Kwasniewski at the launch of the ECTR
The European Council on Tolerance and Reconciliation (ECTR) has held its inaugural meeting in Paris, chaired by former Polish president Aleksander Kwasniewski. The ECTR is comprised of former European political leaders each who are renowned for their achievements in promoting tolerance. In Paris, the council set out initiatives to advance concrete political, cultural and educational initiatives promoting tolerance and mutual understanding. Kwasniewski said: "With the experience of many distinguished politicians from various European countries, we believe that we can make a difference. We can’t change the past; however, our job is now to change the future." ECTR co-chairman Moshe Kantor, who is also president of the European Jewish Congress and the World Holocaust Forum, added: "We will carry this fight to the streets of Europe. We want Europe's politicians to work together to fight intolerance. We demand action, not just words."
Among the initiatives promoted by the council is a European Framework Convention on Tolerance, which would serve as a template for introducing anti-racism laws and practices in every European country. "It is better if we do this together, as Europeans, rather than just as citizens of our own countries, or as Christians, Jews and Muslims, each one on their own," members related at the inaugural meeting stressing the need for this unique organization. The ECTR is also calling for the institution of a 'European Day of Tolerance'. The members of the council noted thay had one eye on the past but were optimistic about the future. They declared that the hatred between different nations that dominated European history for so long has practically been overcome. However, it was felt that within European societies, a lot of hatred and intolerance remains.
Referring to the 1938 'Kristallnacht' pogroms in Nazi Germany, Kantor said: "Whoever says that Europe has learnt all the lessons of its darkest hours - 70 years ago - is ignoring what regularly happens on our streets today. Kwasniewski promised: "This will be a long-term project, one that we are dedicated to press with European and national decision-makers across the continent. In November, a special event promoting tolerance will be held in the European Parliament in Brussels. There, we will present concrete proposals."
The new body also determined to honor Spanish king Juan Carlos I with a 'Medal of Tolerance' for his lifetime achievement in fostering mutual respect.
