Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
08ABUDHABI1247
2008-11-02 12:05:00
UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
Embassy Abu Dhabi
Cable title:  

FORUM FOR THE FUTURE FIFTH MINISTERIAL MEETING IN ABU DHABI OCTOBER 19, 2008

Tags:  PHUM PREL PGOV KMPI XF AE 
pdf how-to read a cable
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PP RUEHWEB

DE RUEHAD #1247/01 3071205
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
P 021205Z NOV 08
FM AMEMBASSY ABU DHABI
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 1684
INFO RUEHTU/AMEMBASSY TUNIS 0663
UNCLAS ABU DHABI 001247 

SENSITIVE
SIPDIS

TUNIS FOR MEPI/JOHANN SCHMONSEES
DEPT FOR NEA/PI, DRL/EX, AND NEA/EX

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PHUM, PREL, PGOV, KMPI, XF, AE
SUBJ: FORUM FOR THE FUTURE FIFTH MINISTERIAL MEETING IN ABU DHABI
OCTOBER 19, 2008

REF: ABU DHABI 1222 (SENIOR OFFICIALS MEETING)

UNCLAS ABU DHABI 001247

SENSITIVE
SIPDIS

TUNIS FOR MEPI/JOHANN SCHMONSEES
DEPT FOR NEA/PI, DRL/EX, AND NEA/EX

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PHUM, PREL, PGOV, KMPI, XF, AE
SUBJ: FORUM FOR THE FUTURE FIFTH MINISTERIAL MEETING IN ABU DHABI
OCTOBER 19, 2008

REF: ABU DHABI 1222 (SENIOR OFFICIALS MEETING)

1. (SBU) Summary: The Fifth Forum for the Future Ministerial
Meeting produced a wide consensus that governments and civil society
should cooperate to address the many challenges facing the region
and produce necessary reforms. Delegations acknowledged the text of
a Partnership Document outlining a set of standards and democratic
principles upon which to structure the relationship between
government and civil society. Widespread support was voiced to
establish a Gender Institute and possibly a Diversity Center.
Germany pledged $1 million for the Foundation for the Future.
Morocco agreed to host the 2009 Forum in conjunction with G-8
Co-Chair Italy. End summary.

--------------
Opening Statements -- Current and Past Chairs
--------------

2. (SBU) United Arab Emirates (UAE) Foreign Minister Sheikh
Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan called to order the Ministerial Meeting
of the Fifth Forum for the Future, an initiative of the G-8 and
Broader Middle East/North Africa (BMENA) countries, on schedule
October 19. He warmly welcomed all participants, including the 60
invited civil society representatives. He called for "responsible
partnership" and dialogue between civil society organizations (CSOs)
and governments, in particular to confront a precarious period in
the region owing to: the global financial crisis, what he called a
"postponement" in the Middle East Peace Process, and the threat of
the introduction of weapons of mass destruction into the region.
These developments threaten the path of reform and require regional
countries to pay special attention to humanitarian assistance, the
fight against poverty, food and energy crises, and the rejection of
extremism. The UAE has achieved an advanced level of human
development in a short period of time, Sheikh Abdullah continued,
and can serve as a model for the region. This Forum differs from
preceding sessions, he concluded, in that it will take up new
matters of concern to all, including the topic of Sustainable
Development.

3. (SBU) The Japanese G-8 Co-Chair, Senior Vice Minister of Foreign
Affairs Seiko Hashimoto, welcomed what she called the "advancement
of reforms" in the BMENA countries and pledged
Japan's continuing
commitment to the process. As a non-Western country, she continued,
Japan appreciates the challenges of reform and development.
Unemployment and social instability complicate those processes, and
Japan has partnered with the region on these issues. The current
financial crisis may threaten reform efforts in the short term, but
reform is a long-term process. Hashimoto seconded the Chair's call
for dialogue between governments and CSOs.

