PIANA DEGLI ALBANESI (PALERMO) (ITALPRESS) – “The ability of the Arbèreshè community to preserve such a rich heritage represents a model of inspiration, part of that wealth of diversity, linguistic and cultural, present in Italy, protected by the Constitution itself, precisely as an essential element of a Republic respectful of the multiple identities that constitute it, and by Law 482 of 1999, dedicated to historical linguistic minorities.” Thus the President of the Republic, Sergio Mattarella, during his speech at the Seminary Theater in Piana degli Albanesi, a community he visited together with his Albanian counterpart, Bajram Begaj. “The Arbèreshè embody a history of integration and welcome that has been fully successful, an example of how mutual knowledge and mutual respect are a source of cultural enrichment, and an instrument of growth for the realities and countries in which the different communities live together. Moreover, these communities constitute a bridge of friendship with the Albanian-speaking peoples on the other side of the Adriatic.” “Recent history – in the transitional phase that has characterized the Balkans – has seen peoples of neighboring countries, particularly the Albanian one, seek in Italy, the hope of building a future and prospects for life in a united Europe without more divisions,” Mattarella continued, “Between our two countries, today, a very strong interchange is developing, both economic and cultural, bringing the two peoples even closer. Cornerstones of this friendship are the values of freedom, independence and democracy witnessed by the common membership in the Atlantic Alliance and, in perspective, in the European Union, to which today’s Albania looks with the legitimate aspiration of soon becoming an integral part of it. Italy is – and will continue to be – a staunch supporter of this landing, to be realized quickly for the entire Western Balkans region.”
– Photo: xd6/Italpress –
(ITALPRESS).
