2009 – La Repubblica: Alfredo Maiolese, “Nascita di Maometto, festa al Lagaccio”

2009 – LA REPUBBLICA, GENOA, ITALY

“NASCITA DI MAOMETTO, FESTA AL LAGACCIO”

Historical article published by La Repubblica concerning the celebration in Genoa of the birth of the Prophet Muhammad.

The newspaper reports the statements of Alfredo Maiolese, representative of the Muslim community, who describes the initiative as an “occasion for dialogue” and an opportunity to bring together residents of the Lagaccio neighbourhood, including those with different views on the proposed mosque.

Maiolese stresses that the celebration should not create hostility or provoke division, but should instead encourage people to meet, understand one another and respect their differences.

Source: La Repubblica – Genoa edition, 2009.

ARCHIVE NOTE

Digitised from the original printed newspaper preserved in the historical archive.

2009 – Il Secolo XIX: Alfredo Maiolese, “Licenza edilizia entro il 2009”

24 JANUARY 2009 – IL SECOLO XIX, GENOA, ITALY

“MAIOLESE: LICENZA EDILIZIA ENTRO IL 2009”

Historical article by journalist Bruno Viani concerning the planned mosque in Morego, Genoa.

Il Secolo XIX reports the statements of Alfredo Maiolese, representative of part of Genoa’s Muslim community, concerning the project and the expectation of obtaining the building permit during 2009.

Maiolese describes the proposed mosque as a place of prayer as well as a centre for cultural and religious education, dialogue, meeting and services for the neighbourhood, stressing the intention to share the process with institutions, the municipality and local citizens.

Source: Il Secolo XIX, Genoa edition, 24 January 2009.

ARCHIVE NOTE

Digitised from the original printed newspaper preserved in the historical archive.

2008 – Il Secolo XIX: Alfredo Maiolese and the Mawlid Celebration in Genoa

2008 – IL SECOLO XIX, GENOA, ITALY

“ANCHE LA DIGOS ‘INVITATA’ ALLA FESTA PER MAOMETTO”

Historical report published by Il Secolo XIX concerning the celebration of Mawlid al-Nabi, the birth of the Prophet Muhammad, by Genoa’s Muslim community.

The article directly cites Alfredo Maiolese, representative of the Muslim community, who explains that the initiative was intended as an opportunity for dialogue with the neighbourhood and not as a provocation.

The report documents an early stage of Maiolese’s public activity in Genoa promoting dialogue, religious coexistence and relations between the Muslim community and local society.

Source: Il Secolo XIX, Genoa edition, 2008.

ARCHIVE NOTE

Digitised from the original printed newspaper preserved in the historical archive.

2008 – La Repubblica: Alfredo Maiolese among the figures in Genoa’s debate on interreligious dialogue

24 DECEMBER 2008 – LA REPUBBLICA, GENOA, ITALY

“SI ACCENDE LO SCONTRO TRA I POLI – ‘FINALMENTE LA CHIESA SI APRE’”

Historical report published by La Repubblica during the public debate in Genoa concerning the Muslim community, the proposed mosque and relations between religious communities.

In its “I personaggi” section, the newspaper includes Alfredo Maiolese among the figures connected to the debate.

The article documents an important period in Genoa’s public discussion on Islam, religious coexistence and interreligious dialogue.

Source: La Repubblica – Genoa edition, 24 December 2008.

ARCHIVE NOTE

Digitised from the original printed newspaper preserved in the historical archive.

2008 – Il Secolo XIX: Alfredo Maiolese, “Paure false”

30 JULY 2008 – IL SECOLO XIX, GENOA, ITALY

“MAIOLESE: ‘PAURE FALSE’”

Historical article published by Il Secolo XIX featuring an open letter by Alfredo Maiolese during the public debate on the Muslim community and the proposed mosque in Genoa.

Maiolese, described by the newspaper as a Genoese convert to Islam and ambassador to the Arab League, addresses relations between Muslims and Christians, the protection of minorities, freedom of religion and peaceful coexistence, calling for dialogue and rejecting the idea of a clash between religions and cultures.

The article documents an early stage of Maiolese’s public activity in Genoa on interreligious dialogue and the integration of the Muslim community.

Source: Il Secolo XIX, 30 July 2008, p. 21.

ARCHIVE NOTE

Digitised from the original printed newspaper preserved in the historical archive.

EML Vice-President Arben Ramkaj Welcomes High-Level Italian Delegation in Elbasan

ENGLISH

Elbasan, Albania – Dr. Arben Ramkaj, Vice-President of the European Muslims League (EML), welcomed a distinguished delegation from Italy at the Interreligious Cooperation Center in Elbasan for a meeting dedicated to interreligious dialogue and cooperation among Europe’s religious communities.

