"We need to promote fruitful dialogue in a spirit of respect", said Vito Bonsignore MEP, Vice-Chairman of the EPP-ED Group in the European Parliament, as he opened the Annual EPP-ED group Presidential dinner of the Ambassadors of member countries of the Organisation of Islamic Conference held at the European Parliament in Brussels on 3 December. "It is only by working together that we can put an end to suffering, marginalisation, international tension and wars", declared Mr Bonsignore while highlighting two chief sources of today's intercultural tensions, namely; the Middle East crises and international terrorism. "Globalisation will further highlight the diversities between cultures. If we want globalisation to enhance civilisations worldwide; civilisations based on peace, tolerance and prosperity and away from tensions between different cultures, we must learn to guide globalisation and not leave it to the invisible hand of economics and market forces. We must make sure that our people create a new international order based on fundamental human rights and respect for mankind", continued the Vice-Chairman of the EPP-ED Group.Several Ambassadors urged the European Parliament to listen to their views before adopting Resolutions concerning their countries. Others spoke at length about the human tragedy in the Palestinian territories and all of them thanked Mr Bonsignore for this initiative. Mr Bonsignore expressed his deep satisfaction at seeing so much desire from the Ambassadors to engage in dialogue and suggested meeting them again before his next visit to the Arab States.
For further information:Vito Bonsignore MEP, Tel: +32-2-2845382David Stellini, EPP-ED Group Press Service, Tel: +32-473-541926
Note to Editors:Mr Vito Bonsignore is a Vice-Chairman of the EPP-ED Group and the head of the EPP-ED working group on Islam. This working group convenes every month and provides for a forum of discussion and understanding between the ambassadors of Islamic countries, representatives of Muslim communities settled in Europe and members of the European Parliament.The EPP-ED Group is the largest political group in the European Parliament with 288 Members from all 27 Member States.
