Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Local Government Administration, Slobodan Petrovic has attended the conference “Celebration of International Roma Day”, which was organized by the Office of Prime Minister. 8 April 2011, Prishtinë/Priština
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Local Government Administration, Slobodan Petrovic has attended the conference “Celebration of International Roma Day”, which was organized by the Office of Prime Minister.
The conference was opened by the Prime Minister of the Government of Republic of Kosovo, Hashim Thaci who expressed his gratitude for the efficient work done by the offices for communities, which operate within the Office of Prime Minister.
"Government of Kosova will continually support the projects that will be implemented to improve the life of Roma community, and hence I ensure you our engagement for the purpose of improvements in the field of education” has said Prime Minister Thaci.
Congratulating the International Day of Roma community, Deputy Prime Minister Slobodan Petrovic, said that Government of Kosovo feels an obligation and high responsibility for the Roma integration, but this cannot happen within a night, thus time is required.
"I ask for excess of all prejudices which exist in society, in which each of us has the main role as individually as well as from the nongovernmental sector. The respect for human rights and minorities is an important precondition for political and social stability and also economic growth. Cultural heritage of Roma community is a heritage of all citizens of Kosovo, as the heritage of other communities living in it. Culture and multiculturalism are important factors for the development of democracy. I, in my post as Deputy Prime Minister, promise that this government is obliged to ensure better and more secure life for all communities”- expressed Deputy Minister Petrovic.
Present at this conference was Christopher Rowan, the Deputy International Civilian Representative. He commended Roma community for their International Day, stressing that he feels happy, that the Roma community now has better conditions, because the Kosovo government has created mechanisms for Roma integration.
"I am pleased to see these working groups that work for Roma community, therefore the International support will lack “-expressed Mr. Rowan
On the other hand, Mr. Zylfi Merxha, representative of the Roma community, after he thanked the previousspeaker, stated his dissatisfactions regarding the respect of the rights of the Roma community. But at the same time he said he hopes in words that were said earlier, and now this community will enjoy the rights that they deserve.