Brussels, 19/03/2002 (Agence Europe) - On the initiative of the President of the European Commission, Romano Prodi, and the Commissioner for Culture, Viviane Reding, a conference on dialogue between the cultures has been organised in Brussels for the 20-21 March. University academics, religious leaders and MEPs from Europe and Mediterranean countries will participate at the conference and analyse and expound upon the different aspects of dialogue between the cultures and draw a number of operational conclusions. Organised within the framework of the European Commission's Jean Monet Action, this conference aims to strengthen tolerance and mutual understanding and knowledge, particularly in the sphere of Euro-Mediterranean relations (including the Middle East), as well as within the EU and its Member States. Discussions will focus on Europe's image in the world, ecumenical dialogue, democracy and human rights, globalisation and solidarity.
President Prodi will begin proceedings, followed by Jacques Delors, President of "Our Europe" Association, José Maria Gil-Robles, Member of the EP and President of the European University Council for Jean Monet Action activities. The conference will be brought to a close by Michel Rocard, President of the EP Culture Committee. The President of the EP, Patrick Cox, and Viviane Reding, will address conference participants in the evening of 20 March. Those attending the conference will include, Cardinal Tonini, the Chief Rabbi of Brussels, Albert Guigui, anthropologist, Malek Chebel, and Professor Jeremy Rifkin.