TIRANA, August 28/ATA/ The representatives of the five religious communities in our country have jointly signed a statement in which they demand an end to the war in Gaza.
The joint statement was signed by Head of the Albanian Muslim community Bujar Spahiu, Archbishop Joani, Gjergj Meta representing the Catholic Church, Head of the Bektashis, Father Edmond Brahimaj and from the evangelical churches, Pastor Ergest Biti.
The statement reads that the Interreligious Council of Albania has closely followed over the years every national and international concern on violation of social peace and social coexistence.
“The religious communities in Albania join the international calls of the organization Religions for Peace Europe, the recent call of the Latin and Orthodox Patriarchates of Jerusalem, the call of 80 Orthodox rabbis from around the world, Islamic and Christian communities from around the world, the UN and other international institutions, where with their appeal, they express their deep concern for the dramatic humanitarian situation in Gaza and the West Bank, demanding an immediate end to the war and the release of all hostages,” the statement reads.
The Council calls for an end to violence and guarantees the protection of lives of innocent civilians, especially women and children, who are the greatest victims of this conflict. The forced displacement of the population, the obstruction of humanitarian aid and the destruction of basic infrastructure cannot be justified in any way and constitute a grave violation of human dignity.
In the spirit of inter-religions solidarity and the moral responsibility that religion carries, the Inter-religious Council of Albania reaffirms that lasting peace can only be built on justice, mercy and mutual respect.
Albanian religious leaders call on world leaders, international institutions and all people of goodwill to step up efforts to end the conflict, to immediately provide the necessary humanitarian assistance and to pave the way for a just and lasting peace in and around the Holy Land. /p.s./