4. (SBU) The preceding year's Chair (Yemen) and Co-Chair (Germany)
were then invited to speak. Yemeni Foreign Minister Abu Bakr Al
Qirbi began by apologizing for the failure to carry out the previous
year's Ministerial Forum in Yemen, but emphasized that the CSO
Parallel Forum in Aden and the Sub ministerial that was held earlier
in Germany had been productive and had resulted in serious dialogue
between governments and CSOs. The fight against terrorism and
extremism is important, he continued, but regional governments have
not found the support they need; furthermore, the absence of some
Foreign Ministers from the Forum has a negative effect. Yemen is
committed to the future of the Forum process, and believes it is the
responsibility of the region's countries to see that it continues.
The responsibility of the G-8 countries is to assist and move the
Forum along. Like Yemen, the region's countries must not forget,
after opening the doors to dialogue with CSOs, the importance of
continuing that relationship. Nevertheless, CSOs must comply with
national constitutions and "the principle of relying on outside
forces must end." Finally, the institutionalization of the Forum,
which has been discussed since the beginning, is a principle which
continues to hold promise.

5. (SBU) Germany's State Minister for European Affairs, Gunther
Glozer, spoke next. Glozer asserted that Germany had tried hard to
make the Berlin Sub-ministerial a success and that the meeting had
"broken new ground." He recounted German partnership efforts with
the region in the area of education and gave a brief tour d'horizon
of German policy views and initiatives in the region, including
support for a two-state solution to the Arab-Israeli conflict;
support for the establishment of diplomatic relations between Syria
and Lebanon and for an eventual peace deal between Syria and Israel;
support for upcoming provincial elections in Iraq; and continuing
efforts to stabilize Afghanistan. Glozer then moved to two key
deliverables, announcing a $1 million contribution to the Foundation
for the Future and the German delegation's backing of the draft
Partnership Document, which would establish a framework for
cooperation between governments and CSOs.

--------------

Political Reform
--------------

6. (SBU) With the conclusion of statements by the current and
previous Chairs and Co-Chairs, FM Abdullah left the chair to his
deputy. (Note: While his departure was apparently a matter of
protocol -- his Japanese counterpart had departed the evening before
and the protocol of co-chairing a meeting with Vice Minister
Hashimoto was awkward -- his departure also allowed him to conduct a
series of bilateral meetings on the margins of the Forum.
Nonetheless, the FM's departure just as civil society
representatives were beginning to speak may have unintentionally
conveyed intolerance for criticism. End note.) The Japanese
Co-Chair announced the beginning of discussion on Political Reform,
and the first civil society presenter was Saad Eddin Ibrahim of
Egypt. Dr. Ibrahim suggested that the Forum is responsible for
"many reformers choosing the path" of peaceful dissent and dialogue
"rather than more revolutionary means." If there remain complaints
and reservations, these are a sign of pride in the Forum process, he
asserted. Dr. Ibrahim then outlined three principal demands of CSOs
from the October 16-17 Parallel Forum in Dubai: reform in the areas
of freedom and human rights, including adoption of the Partnership
Document; final approval of a Gender Institute and of a Diversity
Center, both institutions to be located in and focused on the
region; and reform of national judicial systems, which are the
"shield of democracy."

7. (SBU) UAE civil society member Dr. Ebtisam al-Kitbi recapped
many of the points she had made during the previous day's Senior
Officials Meeting, expressing her worry over the delay of reform
implementation; the threat of military intervention and armed
conflict to the reform effort (citing specifically the Mauritania
coup); and the rampant corruption afflicting the region. The modern
state cannot function unless it submits itself to criticism and also
undertakes self-criticism, she asserted. Her prescriptions: review
and amend legislation relating to CSOs and NGOs; stop censoring
information, in particular satellite broadcasts and internet
resources; and adopt UN conventions and treaties on combating
corruption.

8. (U) For government responses, Hashimoto recognized the USG and
Egypt. Deputy Secretary of State Negroponte noted that the Forum
had established itself as an important platform for reform, and that
the next US administration would "inherit a healthy and robust
initiative." The fifteen-fold increase in the number of
participating CSOs present, from four at the first Forum to 60 at
the present one, is a sign of the vital role such organizations play
in improving people's lives. The Deputy Secretary partly ascribed
to the Forum's influence the fact that freedom, democracy and
greater political participation are now under discussion throughout
the region. He saluted many positive developments, including
elections to various bodies in the UAE, Yemen, Oman, Kuwait,
Bahrain, Qatar and Saudi Arabia; the extension of voting rights to
women in Kuwait; and the growth of civil society in many countries.
He also recognized several challenges facing reform, including
obstacles to independent media and civil society in some countries
and weak institutions. The Deputy Secretary expressed support for
the draft Partnership Document and welcomed the proposal of a Gender
Institute and of a Diversity Center, and pledged continuing USG
support for the Forum process.

