Embassy Newscentre

Embassy News 2008

Tolerance DVC Draws Reconciliation Minister and other officials (Photo: Yacouba Soro/US Embassy)

DVC on Toleration

On July 24, PAS Abidjan organized a lively DVC on tolerance with ARS speaker Dr. Susan Perry. Sixty participants included the Minister of National Reconciliation; representatives from the Presidency, Prime Minister’s office, the Ministry of Interior Affairs and the Ministry of Communication; and religious leaders, magistrates, presidents of women’s and youth associations, and media professionals.  Charge Cynthia Akuetteh stressed the importance of drawing on the talents of all groups in an ethnically diverse country such as the United States or Cote d’Ivoire.  Dr. Perry addressed the principles and requirements of tolerance, the relationship between tolerance and democracy, and case studies from the United States and France.

Contributions and questions from the participants enriched the conference. They raised concerns about the need to teach tolerance from the primary school level and noted the important role of parental responsibility.  The Minister of Reconciliation stressed the importance of continuing dialogue in order to reinforce the peace and reconciliation process in which his ministry is engaged.  He encouraged civil society leaders to remain politically committed and take actions to involve citizens in awareness campaigns that build tolerance.  Participants praised Dr. Perry for her expert commentary and urged a follow up DVC on similar issues.  Ivorian National TV and radio broadcast programs that included a report on the conference and an interview with the Minister of National Reconciliation. Print press also covered the event and the Islamic press will publish a story on tolerance in their weekly review.