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

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FM AMEMBASSY ABU DHABI
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 1684
INFO RUEHTU/AMEMBASSY TUNIS 0663

UNCLAS ABU DHABI 001247 
 
SENSITIVE 
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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) 
 

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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.



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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