The delegation included Luca Anziani, President of the Opera for Methodist Evangelical Churches in Italy (OPCEMI), Claudio Paravati, Director of the Confronti Study Center and magazine in Rome, Pastor Maliq Meda, and researcher Rando Devole.

During the meeting, Dr. Ramkaj highlighted Albania’s distinctive experience of coexistence among different religious communities, stressing how this heritage can contribute to developing stronger European cooperation in interreligious dialogue, social cohesion and peacebuilding.

The discussions also explored opportunities for closer cooperation between Albanian and Italian institutions, religious communities and civil society, encouraging the development of joint initiatives, meetings and exchanges of experience.

The visit continued at the historic King Mosque of Elbasan, where the delegation was welcomed by the Mufti of Elbasan, H. Agim Duka, and introduced to the city’s centuries-old religious and cultural heritage.

The President of the European Muslims League, Alfredo Maiolese, stated:

«“At a time when tensions, conflicts and divisions are increasing, we need to multiply the places where people of different religions and cultures can meet and work together. Albania’s experience demonstrates that religious coexistence is not a utopia, but a possible reality. The meeting promoted by our Vice-President Arben Ramkaj represents precisely the mission of the European Muslims League: building bridges between people, communities and countries. Albania and Italy can work together to strengthen a European network of dialogue, because peace is built first and foremost by knowing and respecting one another.”»

For the European Muslims League, building bridges between religious communities and connecting experiences from different European countries represents an essential part of its mission.

Interreligious dialogue must not be limited to declarations of principle; it must be transformed into meetings, relationships and concrete cooperation.

The experience of Elbasan demonstrates how Albania and Italy can work together to build a European network capable of promoting mutual respect, coexistence, social cohesion and peace.

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ITALIANO

Il Vicepresidente EML Arben Ramkaj accoglie una delegazione italiana di alto livello a Elbasan

Elbasan, Albania – Il Dr. Arben Ramkaj, Vicepresidente della European Muslims League (EML), ha accolto presso il Centro per la Cooperazione Interreligiosa di Elbasan una qualificata delegazione proveniente dall’Italia, nell’ambito di un incontro dedicato al dialogo interreligioso e alla cooperazione tra le comunità religiose europee.

La delegazione comprendeva Luca Anziani, Presidente dell’Opera per le Chiese Evangeliche Metodiste in Italia (OPCEMI), Claudio Paravati, Direttore del Centro Studi e della rivista Confronti di Roma, il Pastore Maliq Meda e il ricercatore Rando Devole.

Nel corso dell’incontro, il Dr. Ramkaj ha evidenziato la particolare esperienza dell’Albania nella convivenza tra differenti comunità religiose, sottolineando come questo patrimonio possa contribuire allo sviluppo di una più ampia cooperazione europea nel campo del dialogo interreligioso, della coesione sociale e della costruzione della pace.

Il confronto ha inoltre permesso di approfondire possibili forme di collaborazione tra realtà albanesi e italiane, comunità religiose e società civile, favorendo lo sviluppo di iniziative comuni, incontri e scambi di esperienze.

La visita è proseguita presso la storica Moschea del Re di Elbasan, dove la delegazione è stata accolta dal Mufti di Elbasan, H. Agim Duka, e ha avuto modo di conoscere più da vicino il patrimonio religioso e culturale della città.

Il Presidente della European Muslims League, Alfredo Maiolese, ha dichiarato:

««In un momento storico nel quale aumentano tensioni, conflitti e divisioni, abbiamo bisogno di moltiplicare i luoghi nei quali persone di religioni e culture differenti possano incontrarsi e lavorare insieme. L’esperienza albanese dimostra che la convivenza religiosa non è un’utopia, ma una realtà possibile. L’incontro promosso dal nostro Vicepresidente Arben Ramkaj rappresenta esattamente la missione della European Muslims League: costruire ponti tra persone, comunità e Paesi. Albania e Italia possono contribuire insieme a rafforzare una rete europea del dialogo, perché la pace si costruisce prima di tutto conoscendosi e rispettandosi.»»

Per la European Muslims League, creare ponti tra le comunità religiose e mettere in relazione esperienze provenienti da diversi Paesi europei rappresenta una parte essenziale del proprio impegno.

Il dialogo interreligioso non deve limitarsi alle dichiarazioni di principio, ma deve trasformarsi in incontri, relazioni e cooperazione concreta.

