Politicians and religious leaders meet for tolerance coffee in Kardzhali
Traditional Tolerance Coffee event was organised by the Mayor of Kardzhali Erol Mumun. Upon the invitation of the Mayor, the event was attended by Basri Eminefendi, Regional Mufti of Kardzhali, Father Petyr Garena, Pastor of the Church and Nikola Chanev, Governor of Kardzhali Region.
According to the news appeared in Kardzhali News, Mayor Erol Mümün congratulated the people of Kardzhali on the National Day of 3 March.
"On this national holiday of Bulgaria, we continue this tradition that has been going on for years. In other words, on the occasion of 3 March, I as the Mayor of Kardzhali, Regional Mufti Basri Eminefendi, Father Petır Garena and for the first time this year the Regional Governor Nikola Çanev are with us to drink this traditional coffee.
Mayor Erol Mumoun said: "The Governor's participation today will not be a one-off, as he has the right to be here among us as a representative of the state. Together we should continue this tradition".
In his words, when local administration, state representatives and religious representatives come together, it clearly shows the model of tolerance, unity and friendship that Kardzhali is recognised in Bulgaria and in the world.
"When it comes to the welfare of the citizens, we have no right to separate ourselves as a state, municipality or something else. Let us not forget that Kardzhali Municipality is a municipality of Bulgaria. I hope that there will be no other differences when it comes to the welfare of the citizens".
Regional Governor Nikola Chanev congratulated the people of Kardzhali on the occasion of the Bulgarian National Day on 3 March. He thanked the mayor for the invitation to join the coffee of tolerance. He quoted an old proverb that the human soul does not need tea or coffee, but a good story and dialogue. "I would like to thank Mr Mümün for turning this 3 March tradition into the beginning of a dialogue that we started a few months ago and that we believe will benefit the citizens of Kardzhali," said Chanev.
Father Petyr Garena said: "The Mufti and I are happy that the tradition of tolerance coffee continues. The message we send to the people is: calm down, everything is going on, nothing has been destroyed and I hope that this tradition will continue to develop."
Regional Mufti Basri Eminefendi said: "For years we have been coming together for the coffee of tolerance. We are trying to show that we are united, that we are together despite our differences. I am pleased that ethnic communities in Kardzhali have been living in a spirit of peace and understanding for many years and I hope that we will preserve these values in the future."
News-Photo Source: Kardzhali News
