Conflicts & War

‘Coexistence’ is key to fighting ‘fanaticism’: Spain PM on Madrid attacks anniversary

Madrid, Mar 11 (EFE).- Spain prime minister Pedro Sánchez said Monday that the 20th anniversary of the Islamist terror attacks on Mar. 11, 2004 in Madrid was a chance to remember the victims and to highlight the principles of “coexistence and respect” as the best tools to fight hatred, fanaticism and intolerance.

Sánchez made the remarks at an event organized by the European Commission in Madrid to mark two decades since the March 11 attacks (known in Spain as ‘11M’) in the Spanish capital, which killed 193 people and injured more than 2,000.

The ceremony was also attended by the King and Queen of Spain, Felipe VI and Letizia.

The prime minister called for remembrance “to defend the human rights rejected by terrorists and to reinforce the rule of law, which is its main vaccine” and to prevent terrorist crimes from going unpunished.

Sánchez also highlighted the need to continue improving prevention mechanisms to make sure that people are not attracted to ideas that spread hate, particularly online on social media, and protect the European ideals of justice and freedom.

“The principles of coexistence and respect are the best antidote against terrorist violence and its breeding ground, fanaticism, unreason and intolerance,” the Spanish prime minister said.

European values such as solidarity and cooperation, he added, underpin the fight against barbarism.

“Fighting terror is also acting against the causes that fuel regional conflicts. It is to prevent fanatics from transforming desperation into a weapon to attack the principles of freedom and respect for human rights,” Sánchez stressed.

Therefore, he said, remembering the Madrid terror attacks was an opportunity to stand up for the defense and respect of human rights and European identity that “fanatics (…) will never be able to destroy.”

Felipe VI said the victims of terrorism are those who best represent “the greatness of democracy and its strength”, as well as the determination to advance peaceful coexistence.

“Victims of terrorism are an ethical reference in our democratic systems and human values. They symbolize the permanent need and commitment to defend freedom and the rule of law,” the king said.

For the monarch, memory, justice and truth are “a commitment that just societies make to the victims of terrorism to restore and protect their dignity”.

“It is our responsibility, our collective response to their strength and dignity, in defense of democracy and freedom”, he added. EFE

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