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First Meeting for an Assembly of the Cultures of Europe |
European Parliament - Friday, 21 November 1997
"How can the European Union respect and promote the diversity of its cultures?"
At the Meeting 120 people were present: Representatives of the European Union, European Parliament, European Commission, Council of Europe, UNESCO, Foundations dealing with cultural and voiceless groups, diplomats and experts. Among the participants were furthermore members of cultural and minority groups.
The creation of ACE was firmly supported by numerous Head of States, Ministers, and representatives of international organisations. Those who could not attend for time schedules, sent statements of support. Amongst them:
- Mr. Kofi A. Annan, UN Secretary General
- Mr. José Maria Aznar, Spanish President
- Mr. Willer Bordon, Italian Minister of Culture
- Mr. Jacques Chirac, French President
- Mr. Flavio Cotti, Swiss Minister of Foreign Affairs
- Mr. Jean-Luc Dehaene, Belgian Prime Minister
- Mr. Sile De Valera, Irish Minister of Arts
- Mr. José Maria Gil-Robles, European Parliament President
- Mr. Klaus Kinkel,
- Mr. Helmut Schmidt, Bubdeskanzler a.d.
- Mr. Gaston Thorn, RTL President
Lord Menuhin gave the conclusion to the first meeting:
"Culture means any group who shares traditions and the same destiny. Cultures are like the seeds of a tree.
The Working paper mentioned a Spokesperson, appointed by each cultural group, who will represent that group within the Assembly. The Assembly does not want to speak on behalf of Cultural Groups, they have to speak themselves. The Assembly will help them to fulfil their expectations and their responsibilities".
Lord Menuhin then asked two questions to all the participants:
1. Do you think that Cultures need a right to the representation in Brussels?
2. Do you believe that the European Union should become "Guardian of the Cultures of Europe"?
All the participants by raising their hands approved the two questions. Lord Menuhin confirmed: "You have voted for the Assembly of Cultures in Europe".
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