Yesterday evening at the end of the Baku conference (Azerbaijan) on "intercultural dialogue as a basis for peace and sustainable development in Europe and its neighbouring regions," the ministers of culture from European countries and neighbouring regions adopted a final declaration to promote this dialogue. The text recalls the perspectives highlighted in the meeting promoted by the Council of Europe as we are approaching the end of 2008, the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue, and underlines "the power and potential of culture for intercultural dialogue, peace and sustainable development." "The objective is to encourage dialogue between ‘real people’ about real problems in real life and move from dialogue about dialogue to dialogue," said CoE Secretary General Terry Davis. For Azerbaijani Minister of Culture and Tourism Abulfaz Qarayev, "the declaration can constitute a solid basis to launch practical activities in Europe and neighbouring regions for the settlement of existing problems and conflicts and the promotion of mutual respect." The final declaration also spells the agreements on strengthening the co-operation process launched in the framework of the white Paper approved last May and develops further practical initiatives on the matter. ” ” ” “
