Bucharest hosts starting on Thursday the conference of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) on fighting discrimination and promote mutual understanding.

The reunion was opened by a speech held by Romania president Traian Basescu, who emphasized on the fact that Romania was the most comprehensive minorities protection legislation but, unfortunately, such laws aren't found in neighboring states like Hungary, Ukraine or Serbia, where important Romanian communities live.

According the head of state, the intolerant and discriminative acts didn't improve enough during the past few years, but mentioned that the education is the only way towards better behavior standards.

"I am convinced that our return in the middle of the European family will guarantee the dignity of each and every one of our citizens. We have the right to re-discover the pride of our own identity within the cultural diversity of our continent", said Basescu.

According to a Human Rights First report, Romania is one of the OSCE countries which didn't adopt rougher penalties for discrimination, racism or intolerance - fueled crimes.

Both president Traian Basescu and prime minister Calin Popescu-Tariceanu ensured the leaders of international Jewish organizations that Romania will continue to promote the study and commemoration of the Holocaust.