The Interreligious Council of Albania, represented by the five leaders of religious communities in our country, signed today on 17 May 2019 a memorandum of understanding with the Coordination Center Against Violent Extremism (CVE).
The ceremony was held at the CVE offices and was attended by the highest representatives of the religious communities, respectively, the President of the Muslim Community of Albania H. Bujar Spahiu, the Archbishop of Tirana, Durrës and All Albania His Beatitude Anastasi (also the President of IRCA), Archbishop of Tirana and Durrës, Mons. George Frendo, the World Leader of the Bektashis, H. Dede Edmond Brahimaj and the Head of the Evangelical Brotherhood of Albania Pastor Ylli Doçi.
The Memorandum of Cooperation between the Interreligious Council of Albania (IRCA) and the Coordination Center Against Violent Extremism (CVE), was signed by the five above-mentioned leaders, as well as by Mr. Agron Sojati, director of CVE, who during the presentation of this memorandum, praised the work and contribution of all religious communities during these years, not only for the spirit of dialogue and interfaith harmony, but also for the social peace and the model they offer.
On behalf of the Interfaith Council, a greeting speech was given by H. Bujar Spahiu, who emphasized the cooperation between, not only religious institutions, but also cooperation with state institutions, to prevent any form of radicalism and extremism, strongly preserved the value of coexistence and interfaith understanding.
During this ceremony were also present senior officials of religious communities, as well as the Secretary General of the Interreligious Council of Albania Dr. Genti Kruja.
The memorandum of cooperation emphasizes several points, such as:
Strengthening and maintaining inter-religious relations and harmony, increasing cooperation in the interest of peace, security and coexistence, joint commitment to prevent and face any goal, action, or commitment that aims to endanger the peace and security of the country.
Increasing the spirit of cooperation between Religious Communities in Albania and the Center Against Violent Extremism.
Keeping in constant commitment the best values that have characterized Albanians yesterday, today and in the future.
Establishment and institutionalization of cooperation between the CVE Center of Religious Communities in Albania, in bilateral relations with each community and in the framework of the Interreligious Council of Albania. The spirit of cooperation will be based on mutual respect and trust between the parties, in the interest of a better future.
Monitoring of textbooks and literature entering penitentiary facilities to avoid information that conflicts with religious truths, that undermines the climate of trust and understanding between believers, that incites violence and hatred, that opposes laws or regulations of coexistence in the community.
Institutionalization of cooperation between local government and local structures of religious communities through the CVE Center, which will exercise all its commitment and responsibility to make this possible, etc ..