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`We need unity in our efforts to fight anti-Semitism`

European Parliament President Martin Schulz said “we need to unite our efforts to fight any manifestation of extreme nationalism, discrimination, xenophobia, anti-Semitism and racism throughout Europe,” in a speech at an award ceremony honouring two Balkan leaders for their work on reconciliation in South-east Europe.

17 October 2012 - Last updated 12:14PM
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Photo: Croatian President Ivo Josipovic (1st ftom L) and former Serbian President Boris Tadic (2nd from L)

“Still today, in parts of Europe, we see the demons of the past raise their ugly heads. This is warning to all of us,” Schulz said.
 
The medal of Tolerance was awarded by the European Council on Tolerance and Reconciliation (ECTR) to Croatian President Ivo Josipovic and former Serbian President Boris Tadic, honouring “extraordinary and creative achievement in the promotion of tolerance.”
 
 
Schultz hailed the two “extraordinary men” and stressed that “there is no better place than the European Parliament to send a clear message that everything must be done to prevent war from ever happening again on our continent.”
 
“We will never forget the atrocities of the bloody war in former Yugoslavia in the early nineties of the past century. We will never forget the tragic consequences of war, families torn apart, children losing their parents and homes destroyed,” he said.
 
“Members of the European Parliament have a special responsibility for reminding the peoples of Europe about these tragic events. The European Union was founded on the commitment that war in Europe must be prevented and that reconciliation of arch-enemies is the best way to ensure peace.”
 
The president of the European Parliament said last Friday's awarding of the Nobel Peace Prize to the European union "is the most salient reminder of the powerful message of reconciliation."
 
"The EU, no doubt, can serve as an inspiration to other regions in the world. The Western Balkans have moved towards joining this family of nations and violence and war is now almost inconceivable."
 
Source: EJPress
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