Kishinev. – In Kinshinev took place a solemn action for the case of official recognition of Islam in the Republic of Moldova. The ambassador of the USA, Mr. Asif Chaudhry, addressing the gathered, named the event a sign of development of democracy and civil freedom in the state that is by all means important both for Muslims, and for the country as a whole.

More than 300 representatives of Muslim communities from all over Moldova gathered on April, 17th, in the Republic Palace to take part in the action.

From the invited visitors were present the ambassador of the USA in Moldova, Mr. Asif Chaudhry, the consul of Lebanon, Mr. Elie Nassar, the representative of the United Nations, Claude Cahn, the Mufti of the city of Constance (Romania), Bari Nerdin, the Mufti of the RAMU "Ummah", Said Ismagilov, representatives of Turkish and Azerbaijan community of Moldova and many others.

The meeting started with the recitation of the Holy Quran. Then one after another on the scene rose the invited visitors, saying to the Moldavian Muslims words of support and congratulation.

"Assalamu alaicoum! This is a special day, and it is a great honor for me to stand on this scene. I congratulate all the present and the whole Muslim community of Moldova on recognition of Islam and registration of "Islamic League of the Republic of Moldova", Mr. Asif Chaudhry started his speech (watch video)

"Now you can officially be engaged in religious activity: build mosques, execute the prescribed ceremonies, gather for holidays, — the ambassador of the USA noted, — this registration became possible thanks to your daily work and diligence.

It is very important for the leaders of Muslim communities of Moldova to represent to the population of the republic the real face of Islam, destroying stereotypes imposed by mass-media. I am sure, you will cope with it".

The hall was almost filled by visitors

Development platform

For the first time in history of the modern Moldova Islam was brought in the national register as religion which is authorized for professing officially on the territory of the country. Then, on March, 14th, 2011, the Ministry of Justice of RM registered the first Muslim religious organization – "Islamic League of the Republic of Moldova" (ILRM) which is headed by the Mufti Sergiu Sochirca.

In his greeting the head of the new Muslim religious structure paid attention that with possibility of open declaration of one's religious accessory the paramount purpose for Muslims there was a self-organizing and active dialogue with the state and its members. Also it is important to adjust an inter-religious dialogue for joining of efforts and constructive cooperation for the blessing of the Motherland.

The charter of Muslims of Europe which was signed by more than 400 Muslim organizations in the region, according to Mr. Sochirca, became a platform for adjustment of work of the Islamic League of Moldova, therefore with full confidence it is possible to tell that Muslims become an active part of the population of the country aspiring to improvement and development of the society as a whole.

The representative of the United Nations in Moldova Claude Cahn also took part in the meeting. He noticed that the organization has worked hard that a lot of efforts were put to make this event happen, testifying to observance of human rights on freedom of worship.

Speech of the representative of the United Nations, Claude Cahn

Performance of the ambassador of the USA in Moldova, Mr. Asif Chaudhry

Brisk dialogue in the end of the action

Memorable gift

Children's representation on the occasion of the action

After the solemn action

"It is very pleasant for me to be present on such an important action and to congratulate you. The official recognition of Islam in Moldova is more than a legal procedure; this is recognition of special values when human rights of a man who has different outlooks are observed. During our restless time, especially important is search of ways of respect of rights and freedoms of each of us", Claude Cahn concluded.

Staff reporter.