DEPUTY SECRETARY OF STATE JOHN NEGROPONTE MEETS WITH CIVIL SOCIETY LEADERS FROM THE MIDDLE EAST AND NORTH AFRICA

UNCLAS ABU DHABI 001237



SIPDIS



TUNIS FOR JOHANN SCHMONSEES

DEPT FOR NEA/PI, DRL/EX, AND NEA/EX



E.O. 12958: N/A

TAGS: PHUM, PREL, PGOV, KMPI, XF, AE

SUBJ: DEPUTY SECRETARY OF STATE JOHN NEGROPONTE MEETS WITH CIVIL

SOCIETY LEADERS FROM THE MIDDLE EAST AND NORTH AFRICA



1. Summary: On the margins of the G-8 - Broader Middle East and

North Africa (BMENA) Initiative's Forum for the Future in Abu Dhabi,

Deputy Secretary of State John Negroponte convened an October 18

roundtable discussion with a cross-section of civil society leaders

from the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). The frank discussion

touched on some of the pressing reform issues in the MENA region,

and highlighted interest among civil society to continue strong

partnerships with the United States. End summary.



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Civil Society Leaders Outline Reform Priorities

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2. Each of the civil society leaders highlighted

key reform initiatives and programs in their respective countries.

Bakhtiyar Amin from the International Alliance for Justice (IRAQ)

spoke of the alarming rise of ethnic conflict in the MENA region,

noting "we have not been wise enough in our region to manage

pluralism and diversity." He briefly outlined the need for a

regional diversity institute which would focus on conflict

resolution and curriculum reform, and would benefit from political,

moral and financial support from the international community.



3. Outlining another institutional idea, Mensur Akgun of the

Turkish Economic and Social Studies Foundation (TURKEY) spoke about

the BMENA Gender Institute, an idea which has emanated from multiple

discussions, workshops and conferences on women's political

empowerment associated with the Forum for the Future process. Akgun

suggested that the US consider Turkey an illustrative model for

reform, along with the OSCE/Helsinki Process model which features

democracy, human rights and security baskets.



4. Gianfranco Dell' Alba, Executive Director of No Peace without

Justice (ITALY) spoke of the importance of the "Partnership between

G8, BMENA Governments and Civil Society" Document, which outlines a

set of universal, democratic principles to enhance the relationship

between governments and civil society. Reflecting nearly two years

of input and contributions from a wide cross-section of governments

and civil society leaders alike, Dell' Alba requested ongoing USG

support for this Document. Deputy Secretary Negroponte noted the

importance of institutionalizing this process as much as possible.

(Note: The Document was later presented during the Forum and

acknowledged in the Chair's Summary. End note.)



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Do Not Forget the Youth!

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5. Rola Dashti from the Kuwait Economic Society (KUWAIT) lamented

that the US has "given up," noting with concern what she sees as

waning public support from the USG for reform efforts in the MENA

region. She sought "reassurances" about USG commitment and

partnership in light of what she considered increasing repression by

BMENA governments. Dashti said the global economic crisis is

significantly impacting the middle class in the BMENA region --

which is also the backbone of civil society's constituency -- and

thus threatens the foundation upon which a democratic, peaceful

civil society can function.



6. Hoda Chalak of the Organization for Civic Action (LEBANON) noted

her appreciation for USG support of democratization efforts in

Lebanon and spoke of the necessity of engaging youth as a means to

counter brain drain and the recruitment efforts of extremist groups.

As a professor of law who works closely with Lebanese youth, she

outlined the need for a training center on citizenship, human rights

and democracy, which would create engagement opportunities for youth

and elevate their awareness.



7. Chalak also spoke of the imperative to approach the Forum for

the Future in a concrete manner, focused on tangible outcomes. She

noted that civil society participants will translate their ideas

into specific projects to demonstrate to their governments that

there are viable, democratic alternatives to the status quo. "We

want to push our governments on democracy and human rights," she

asserted, adding that the USG remains the strongest voice of support

for their cause.



8. Mohsen Marzouk of the Arab Democracy Foundation (TUNISIA,

although the Foundation is in Qatar) voiced appreciation for the

work of the Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI),and called it

a "success of this [USG] administration." Like Dell' Alba, he

emphasized the importance of the "Partnership" document as a

critical Forum outcome on which no concessions can be made to

governments. In terms of reform priorities, Marzouk spoke of the

dire need for education reform and for more attention to be paid to

the issue of "power alternation." He emphasized the need for a

smooth, democratic transfer of power in countries such as Algeria,

Tunisia and Yemen.



9. Nadia Ait Zai from the University of Algiers (ALGERIA)

emphasized the importance of offering concrete recommendations and

outcomes from the Forum process, and the need to work on both the

country and regional levels when implementing reform programs. She

spoke of the need to create youth "centers of learning."



10. Ezzadin Al Asbahi of the Human Rights Information and Training

Center (YEMEN) outlined the work of his center in expanding human

rights awareness and civil society development in the Gulf region.

"Five years ago," he noted, "human rights and civil society were

touchy subjects," but there are now concrete networks and programs

underway in the Gulf, partially due to support from MEPI. Speaking

about the Forum, Al Asbahi was pleased to report that "we have

turned a new page in the Forum as civil society...we feel a real

partnership." Al Asbahi went on to say "our conversations today

proved that civil society does have a role to play in the Forum."

Deputy Secretary Negroponte responded by reaffirming that these

meetings are indispensable, that civil society has a key role to

play, and that the USG supports a strong role for civil society in

moving forward in this process.



11. Saad Eddin Ibrahim of the Ibn Khaldoun Center (EGYPT) reflected

on many setbacks but also positive outcomes since the inception of

the Forum for the Future in 2004. He contrasted the "Arab Spring"

of 2005 with subsequent retreat and backsliding, including his own

arrest in absentia and his current status as a "fugitive."

Reiterating the shared concern about a potentially decreasing

emphasis on the part of the G8, he hoped for bi-partisan commitment

for continuation of this process and reassurance to civil society

that they will "not be left out in the cold." Ibrahim, as the last

speaker among the civil society delegates, requested that sustained

attention and effort be paid to protecting public space, and

ensuring freedom of association, expression and independence of the

judiciary -- with those secured, reform efforts would have a strong

domestic foundation to continue. As the "State" and religious

extremists alike have ample resources, Ibrahim made an impassioned

plea for civil society to be equipped with the resources to counter

these anti-democratic forces; it needs reassurances of USG support.



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Appreciation for USG Support -- Request for

Continuity in New Administration

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12. A recurring theme throughout the discussion was sincere,

unanimous appreciation for USG support for civil society in the MENA

region, particularly through the work of the Middle East Partnership

Initiative. Participants appreciated the programmatic and policy

support for their reform efforts and requested that it continue

through the next U.S. administration. They also noted how reformers

in the region are working hard to achieve tangible results.



13. COMMENT: The meeting offered a key opportunity for a serious

group of civil society reformers to outline some priorities, and to

voice their hope for continued support of their efforts. That the

discussion focused on reform issues and not on regional conflict or

USG policy in the region was a reflection of the continued evolution

of civil society and an indicator that they see the United States as

a serious, credible partner and supporter of their reform efforts.

End comment.



14. This cable was cleared by the office of the Deputy Secretary.



OLSON