MFA TO HOST CONFERENCE ON NON-VIOLENT MOVEMENTS

UNCLAS KABUL 002655 C O R R E C T E D COPY (CLASSIFICATION) SENSITIVE SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PGOV PREL AF SUBJECT: MFA TO HOST CONFERENCE ON NON-VIOLENT MOVEMENTS ¶1. (SBU) The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) will hold its first international conference in October, titled "Non-Violent Concepts & Movements in South Asia." The conference, being organized by the MFA's Center for Strategic Studies, invites researchers and scholars from the region to submit papers on the history and concepts of non-violent movements in South Asia. For details please see e-mail address given in paragraph 4. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Regional Participation Sought - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - ¶2. (SBU) The MFA has focused on soliciting contributions from Pakistani, Indian, Sri Lankan, Butanese, and Bangladesh scholars, but will also welcome any other international contributors. The focus of the conference will be on the conceptual foundations of non-violent movements that have manifested in all of the region's religions, including Islam, Buddhism and Hinduism. In addition to a historical look at the role non-violent movements have played in South Asia, the conference will also invite discussion on the relevance of non-violent struggle in contemporary South Asia. ¶3. (SBU) While the conference has a predominately regional focus, the conference organizer told us that the MFA would welcome contributions from the United States. In particular, he suggested a presentation on Martin Luther King, whose work drew inspiration from movements that were started in South Asia. ¶4. (SBU) The conference follows two successful national conference hosted by the MFA, but represents the first time the MFA has sought international participation in a conference. Proposals for papers are due by September 15, 2009, and the conference will take place on October 4, 2009 in Kabul.The MFA will pay for all travel and accommodations. The expected attendance at the conference is between 150-200 Any regional MFAs who would like to send representatives should contact the Center for Strategic Studies at c.s.s@mfa.gov.af. EIKENBERRY