Freedom, democracy and a cosmopolitan, tolerant society are stronger than terror and senseless violence, the French and German ambassadors to Tirana write in a joint op-ed article.
By BERNARD FITOUSSI and HELLMUT HOFFMANN*
Today, 22 January, German and French people are marking the conclusion of the Élysée Treaty in 1963. This Franco-German Friendship Treaty is the cornerstone of the close relationship between our two countries and the symbol of how a courageous and far-sighted policy, after a long history of hatred and armed conflicts, can pave the way for cooperation and friendship.
In the face of the terrorist attacks in Paris, which shocked and appalled us, we would like to use this anniversary to stand up for the common values that make our societies strong and that are the basis of our friendship.
People in France and Germany, people around the world, are shocked by the deaths of innocent people who fell victim to the pure hatred of terrorism during the terrible attacks in Paris. Our sympathy goes out to the families of the victims and the injured.
Germany and France are connected by a special friendship. Germany and France stand together in these difficult days in the awareness that there is no security in Germany if there is no security in France and vice versa. In our globalized world, the fates of our two nations are inseparably linked.
These bloody attacks were not only directed against France. They were directed against all of us. They were directed against our democracies, our values and our open societies. Therefore, in today’s Europe, France’s grief is also the Germany’s grief. France’s determination to stand up for freedom and democracy, and not to be intimidated by terrorism and terrorists, is also our determination.
“Je suis Charlie” – this phrase has become a worldwide symbol, a symbol of our resolve not to look away, not to be silent – but to openly champion the values we defend.
Millions of people have taken to the streets to demonstrate their grief and solidarity, not only in Paris but in many other European cities, including German cities, to declare their commitment to democracy and freedom of expression. All those who have taken to the streets have thus shown that they will not be intimidated by terror and that they are willing to stand up for freedom, democracy and a cosmopolitan, tolerant society.
These values are stronger than terror and senseless violence. However, terrorism is and remains a real threat which causes great harm worldwide, and we can scarcely imagine its dimensions. Particularly in view of this painful and very current reality that has been brought so close to us by the attacks in Paris, we should consider how we can strengthen our common values of democracy, freedom and solidarity and be aware of our obligation to do so.
For it goes without saying that none of us are free of prejudices. We all — in France, Germany and Albania – have certain preconceptions of others in our head. They are formed by experiences, things we have heard, our own unexamined ideas, but also fears. They are partly right and partly wrong. For some people, these preconceptions turn into hostility. This can be countered by providing information and encouraging mutual understanding. In the long term, only democracy as a principle of life will help us.
Religion and personal beliefs are part of the reality of life in a secular state. The peaceful coexistence of individuals, peoples, nations and cultures is only possible on the basis of mutual appreciation, understanding and tolerance. A dialogue between people of different religious beliefs and different cultural backgrounds can only be successful if they are willing to listen, learn and respect different views. Especially in liberal societies, mutual respect facilitates coexistence. We can all reasonably be expected to deal with civil rights and liberties with responsibility and respect for the others. For everyone, freedom always brings responsibility. This applies to our personal lives as well as to the world of politics and the media. It applies to everyone.
We should live together in accordance with the basic principles of democracy: joining in discussions, contributing to decisions, providing help, taking responsibility. Few things are more important to us than the experience of being appreciated, respected and needed in this great community of freedom and responsibility. This is our alternative model to the world of terrorism, and it is stronger than terrorism.
*This is a joint article by the ambassadors of France and Germany in Tirana. ** The headline and subtitle have been chosen by Tirana Times.
