1 month ago 22nd Jul 14:00
Belgium's King Albert II led celebrations marking his country's 178th birthday yesterday (21.07.08).
The king was joined by other members of the royal family, including Queen Paola, at a special red-carpet church service at the royal cathedral in Brussels before a military parade at the palace.
However, the celebrations were overshadowed by the ongoing political disputes between Belgium's 6.5 million Dutch-speakers and 4 million French-speakers.
Flemish leaders are currently demanding more self-rule powers, and Prime Minister Yves Leterme handed in his government's resignation last week, saying he could not bridge the deep divisions between the country's two language regions.
I hope for better understanding among the communities, whatever their differences are.
The king pleaded for unity and reconciliation between the two sides in a televised address on Sunday (19.07.08).
Cardinal Godfried Danneels echoed the king's sentiment in his speech at the cathedral yesterday, saying: "I hope for better understanding among the communities, whatever their differences are."
Despite the country's political problems, thousands of Belgians defied bad weather in the capital to take part in the festivities including concerts, parades, fireworks and an open house at parliament.
More about King Albert leads birthday celebrations on page 2
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