20.6.2011

ADDRESS OF MR MEVLÜT ÇAVUŞOĞLU,

PRESIDENT OF THE PARLIAMENTARY ASSEMBLY,

ON THE OCCASION OF THE INAUGURATIONOF THE UKRAINIAN EXHIBITION

(Strasbourg, Monday 20 June 2011, 5 pm, Lobby of the Hemicycle)

Dear Minister,

Colleagues, ladies and gentlemen,

I am very much honoured to inaugurate this magnificent exhibition organised within the framework of the Ukrainian Chairmanship.

The paintings you have kindly offered to share with us represent the history of the mankind. They speak about the fundamental values on which our civilisation is based: peace, love, equality of all human beings, irrespective of differences, as well as tolerance and respect for each other’s dignity. As you know, these are the values which our Organisation stands for.

Dear friends,

As many of you know, I visited Ukraine many times as a member of the Assembly, in my current capacity as President of the Assembly, but also before. I have a lot of friends in Ukraine and I think I can say, in all modesty, that I know this country and its people very well.

Therefore, I am very proud today with the fact that Ukraine is organising such a beautiful exhibition devoted to our history and fundamental values. For me, the Ukrainian society represents a vibrant patchwork of various ethnic and geographic traditions, religious and cultural influences, and linguistic roots. What keeps it all together is tolerance, respect for diversity and a strong desire to preserve and cherish the cultural and historic heritage of previous generations. Ukraine fully shares our fundamental values and gives us a very good example of diversity based on tolerance and respect.

And now, let me thank, once again, our Ukrainian colleagues for sharing these beautiful pieces of art with us during these couple of days. And, of course, let us all enjoy this exhibition!

Thank you very much for your attention.