9. (SBU) The Egyptian delegate, MFA Ambassador Raouf Saad
conditioned his support for the reform effort, but toned down his
statement from the previous day's Senior Officials Meeting. Reform
is a developmental process, which goes hand-in-hand with social
coherence, stability, and universal education, he said. It is also
important to have the participation of all people in a society, he
opined. While there is no going back on advances made in reform
efforts, reform does include mistakes -- there is no such thing as
progress without them. Reform must come from within, he insisted,
as opposed to being imposed from the outside; however, it is
important that the international community support governments and
CSOs, and the global financial crisis makes that process even
harder. Nevertheless, Egypt looks forward to a "healthy
partnership" and to the CSO contribution to improving the lives of
its citizens, developing the economy, and supporting government
efforts.

--------------
Women's Empowerment
--------------

10. (SBU) Kicking off the Women's Empowerment topic, Lebanese
activist Hoda al-Khatib presented the views of CSO representatives
who had participated in the Civil Society Parallel Forum Women's
Empowerment Workshop. As a cross-cutting area of reform, Women's
Empowerment is a benchmark of all reform efforts, she said. CSO
representatives had concluded that the region's countries should

first and foremost adopt international agreements on women's rights
and enact legislative reform to lift restrictions on the
participation of women in all walks of life. The Workshop group
also called for the establishment of quotas to guarantee women a
certain number of positions in legislatures at all levels and senior
positions in national governments; curriculum reform and media
campaigns to sensitize people to women's rights; the adoption of
international agreements combating violence against women; and the
funding of entrepreneurship programs for women. The second
rapporteur, Nadia Ait-Zai of the University of Algiers, called for
the adoption of the Gender Institute she had proposed at the
previous day's Senior Officials Meeting (reftel),which would
research and encourage gender equality and social justice and
facilitate exchanges in expertise.

11. (SBU) The first government intervention came from the Tunisian
delegate, who recited a long list of steps the GOT has undertaken to
promote equality for Tunisian women, beginning with the decision 51
years ago, just after Tunisian independence, to ban polygamy and
modernize the status of women. Tunisia already enjoys high
representation of women in public life, and is committed to boost
their percentage of the national legislature in the 2009 elections.
Canada spoke next and noted that it will Co-Chair the Forum as G-8
President in 2010. The most important thing that governments and
civil society can do to promote women's empowerment is to provide a
supportive and enabling environment, was Canada's plea. On the
other hand, programs to promote women's empowerment should be
"societally sensitive" and include measures aimed at issues
including inheritance and citizenship for children born to parents
of mixed nationality.

--------------
Discussion Phase -- Women's Empowerment and Political Reform
--------------

12. (SBU) To start the discussion phase, the first country
recognized was Russia. Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Saltanov
noted that the G-8/ BMENA partnership remains important, but reforms
will be successful only if they meet the needs of states and are
implemented on an equitable and respectful basis. Each state can
implement reform in its own way. There is progress, he argued, but
the main concern should be to promote political and social stability
and economic growth. Peace and stability are crucial to reform, but
unfortunately the Middle East remains "bound in smoldering
conflicts." Unilateral interventions and the use of force in
contravention of international norms hinder progress. Rather, the
situation calls for a comprehensive settlement of the Arab-Israeli
conflict, a collective security arrangement in the Gulf, and a
resolution to the Iranian nuclear question. Collective efforts are
also needed to resolve the financial crisis.

