ROMA (ITALPRESS) – “The presidium of pluralism, the cornerstone of democracy that does not claim to assimilate differences but knows how to recognize them and value them, is an indispensable part of the founding principles of Europe”. Thus the president of the Republic, Sergio Mattarella, meeting at the Quirinale a delegation of mayors of the municipalities in whose territories are present arbereshe communities, together with the Albanian president Bajram Begaj. “Dear mayors, you play an essential role in this work of animation and memory renewal. The municipalities – he added the head of the state – are often places where a tradition is manifested concretely: in school, in cultural events, in popular festivals, in music, in costumes, in artistic expressions and in the daily transmission of the language. It is important that young people can recognize themselves in this inheritance and live it as a resource for their future.”.
“Italy will always consider incomplete, mutilated the European Union until they are part of it – I hope very much – Albania and other candidate countries. It is a perspective that invests the future of the peoples of the Western Balkans, for which European integration represents a secure project of peace, freedom and progress.”.
“I am particularly pleased to welcome you, together with my friend, President Bajram Begaj, who I thank for the precious personal friendship that binds us and for his generous words towards me. President Begaj and I – who constantly record a full convergence of opinions – attach great importance to this meeting with you. It allows us to renew and bear witness to the ancient bond of vellamja, of ‘brotherhood’, which unites our countries and our peoples.” The experience of this historic amalgam gives the arbereshe communities a meaning that exceeds the boundaries of their respective territories, representing a natural bridge between Italy and Albania. United countries, as well as from history, from common choices to membership of the Atlantic Alliance and from the ongoing accession process, by Tirana, to the European Union, which the Italian Republic supports with firm determination”, added the head of the state.
– Photo Ipa Agency –
(ITALPRESS).
