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The Parliamentary Conference on Interfaith Dialogue, co-organised by the Inter-Parliamentary Union and the Moroccan Parliament, concludes today in Marrakesh, with the participation of a delegation from the House of Representatives, consisting of Mr. Averof Neophytou (leader) and Mr Mario Karoyan.
In his intervention during the general debate on the topic "Parliaments and religious leaders: promoting dialogue, cooperation for our common future", Mr Neophytou said that the promotion of cultural pluralism and peaceful coexistence through interfaith dialogue are the greatest challenges facing the international community. Building strong multicultural societies is an essential parameter for the success of social inclusion policies, the implementation of which requires the promotion of a fruitful dialogue based on mutual understanding and respect.
The challenges facing the whole of humanity today - wars, economic recession, migration, social unrest - require an effective response in order to maintain the prospect of global prosperity and strong, healthy intercultural societies. In this direction, he continued, it is necessary to develop an integrated strategy that strengthens and promotes the parameters that reflect the crucial role of cultural pluralism.
Referring to the example of Cyprus, Mr. Neophytou pointed out that, despite the Turkish invasion and continued occupation of part of the country since 1974, which seriously affected social cohesion, Cypriots managed to preserve diversity between people of different backgrounds, while stressing that religion has never been a problem between the two communities in Cyprus. The Cyprus problem, he noted, is not a problem between Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots, but an international problem of foreign invasion and illegal occupation.
Speaking about the role that national parliaments can play, Neophytou stressed the importance of promoting legislation, policies and actions that will enhance tolerance and mutual understanding and promote cultural pluralism. Finally, he pointed out the vital importance of constructive inter-religious dialogue for achieving peace, development and progress and shaping stronger democracies committed to the rule of law.
(Text as sent by the House of Representatives)
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