L’esperienza di Elbasan dimostra come Albania e Italia possano contribuire insieme alla costruzione di una rete europea capace di promuovere rispetto reciproco, convivenza, coesione sociale e pace.

European Muslims League (EML)

Building bridges between communities for a more peaceful and cohesive Europe.

EML Concludes a Headquarters Agreement with the Islamic Republic of Mauritania

ARABIC | العربية

# الرابطة الأوروبية للمسلمين توقع اتفاقية مقر مع الجمهورية الإسلامية الموريتانية

وقّعت الرابطة الأوروبية للمسلمين (EML) اتفاقية مقر مع حكومة الجمهورية الإسلامية الموريتانية، ممثلة بوزارة الشؤون الخارجية والتعاون الإفريقي والموريتانيين في الخارج.

وقد تم توقيع الاتفاقية عن الجانب الموريتاني من قبل معالي السيد محمد سالم ولد مرزوق، وزير الشؤون الخارجية والتعاون الإفريقي والموريتانيين في الخارج، وعن الرابطة الأوروبية للمسلمين من قبل الدكتور محمد ولد باه، رئيس تمثيل الرابطة في موريتانيا.

وتحدد اتفاقية المقر الإطار المؤسسي لوجود الرابطة وأنشطتها في موريتانيا، وتعزز التعاون في مجالات الحوار بين الثقافات والأديان، والتربية من أجل السلام، والوقاية من التطرف، والتفاهم المتبادل، ودعم المجتمعات المسلمة.

وتعبر هذه الخطوة عن التزام مشترك بالحوار والاحترام المتبادل والتعاون العملي من أجل السلام.

الرابطة الأوروبية للمسلمين – EML

FRANÇAIS

# La European Muslims League conclut un Accord de siège avec la République Islamique de Mauritanie

La European Muslims League (EML) a conclu un Accord de siège avec le Gouvernement de la République Islamique de Mauritanie, représenté par le Ministère des Affaires étrangères, de la Coopération africaine et des Mauritaniens de l’extérieur.

L’Accord a été signé pour la partie mauritanienne par S.E. M. Mohamed Salem Ould Merzoug, Ministre des Affaires étrangères, de la Coopération africaine et des Mauritaniens de l’extérieur, et pour la European Muslims League par le Dr Mohamed Ould Bahah, Président de la Représentation EML en Mauritanie.

L’Accord de siège établit le cadre institutionnel de la présence et des activités de l’EML en Mauritanie. Il renforce la coopération dans les domaines du dialogue interculturel et interreligieux, de l’éducation à la paix, de la prévention de la radicalisation, de la compréhension mutuelle et du soutien aux communautés musulmanes.

Cette étape reflète un engagement commun en faveur du dialogue, du respect mutuel et d’une coopération concrète pour la paix.

European Muslims League – EML

ENGLISH

# European Muslims League Concludes a Headquarters Agreement with the Islamic Republic of Mauritania

The European Muslims League (EML) has concluded a Headquarters Agreement with the Government of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania, represented by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Mauritanians Abroad.

The Agreement was signed on behalf of Mauritania by H.E. Mr Mohamed Salem Ould Merzoug, Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Mauritanians Abroad, and on behalf of the European Muslims League by Dr Mohamed Ould Bahah, President of the EML Representation in Mauritania.

The Headquarters Agreement establishes the institutional framework for EML’s presence and activities in Mauritania. It strengthens cooperation in the fields of intercultural and interreligious dialogue, peace education, prevention of radicalisation, mutual understanding and support for Muslim communities.

This step reflects a shared commitment to dialogue, mutual respect and practical cooperation for peace.

European Muslims League – EML

ITALIANO

# La European Muslims League conclude un Accordo di Sede con la Repubblica Islamica di Mauritania

La European Muslims League (EML) ha concluso un Accordo di Sede con il Governo della Repubblica Islamica di Mauritania, rappresentato dal Ministero degli Affari Esteri, della Cooperazione Africana e dei Mauritani all’Estero.

L’Accordo è stato firmato per la Mauritania da S.E. Mohamed Salem Ould Merzoug, Ministro degli Affari Esteri, della Cooperazione Africana e dei Mauritani all’Estero, e per la European Muslims League dal Dott. Mohamed Ould Bahah, Presidente della Rappresentanza EML in Mauritania.

L’Accordo di Sede stabilisce il quadro istituzionale per la presenza e le attività di EML in Mauritania. Esso rafforza la cooperazione nei campi del dialogo interculturale e interreligioso, dell’educazione alla pace, della prevenzione della radicalizzazione, della comprensione reciproca e del sostegno alle comunità musulmane.