13. (SBU) Hafez Abu Seada of the Egyptian Organization for Human
Rights spoke next, expressing his concern that governments accuse
CSOs of working for foreign interests, which he perceives as a
threat and an "introduction to the end of progress." His remarks
were echoed by Rola Dashti of Kuwait, who complained that activists
are "marginalized and accused of treason." Bahrain has begun the
reform process, Foreign Minister Sheikh Khaled bin Ahmad al-Khalifa
proclaimed next. Bahrain is opening a Council for Human Rights to
pave the road for constructive dialogue, and will recognize a
National Day for Women's Empowerment. The Turkish Minister of State
for Women's Affairs and the Family, Nimet Cibukcu, noted that Turkey
had been present at the genesis of the G-8/BMENA partnership, having
been invited to the 2004 Sea Island Summit, and supported the Gender
Institute (which she said had been on the Turkish agenda for some
time) as the concept had been inspired by a similar Turkish
institution. Finally, the Swiss delegate called attention to Swiss
efforts to promote women's empowerment and juvenile justice reform
in the region, and offered to help develop dialogue between civil
society and governments. A free press and freedom of expression are
the only sensible policies in the information age, when the flow of
information as well as disinformation is inevitable and
uncontrollable in any case, she noted.

--------------
Sustainable Development
--------------

14. (U) After a break, Tunisian activist Mohsen Marzouk of the Arab
Democracy Foundation, located in Qatar, said that civil society had
made many efforts to approach governments to partner with them to
promote sustainable human development, and that his Foundation had
made important financial investments in education and other causes.
He praised the UAE's Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Association to
Build a Knowledge Society, announced in 2007. As in the previous
day's meeting, the next presenter, Sheikha al-Shamsi of the UAE,
proposed a fund for technology and scientific development and an
entrepreneurship center to be located in the UAE, and called on

Co-Chairs UAE and Japan to support one or both initiatives. A
representative of the Masdar energy firm outlined his company's
plans to develop renewable energy projects in the UAE.

15. (U) From the governments' side, France stressed the importance
of education in sustainable development, and stated that "the
mobilization of public resources [in the region] has been exhausted
and the region now needs help from the international community."
Italian Foreign Minister Frattini appealed for a renewed effort to
thwart a possible "clash of civilizations" and stated Italy's
commitment to the Peace Process. He announced (as the first to do
so in the day's proceedings) that Morocco had agreed to host the
2009 Forum for the Future.

16. (SBU) A senior UAE official noted the high priority and
commitment his country attaches to education, and the up-to-date
methods it is introducing. The UK representative saluted those UAE
achievements, but warned of unintended consequences in the pursuit
of sustainable development, such as the move to turn crop acreage to
the production of biofuels. Kuwait highlighted the hundreds of
millions of dollars of its aid granted to poor countries, in
particular in Africa, but bashed Israel for an alleged failure to
adhere to international agreements, and terrorists for their misuse
of Islam as a pretext for violence.

17. (SBU) The Arab Monetary Fund and Gulf Cooperation Council
representatives picked up on these themes, claiming extensive
foreign aid programs and blaming many regional problems on Israel.
The Arab Maghreb Union delegate stressed the rights of Palestinians,
but took the discussion back to the topic of education, noting that
"there is nothing wrong with our Arab genes" but that people of the
region are "still in the process of mental decolonization." Syrian
Foreign Minister Muallem backed the proposed Gender Institute, but
backed away from many of the reform measures proposed by civil
society representatives. "Other reforms may be difficult if they
require legislative action," he said, and proposed that the UAE
Chair submit a summary of the proposals in writing to the member
countries to obtain their written approval at a later date. Muallem
further spoke out in favor of Yemeni FM Al Qirbi's remarks and
emphasized that reforms must come from the inside and not be imposed
from the outside.

--------------
Review and Evaluation
--------------

18. (SBU) To start the final phase of the Ministerial Meeting, the
President of the Foundation for the Future, Tunisian citizen Nabila
Hamza, thanked the Germans for their $1 million pledge to the
Foundation as well as the rest of the Foundation's donors. She
reiterated (having noted the same on the previous day) the opening
of the Foundation's office in Amman. She called upon governments to
give CSOs the space to operate and upon CSOs to support the Forum
process. Iraqi Kurdish activist Bakhtiar Amin repeated his previous
day's intervention on behalf of the region's minorities and in
support of a Diversity Center. Italian NGO No Peace Without
Justice, along with Democracy Assistance Dialogue (DAD)
representative Niccolo Figa-Talamanca, announced consensus by all
parties that had responded and participated in negotiations on the

text for the Partnership Document, and noted that the text had been
circulated in July to all delegations for their review and approval.
Yemeni activist Tawakol Karaman noted that freedom of expression
and the rights to demonstrate without permission and organize labor
unions are crucial to reform, but that the only places in the region
where those rights fully exist are Iraq and Lebanon. Everywhere
else, she said, "the only permitted opinion is the opinion of the
state."

