Second alliance of civilizations forum begins in Istanbul

YAYINLAMA
GÜNCELLEME

The Second Forum of the Alliance of Civilizations began in Istanbul's Ciragan Palace yesterday with the attendance of heads of state and government and other top officials from 81 countries, high-level representatives of international organizations, religious leaders, scholars and many guests. Speaking at the opening of the forum, Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who shares the alliance's co-chairmanship with his Spanish counterpart Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero, said the initiative is a rejoinder to those who argue a clash of civilizations is inevitable. Stating that Turkey and Spain began the initiative in the belief that dialogue is possible, Erdogan said, "We sincerely believe that the Christian, Muslim and Jewish peoples, and the East and the West, can understand and tolerate each other. Prejudices in a globalizing world can only be dangerous." Erdogan said that intolerance causes conflicts and separation, adding that it is necessary to enhance tolerance and strengthen dialogue, understanding and solidarity. Stressing that terrorism is an international problem, Erdogan said, "Those who see terror as other nations' problem may suffer from terror themselves. Thus, starting today, it is necessary to build a strong culture of solidarity." He said the Alliance of Civilizations, which became a UN initiative in 2005, is now creating concrete solutions and projects to improve dialogue and cooperation among different civilizations from all over the world. Erdogan concluded his speech by quoting famous Turkish mystic poet Mevlana Rumi: "Come, come whatever you are, it doesn't matter. Come, our convent is not a place of despair. Come, even if you violated your oath a hundred times, come again." Also speaking at the opening of the forum, Zapatero said that if people work together they can create a different 21st century to live in. "Thanks to the Alliance of Civilizations initiative, which aims to promote dialogue and cooperation among different civilizations and to strengthen mutual respect, tolerance and religious and cultural diversity, this century could be a century of peace, coexistence and tolerance," Zapatero said. "It is important for all beliefs and religions to live in an atmosphere of tolerance. The key word here is tolerance." In related news, President Abdullah Gul last night hosted a dinner in honor of the participating heads of state and government at Istanbul's Dolmabahce Palace. Speaking at the dinner, Gul said that Turkey will continue its determined efforts to ensure the peaceful coexistence of different civilizations by improving dialogue and cooperation among them. It is high time to focus on commonalities, not differences, Gul said, calling on the international community to step up efforts to enhance dialogue, diversity, basic human rights and gender equality all over the world. Gul later hosted a reception for the leaders. US President Barack Obama, who proceeded to Istanbul yesterday after completing his talks in Ankara, attended this reception as well.