Call for Arab-Europe dialogue for reforms Tuesday, 10 May 2011 03:59

DOHA: Europe and the Arab world should push for a more profound dialogue to build bridges and achieve desired reforms and lasting peace, luminaries at the opening session of the 11th Doha Forum and ‘Enriching the Middle East’s Economic Future Conference’ said yesterday.

Addressing the opening session on ‘Transformations in the Middle East’, the speakers were in one accord that the current situation calls for immediacy of action in the wake of recent developments and pressing issues confronting the entire region.

Luis Amado, Foreign Minister, Portugal said cooperation between the Arab world and Europe is vital at this period of dramatic change going on in the region.

“That’s why Doha initiative is very important. The only thing we can do is to have dialogue and we do not have much time so the time is now,” said Amado.

Recognising the significance of democratic process, Amado said it should be seen as a process not merely an ideology and that it is vital to be realistic in the process being aware of the differences and commonalities in societies.

“We need to work together, otherwise we will collapse together. For the current challenges we need a strategic and realistic vision. A common agenda for the future of the Arab League and the region is fundamental,” added Amado. He sees great opportunity but a great challenge in having democratic reforms saying conditions for economic development and justice are basic to achieving democracy. According to Rev Jesse Jackson, Civil Rights Activist, founder of Rainbow/PUSH democracy in the region is creating a strong wave.

“The pressure of democracy in the Arab region is irreversible,” he said, adding the stronger its foundation, the lasting the peace.

Dr Barham Salih, Prime Minister of Iraqi Kurdistan, underlined the significance of respecting human dignity and promoting unity in the region.

“The region is linked culturally, socially and economically and we cannot exclude Egypt, Tunisia and Syria. This region needs a framework of cooperation and dialogue in addition to a new outlook on investment to develop joint economic interest in the region,” said Salih. “Our stability is intertwined. Instability in an area of the region will have impact on the entire region. We should be united through a regional framework of cooperation. If Europe had done it, why can’t we?”

Speaking about the situation in France, Maurice Leroy, Minister of the Municipality in France pointed at urbanisation as of paramount importance as majority of people will be living in cities in the coming decades. He said urbanisation and urban violence is not just a concern in France but around the world and that the city being at the heart of geopolitical development should be given utmost attention.

H E Carl Bildt, Foreign Minister, Sweden called for reform and stressed the importance of building bridges especially in urgent matters like the Israeli-Palestinian issue. “The Palestinian and Israeli issue is a major problem not just between the two countries but the Arab world that has to be resolved soon because if not it will be a ticking bomb,” said Bildt.

He said the entire region is facing the pressure of change because of globalisation, adding dialogue is vital to achieving reforms. “We need a profound dialogue between Europe and the Arab world and see how we can move forward,” he said.the peninsula