19. (SBU) Yemeni Foreign Minister Al Qirbi spoke next, perhaps to
clarify his views following Syrian FM Muallem's citation of his
position. He noted that he was pleased to sit at the meeting with
civil society representatives, with whom he had worked for a long
time. He said suggestions that governments don't want to cooperate
with civil society are not true, as evidenced by the fact that so
many were sitting at the diverse meeting table. Nadir Mohammed,
Director of Strategy and Operations at the World Bank spoke next,
highlighting World Bank financing in the region; Hungary's delegate
noted that it had made available to the region its International
Center for Democratic Transition, and that many participants from
the region had attended its programs, in particular from Iraq.

20. (U) DRL Assistant Secretary David Kramer thanked the UAE Chair
and Japanese Co-Chair, the civil society representatives and the
governments of Yemen, Italy and Turkey for their efforts to
regularize dialogue through the DAD. He reiterated the Deputy
Secretary's declaration of support for the Gender Institute and
Diversity Center and called for "the implementation of many of the
ideas brought forward during the Forum." He endorsed the

Partnership Document, drawn from existing international conventions
and documents, and called upon ministers and civil society leaders
to adopt the Document. He also pledged continuing USG support for
reform and urged that civil society be included in all BMENA
activities. Finally, Kramer welcomed Morocco's agreement to host
the 2009 Forum and Germany's pledged $1 million contribution to the
Foundation for the Future.

--------------
Wrap-Up
--------------

21. (SBU) Ambassador Yousef Al-Amrani of Morocco responded with his
assessment that the Forum had been a successful meeting, and that
the Moroccan decision to host the 2009 Forum was a strong sign to
all activists in Morocco. Japanese Co-Chair Hashimoto then
reiterated that the meeting had been successful, and noting that
this was the fifth Forum, stated that the G-8/BMENA countries
"should not rush to get results." She assessed, however, that Italy
and Morocco would "move the Forum in a good direction." Finally,
the UAE Chair viewed the theme of the Forum as cooperation between
governments and civil society. He thanked all the delegations and
the CSOs, whose "zeal and criticism were in their correct place."

--------------
Comment on Partnership Document
--------------

22. (SBU) After much discussion on the margins about how the
Co-Chair's statement at the end of the session might address the
Partnership Document, it was finally agreed that the statement would
acknowledge the document and welcome the work done on it. The DAD's
statement that all countries that had chosen to respond to the draft
document as circulated both in July and again in September had come
to consensus on the document is true. The DAD, the USG, and the
G-8, as well as the major BMENA players in the process (including
Egypt, Yemen, Jordan, Bahrain, the UAE, and Morocco) consider the
document closed. The final text of the Partnership Document is in
paragraph 23 below. The final text of the Chairs' summary is in
paragraph 24 below.

--------------
Partnership Document
--------------

23. (U) Begin text:

A Partnership between G-8 BMENA Governments and Civil Society

Taking into consideration that the Forum for the Future serves as a
vehicle for exchanging views on the issues of concern to the region,
and ensuring that the efforts we make collectively respond to those
concerns;

Taking into consideration that the Democracy Assistance Dialogue
(DAD),under the auspices of the Forum, brings together in a
collaborative and transparent environment willing governments, as
well as civil society groups from the G8, EU and other democratic
partners and countries in the region to enhance existing democracy
programs or support new initiatives;

Recognising that non-governmental organisations (NGOs) are essential
to the development and success of democratic societies and the
promotion of mutual understanding and tolerance, and recognising the
commitment of G8 and BMENA countries to support this role;

Recalling the rights of freedom of peaceful assembly, association
and expression set out in the UN Universal Declaration of Human
Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and
the UN Declaration on Human Rights Defenders;

Reaffirming the commitment undertaken by both governments and civil
society representatives on political dialogue, including within the
framework of the Democracy Assistance Dialogue;

Recognising civil society as a legitimate partner in the democracy
building process;

Considering this document as a statement of commitment to
constructive partnership to strengthen the interaction, partnerships
and improve the environment between BMENA governments, NGOs, G8
governments and other democratic partners to tackle the key
challenges that our regions face, in accordance with the purposes
and principles of the UN Charter including the sovereign equality of
all members in recognition of the rights and protections set forth
in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Principles for BMENA governments.


