statements were made at the Conference on Developing Higher Education in Mediterranean Countries.

The high-level advisory committee will present a list of proposals to the EU Commission president during the conference, that aims at renewing cultural dialogue between Mediterranean cultures. The proposal are the result of several months of study and analysis.

Prodi went on to speak of the importance of the international community’s commitment to the roadmap, which he described as vague and not the ideal solution, albeit the only choice that might end the violence and the despair in the region.

He pointed out that the dangers that might follow if the matter was left to the extremist on both sides of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict to ruin what little hope for peace there is left.

Military solutions are not always the best way to resolve disputes between nations, Prodi said, adding that dialogue between the conflicting parties is essential. Prodi condemened the costruction of the Israeli security wall, saying that would not help achieve peace.

Meanwhilw, cultural cooperation between EU and Mediterranean countries must be based on equality among all Mediterranean nations.

In his speech to the conference, Prodi pointed out the importance of the Euro-Mediterranean Society for Cultural Dialogue, which will receive 5 million euros from the EU and another 5 million euros from the Mediterranean countries.