Arab foreign ministers Monday endorsed the concept of democracy and human rights in a document prepared for an Arab summit expected to take place in Tunis this month, the Algerian foreign minister said. Abdelaziz Belkhadem told reporters after three days of talks at Arab League headquarters that the document also called for an independent judiciary and promoting civil society, and covered the status of women in the Arab world. "The most important features of the draft declaration is that it asserts the need to develop the Arab system of government and civil society ... in the field of deepening the practice of democracy," Belkhadem said.
| "Y'know, like, we gotta have shariah, and amirs, and maybe a grand vizir or two. Otherwise we wouldn't be Arabs, would we?" |
Arab League documents have rarely if ever made sense called for internal political changes inside Arab countries, which the league has traditionally considered a domestic matter. Arab ministers have denied any link, but the document on political reform follows President Bush's campaign for democracy in the Arab world.
An Arab summit in Tunis in March was expected to prepare an indirect response to the U.S. campaign, but the Tunisian government called off the meeting, saying some countries were not being progressive enough about reform. The Tunisians said they specifically wanted the summit to endorse democracy, civil society and the rights of women. Some Arab delegates disputed Tunisia's commitment to these goals, saying it was among the more repressive Arab countries.
| And they actually got their way... Amazing! I'm just waiting to see what definition of democracy comes out of this hoedown... |
In a separate document approved by the ministerial meeting, the Arab foreign ministers said Arab governments were committed to comprehensive political, economic, social, cultural and educational reform for the sake of development. It said the governments would "reinforce the spirit of citizenship and equality, expand the field of participation in public affairs and support freedom of responsible expression." The document also mentions human rights and the role of women and said this was "in conformity with our beliefs, values and cultural traditions." It does not mention democracy. |