Cultural integration is about mutual respect

Victoria White (Opinion, Sept 19) makes a compelling case for welcoming new arrivals to this country. Having spent 32 years living in various countries, I agree with the comments.

New arrivals should be greeted with courtesy, dignity and respect, as should their culture and traditions.

Equally, the new arrivals should respect the culture and traditions of the destination country and not interfere with, nor change, these traditions. With good will, all can live, work and socialise together. Recently, the bodies of young men who died supporting anti-government forces abroad have been returned to Ireland. At least one Irish resident is a primary leader of an Al-Qaeda military operation abroad. Four Irish passport holders, on a visit to Egypt, became involved in anti-Government demonstrations and are held in police custody. Distinction should be made between law-abiding, hard-working persons who contribute to society, and those who pursue other objectives.