Recognise diversity and pluralism as strategic values for societies
to guarantee full respect of the rights and democratic principles
enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights; and reject
all forms of discrimination, marginalisation and oppression in
recognition of equal rights for all;

Provide the necessary legal framework and structure as well as
political environment which would enable NGOs to undertake their
activities and to operate freely to contribute constructively to the
societies within which they undertake their activities;

Deepen partnerships with NGOs to strengthen a practical framework
which would enable NGOs to operate in a peaceful, non-violent,
legitimate, open, and constructive environment;

Permit all citizens to legally form, join, and participate in NGOs
of their choosing, and exercise their rights to freedom of
expression, peaceful assembly, and association;

Allow NGOs to legally sustain themselves and seek, receive, manage,
and administer financial support, in accordance with transparent
nondiscriminatory national legislation, from peaceful, non-violent,
legitimate, domestic, regional and international sources;

Engage with civil society in the Forum process, including endorsing
recommendations and initiatives coming from the Ministerial Forum,
thus creating a transparent, consultative environment for civil
society organisations to substantively participate and support the
implementation of the domestic reform process;

Work with NGOs to promote tolerance and mutual understanding by
promoting popular participation in public life and positive
citizenship, in particular among young people and women;

Reaffirm the crucial role of civil society in encouraging the growth
of active citizen participation to promote the full respect for
human rights and fundamental freedoms.

Principles for civil society organisations.

Carry out lawful activities in a responsible, peaceful, non-violent
manner and do not solicit or accept funding from non-peaceful or
violent entities;

Encourage openness of membership in NGOs; Constructively participate
in the Forum process; Seek opportunities to share best practices
with like-minded organisations;

Work with governments to promote tolerance and mutual
understanding;

Work with governments and with other NGOs and independently to
submit to the annual Forum for the Future ministerial other
proposals for action on reform and progress reports and analysis on
implementation of previous years' initiatives.

Principles for G8 and other democratic partners.

Support and encourage the development of civil society, including
through ongoing participation in the Forum process;

Encourage G8 civil society to work with governments and NGOs in the
region, including through the BMENA process;

Support peaceful, non-violent BMENA civil society and reaffirm the
promotion, protection and realisation of human rights for all,
including those rights and protections set forth in the UN
Declaration on Human Rights Defenders and monitored by the Special
Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders;

Respect the cultural diversities of the BMENA region and encourage
civil society organisations in the G8 to increase awareness in their
respective countries of the BMENA region's cultures, traditions, and
history, with a view to develop a better understanding among
peoples;

Assist in strengthening civil society cooperation in order to
address and advocate for recommendations put forward by the official
civil society dialogues. Work to advance and implement
recommendations through tangible, in-country programming, including
through existing mechanisms. Support BMENA governments in
strengthening their cooperation with the civil society within the
BMENA process;

Create a clear and appropriate mechanism to follow-up the
initiatives made by the BMENA countries and NGOs during the forums
annual ministerial meetings;


Engage civil society representatives in the planning of Forum for
the Future annual conferences in close cooperation with
governments.

--------------
Chairs' Summary
--------------

24. (U) Begin text:

The fifth Forum for the future, co-chaired by UAE and Japan, has
been convened in Abu Dhabi, 18, 19 October 2008 with broad
participation of ministers and representatives of the BMENA, G8 and
other partner countries as well as international organizations and
the civil society.

The participants appreciated the efforts made by the UAE for hosting
the Forum including strong contributions made by Japan, in addition
to the efforts made by Yemen and Germany in the framework of the
previous session of the 2007 Forum.

The participants reviewed the progress of G8-BMENA initiative and
reaffirmed its objectives of this important dialogue and
partnership.

The participants expressed concern over the consequences of the
international financial crisis, and committed to continue working
together to stabilize the financial market and to support global
economic growth. Several participants stressed on the negative
impacts of this crisis on developing countries and confirmed the
importance of Doha's UN Millennium Conference and Kuwait's Arab
Economic and Social Summit Conference.

