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