Flemish minister in Ireland

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Flemish minister in Ireland

Wed 07/02/07 - The Flemish Foreign Affairs and Tourism Minister Geert Bourgeois (Flemish nationalist) and the Irish Foreign Minister Dermot Ahern (Fianna Fail) have announced the launch of a project to commemorate the ninetieth anniversary of the Battle of Mesen (Messines).

The two ministers have agreed to make cash available for a new peace school in Mesen (West Flanders), where Irish youngsters from across the sectarian divide will be able to attend classes.
They will be able to attend workshops on subjects such as peace and reconciliation.
The Flemish Catholic charity Pax Christi has a similar project, where Flemish youngsters can attend classes with their peers from Palestine, Israel, Chechnya, Russia and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The Irish College

In addition to the Battle of Mesen, the two Ministers are also to highlight other aspects of our shared history.
A prime example is the Irish College at Leuven University (Flemish Brabant), which it celebrating its 400th anniversary this year.
A series of festivities to celebrate the 400th anniversary of the opening of Leuven University's Irish College are to be held during April and May.
The Irish College has an important place in Irish history, not least because of the role it played in helping preserve the Irish language and culture.
Mr Bourgeois discussed the 400th anniversary of the college with Belgium's Ambassador in Dublin, Leopold Carrewyn and the Irish history professor Declan Downey.
Geert Bourgeois is also to meet with the Irish Prime Minister Bertie Ahern before he returns to Flanders.

flandersnews.be - Flemish minister in Ireland