A Press Review of Senate Speaker Crin Antonescu’s speech at the “Multiculturalism: Tolerance, Dialogue and Solidarity” debate in Bucharest, Romania

Romania is an example of openness and tolerance towards other people, Senate Speaker Crin Antonescu told the debate on “Multiculturalism: Tolerance, Dialogue and Solidarity” organized by the Upper House of Parliament.

“I think that Romania offers an example of openness and tolerance and this is part of our historical legacy. We have always known how to get close to other people, be tolerant, broad-minded, and the blending, confrontation, encounter of civilizations in our historical space, the intersection of major trade routes, the contact of civilization, the exchange of ideas and values all worked in favor of this attitude,” said Antonescu.

The Senate Speaker said that as far as the observance of the rights of minorities is concerned, Romania has an extremely open legislation. In this context, he said that Romania can make a special contribution to carrying out the objectives of the Alliance of Civilizations.

The Senate Speaker stressed that tolerance, however, is not enough.

“I think it takes more than that. It takes more than just being tolerant of the other, one needs to be tolerant, appreciate and understand the other’s share of value in this world. I therefore believe that tolerance is just a premise and that steps forward can be made towards true knowledge, appreciation and communication,” said Antonescu.

Also attending the debate on “Multiculturalism: Tolerance, Dialogue and Solidarity” were the UN High Representative for the Alliance of Civilizations Nassir Abdulaziz Al- Nasser, Minister-delegate for Romanians everywhere Cristian David, and former President Emil Constantinescu.