Brussels (04/16/2015) – Austrian MEPs Eugen Freund (S&D) and Othmar Karas (EPP) support the European Tolerance Talks. In a joint press conference with Carinthia’s Governor Peter Kaiser the two MEPs declared, the new forum for dialogue on tolerance and integration is an important initiative for Europe and the Alps-Adriatic region. The international event dedicated to the theme “How far does tolerance go? Tasks for the state, economy and society” from 21 to 23 May 2015 in the Carinthian mountain village Fresach brings together around 20 thinkers, scientists, philosophers and economists. http://www.fresach.org For Eugen Freund, tolerance is “the core issue” of our society, he stressed. “In particular the conflicts of the present – in the Middle East, but also in the Ukraine – clearly show that the lack of tolerance is almost always the starting point for armed conflicts. In this context, in times of globalization and individualization the importance of tolerance will become ever more important. Without accepting or even tolerating conflicting beliefs the concept of Western democracy cannot function. As a Carinthian I also remember particularly well how the lack of tolerance led to increased conflicts over the rights of the Slovene minority in that province and that in recent years – with particular emphasis on tolerance – this conflict has been resolved. I am therefore delighted that there is now something of a continuation of these talks.” Othmar Karas said: “The way society deals with otherness, other cultures and diversity is one of the great challenges of the 21st century, both in Europe and globally. Of course, in a shrinking world, the interdependence is getting bigger. The often lived side by side must therefore be replaced by honest relationships. Respect, tolerance and the acceptance of differences lead to understanding and increase the willingness on mutual respect. “United in diversity” is the motto of the European Union. The constructive handling of otherness is also enshrined in Christian social teaching. A society in which man, the subsidiary division of tasks and solidarity among are in the focus, cannot ignore diversity.” The Carinthian Governor Peter Kaiser noted that the European Union was founded as a great peace project. Europe aims that people get to know each other and work together as their countries and regions and so move closer and closer. According to Kaiser it is essential in this sense that especially difficult issues are to be addressed openly and objectively discussed widely. “The European tolerance talks just want to provide exactly such a forum and invite into the Think.Tank.Fresach.” Governor Kaiser on 16 and 17 April takes part at a meeting of the Committee of the Regions (CoR), in which inter alia questions of European Fund for strategic investments, on the enlargement strategy and transport issues are discussed. The spokesman of Think.Tank.Fresach, Wilfried Seywald, recalled the historical importance of the mountain village Fresach for the fight of the Protestant Church for recognition and equality. Following the successful National Exhibition 2011 on the issue “500 Years Protestantism in Carinthia” it is now time for this historic site to become a center of tolerance for Europe. Fresach can also refer to a good tradition. From 1972 to 1993 until the fall of the Iron Curtain, international writers met here to discuss ways out of the East-West conflict. Freedom of speech and open discourse are fundamental to the European system of values, he said. Top speakers in Fresach In addition to prominent politicians and journalists from across Europe many thinkers and economists have confirmed their participation in Fresach: the journalists Roland Barazon and Philo Ikonya, the authors Alois Brandstetter, Fabjan Hafner and Právu Mazumdar, the linguist Zohra Bouchentouf-Siagh, the social scientist Claudia Brunner, the migration anthropologist Christa Markom, the Middle East expert Karin Kneissl and Slovene management trainer Danica Purg as well as former Siemens CEO Peter Loescher. The results and contributions will be published by PEN-Club Austria. The European Tolerance Talks are supported by numerous organizations, so among others by the PEN-Club Austria, Club Carinthia, the City of Villach and the Alps-Adria University. Also, the Province of Carinthia, the Chamber of Commerce and the Federation of Austrian Industries in Carinthia, the Federal Chancellery and the Austrian Broadcasting Assosication ORF accompany the initiative. The event is funded by private funds and corporate partnerships, public support for the next few years is still being negotiated. Registrations, memberships and sponsorships are welcome on the website http://www.fresach.org Press Contact: Dr. Wilfried Seywald, presse@fresach.org, Tel. 0043-699-18114006. Photos will be published on http://www.fotodienst.at