The participants affirmed the importance of coordinated efforts
aimed at achieving a just and comprehensive peace of the Arab
Israeli conflict, and supported the full implementation of the Road
map and expressed their support for the Arab Peace Initiative as an
effective vehicle to deal with the conflict.

The participants emphasized the need to solve the Darfur crisis, in
all its humanitarian and political aspects, and supported the Arab
League's and the African Union's initiative, sponsored by the State
of Qatar, as it secures Sudan's sovereignty and unity and achieves
justice.

The participants expressed their support for the national unity,
independence and territorial integrity of Iraq, as well as
supporting its comprehensive national reconciliation, constitutional
political process, and the enhancement of governmental institutions
and comprehensive development efforts.

The participants stressed the importance of resolving international
disputes through peaceful means, in accordance with international
law and UN charters, and stressed the importance of mutual respect
of national priorities, sovereignty, independence and integral
territories of all countries.

The participants highlighted the importance of enforcing the
momentum of political, economic and social reforms stemmed out of
the local environment, that are compatible with cultural, historical
and religious characteristics of the region in conjunction with
available capabilities and resources. In addition, the participants
agreed that the course and span of reforms do vary from one country
to another; and that the lasting progress of political reform in the
region is a joint responsibility between governments and the civil
society.

The participants recognized the progress achieved in educational
reform and recognized the important role of educational and
vocational-technical training in development. In addition, the
participants recognized the measures taken to further joint
cooperation between governments and the civil society in development
efforts; particularly, in the domains of environment, sustainable
energy, human rights issues, food security, humanitarian aid and
creating employment opportunities.

The participants acknowledged the progress achieved in the area of
women's empowerment and enhancing women's participation in all
sectors.

The participants reaffirmed their commitment to guarantee freedom of
expression, human rights, justice, equality, rule of law, respect of
diversity, transparency and combating corruption. The participants
also reaffirmed their commitment to renouncing terrorism, extremism
and violence and for supporting joint regional and international
efforts to combat such phenomena in the international environment.

The participants emphasized their keenness to support efforts
exerted on enhancing and promoting dialogue among civilizations,
religions and cultures; and disseminating a culture of tolerance,
respect of differences, and not offending religious characters and
convictions of all nations and peoples.

The participants expressed their hopes to achieve peaceful
diplomatic solutions on the Iranian nuclear issue; that will deepen
mutual trust and enhance regional and international security and
stability. The participants also stressed the importance of
ensuring a Middle East, including the Arabian Gulf, that is free of
all weapons of mass destruction and in compliance with obligations
under the non proliferation treaty. The participants recognized
that the region's countries have the right to acquire peaceful
nuclear technology in the framework of relevant international
agreements.

The participants reviewed the progress of the Forum for the Future,
since it was launched in Sea Island, U.S.A., in 2004, and affirmed
the importance of supporting the Forum as a podium for dialogue and
mutual cooperation among BMENA, G8 partner governments,
international organizations and the civil society. In addition, the
participants affirmed their commitment to develop the Forum's
mechanisms and to support Democracy Assistance Dialogue (DAD)
efforts for the promotion of dialogue and cooperation between
governments and the civil society.

The participants acknowledged the activities of the "Foundation for
the Future" and appreciated the efforts and grants submitted by
donors to support the foundation's activities.

The participants expressed their appreciation for the constructive
work done by all parties to expand cooperation and engagement
between governments and the civil society.

The participants appreciated the presentation by the DAD and
expressed their hope that governments and the civil society further
promote cooperation on reforms and sustainable developments in the
region.

The participants acknowledged the document on "Partnership between
G-8 BMENA Governments and The Civil Society" and welcomed the
efforts made by the DAD.

The participants renewed commitments to continue their dialogue and
collaboration, and noted continued progress and cooperation among
all partners of Forum for the Future. They look forward to continued
cooperation during the coming Italian Presidency of G8 in 2009, and
the hosting of the sixth session by Morocco.

The participants expressed their appreciation to the UAE for its
generous hospitality and efficient organization of the fifth forum.

OLSON