VZCZCXYZ0001
PP RUEHWEB

DE RUEHAD #1237/01 3021154
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
P 281154Z OCT 08
FM AMEMBASSY ABU DHABI
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 1668
INFO RUEHTU/AMEMBASSY TUNIS 0661

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. 
 
--------------------------------------------- -- 
Civil Society Leaders Outline Reform Priorities 
--------------------------------------------- -- 
 
¶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.) 
 
------------------------ 
Do Not Forget the Youth! 
------------------------ 
 
¶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. 
 
------------------------------------------- 
Appreciation for USG Support -- Request for 
Continuity in New Administration 
------------------------------------------- 
 
¶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