Questo passo riflette un impegno comune per il dialogo, il rispetto reciproco e una cooperazione concreta al servizio della pace.

European Muslims League – EML

A Bridge of Peace in Kuala Lumpur: WOS-IPSP and the Maha Vihara Buddhist Temple Strengthen Cooperation on Interreligious Dialogue and Human Rights

KUALA LUMPUR, June 28, 2026 – At a time when international tensions and humanitarian crises continue to challenge global stability, the promotion of interreligious dialogue remains an essential instrument for building peace and protecting human dignity.

On June 28, 2026, at the historic Maha Vihara Buddhist Temple in Kuala Lumpur, a bilateral meeting took place between Mr. A. Hemadasa, Vice President of the Temple, and Father Marco Baragli, Counselor for International Cooperation and Interreligious Dialogue of the World Organization of States – International Parliament for Safety and Peace (WOS-IPSP).

The meeting, which lasted more than two hours, was held in an atmosphere of mutual respect and constructive dialogue, focusing on the shared commitment to peace, human rights, and cooperation among religious communities.

A central theme of the discussions was the rejection of violence and armed conflict in all its forms. The representatives reaffirmed that lasting peace cannot be achieved solely through political or military means but requires the active participation of religious communities in promoting reconciliation, mutual understanding, and respect for the dignity of every human being.

Representatives of the Maha Vihara Temple emphasized that the Buddhist principles of Ahiṃsā (non-violence), Karunā (compassion), and Mettā (loving-kindness) constitute fundamental ethical values capable of inspiring cooperation among peoples and preventing hatred, discrimination, and conflict.

The dialogue also examined Malaysia's unique religious and cultural diversity. While the country has a Muslim majority, it is also home to long-established Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, Taoist, and Sikh communities. During the discussions, attention was drawn to the importance of ensuring that all religious communities receive equal recognition and protection within society, preserving their individual identities while strengthening national unity.

Particular appreciation was expressed for the work carried out by the Malaysian Consultative Council of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism and Taoism (MCCBCHST), established to promote cooperation among Malaysia's major non-Muslim religious communities and to safeguard religious freedom and constitutional rights. The Council is currently chaired by Most Reverend Monsignor Julian Leow Beng Kim, Roman Catholic Archbishop of Kuala Lumpur, whose commitment to interreligious dialogue has received broad international recognition.

A significant part of the meeting was dedicated to the serious challenge posed by human trafficking, recognized as one of the most urgent humanitarian issues affecting Southeast Asia. The participants discussed concerns related to forced labour, exploitation of migrant workers, trafficking of women and children, and the growing phenomenon of transnational cyber-scam operations targeting vulnerable individuals.

The discussion emphasized the importance of strengthening international cooperation, supporting victims, combating corruption, and encouraging coordinated action among governments, civil society, and religious institutions in accordance with international human rights standards.

Looking toward future cooperation, Mr. Hemadasa expressed his intention to further strengthen relations with the World Organization of States by supporting initiatives dedicated to peacebuilding, interreligious dialogue, and the promotion of fundamental human rights. During the meeting, the possibility of organizing a future institutional event involving national authorities and representatives of the country's principal religious communities was also discussed. In this context, Father Marco Baragli would be invited to participate as a representative of WOS-IPSP.

The Temple leadership also expressed its interest in establishing a structured collaboration with WOS-IPSP to expand initiatives promoting dialogue among religions and international cooperation in the field of human rights.

The meeting concluded with the shared conviction that lasting peace can only be achieved through cooperation among institutions, religious communities, and civil society, founded upon mutual respect, solidarity, and the universal dignity of every person.

Statement by the Secretary-General

Following the meeting, H.E. Amb. Alfredo Maiolese, Secretary-General of the World Organization of States – International Parliament for Safety and Peace (WOS-IPSP), stated:

"Interreligious dialogue is not simply an exchange between faiths; it is a concrete instrument of preventive diplomacy capable of reducing tensions, protecting fundamental freedoms, and fostering peaceful coexistence among peoples. WOS-IPSP welcomes the constructive dialogue held in Kuala Lumpur and appreciates the willingness expressed by the Maha Vihara Buddhist Temple to work together in promoting peace, human rights, and international cooperation. Building bridges among cultures and religions is one of the strongest foundations for preventing future conflicts and strengthening global stability."

The World Organization of States – International Parliament for Safety and Peace (WOS-IPSP), intergovernmental organization, reaffirms its commitment to supporting initiatives that promote dialogue, mediation, respect for religious freedom, and the peaceful resolution of disputes through cooperation among institutions, governments, and faith communities worldwide.