” “Making European citizens aware of the wealth and cultural diversity of Europe, creating a climate which enables them to enjoy the vast mosaic of European cultures, helping strengthen a shared feeling of a common European identity, fighting racism and xenophobia, and promoting more tolerance in Europe and across the national borders. These are the goals of the 16th European Heritage Days, which will end in Belgrade tomorrow. The theme, "The cultural heritage, a cornerstone of the building of Europe" according to Terry davis, secretary general of the Council of Europe, and Jan Figel’, member of the European Commission, the bodies which promoted the initiative "aims at driving people to learn more about and understand our history and our culture, which are full of diverse expressions that are reflected on the life of our Continent. These Days are an effective way to develop and promote understanding, respect, love and care for our common cultural heritage”. The 49 states that signed the Cultural Convention of the Council of Europe play a proactive part in this initiative, and it has been estimated that about 20 million people visit the over 30,000 places and monuments concerned.” “
