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Media Room News UNAOC In The News President Sampaio gives press conference in Iran
Media Room News UNAOC In The News President Sampaio gives press conference in Iran | President Sampaio gives press conference in Iran |
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"There is a balance to be found between freedom of expression and respect for religion and for religious feelings and principles," President Jorge Sampaio, UN High Representative for the Alliance of Civilizations, said at a press conference in Tehran on Thursday.
It is necessary to avoid violent reactions and extremism "because this kind of attitude does not solve our problems," President Sampaio told reporters at a press conference held at the UN office in Tehran. "We need to learn how to disagree and how to express dissent without turning it into a globalized affair," Sampaio stated, adding, "The media here can play a positive or a negative role."Stressing the need to avoid a simplistic view of religions and cultures, the former Portuguese president said, "We need to move beyond the facile stereotypes, simplistic dichotomies and ready-image which fuel social anxiety towards Islam and Muslim culture." "The AoC seeks to achieve result-oriented policies to be implemented in a number of areas, including education, youth, the role of media, and integration of migrants and minorities." Elsewhere in his remarks, he said that globalization and the growing competition of interests of various powers may have increased cultural polarization and stereotyping, which are major challenges that undermine peace and stability. The best antidote for violence is "dialogue, conversation and debate -- speaking our fears, listening to the fears of others, sharing vulnerabilities, building room for constructive dissent, and deepening mutual understanding and trust," the UN official stated. Through dialogue, the main parts of "intercultural and inter-religious" problems can be resolved, he asserted. "We need a global strategy to promote good governance" and cultural diversity, to prevent conflicts, and to establish peace in the world, Sampaio observed. Sampaio came to Iran to attend the Religion in the Modern World conference, which was held in Tehran from 13-16 October. The conference was organized by the Foundation for Dialogue Among Civilizations and its director, former Iranian president Mohammad Khatami. During his stay in the Islamic Republic, he also met with Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, Foreign Minister Manuchehr Mottaki, and several other high-ranking Iranian officials. In his meeting with the Supreme Leader, he said "Iran has an important role to play within the Alliance of Civilizations because of its unique cultural and religious makeup." Sampaio also paid a one-day visit to Isfahan. |