The 2011 Lisbon Forum 

The Arab Spring: a major step towards making human rights real

Plenary Session – Democracy on the Move

Ismaili Centre, 3-4 November 2011, 11h00m

Mário David MEP

EPP Vice-President - Chairman of the Mashreq Delegation

Dear President Jorge Sampaio, Chair of the Lisbon Forum

Querido Miguel Angel Martinez, my Vice President

Ambassador Eberhard Koelsch,

Dear Colleagues, Ladies and gentlemen,

First of all I would like to thank you for the invitation to be here today, speaking in 2011 Lisbon Forum.

It is always an honour and a big pleasure to participate in such discussions and I hope I can contribute, somehow, with my views, on the recent social and political changes in our southern and south-eastern neighbours, to the conclusions of this Forum, which has been, in the last years, an inspiring source for the action of politicians, both at national and international levels.

Recently, in Brussels, speaking at the closing session of the Jean Monet Seminar, I stressed the importance of creating “virtuous cycles” of debate and exchange of views, which are able to anticipate some problems and thinking about scenarios; offering reasonable, wise and feasible solutions, not only with the participation of politicians and the usual ”think-tanks”, but also by involving citizens, partner countries, research centres, foundations, journalists and other civil society organizations.

Actually, I believe that this positive and most valuable action, per si, contributes positively for the spreading of the universal values which are at the basis of our political and social organization, and which are, as we all know, peace, prosperity and solidarity based on solid values, such as the respect for democratic principles, fundamental human rights and the rule of law.

Having said this, I would like now to stick to the point that brought us here today: The Arab Spring and the path to democracy.

Is democracy really on the move as the title of this panel suggests?

And in a very straightforward way, I would like to answer: Yes it is! No doubt about that!

It might take months or years, but the path to democracy that begun in Tunisia and in Tahrir Square in Egypt, will undoubtedly change the social, political, administrative, anthropological and religious foundations of the Maghreb, Mashreq and Gulf Countries. I dare to say that these changes will go even further- spreading to central or far-east Asia.

It’s a “one way” ticket!

I know it will be tough, complex, will take time, patience, there will probably be drawbacks and sometimes it will be harsh, but the way to democracy will, inevitably, come at the end!

In fact, the world changed a lot in recent years. Today, it is very difficult to control the huge flow of information that rolls all the time all over the world. And apart from being enormous, it is also very graphic and powerful, this is to say people all over the world get a perfect glimpse of what it is living in democracy, in laic states, where people are free to say whatever they wish, to choose how and where to live, etc, etc…

The overwhelming power of the image, which now free floats on the internet and on the communication satellites, is being absorbed by the new generations in our neighbour countries, which also want to grab a “piece of this pie” made out of Freedom, Democracy and Solidarity.

I know in Europe we tend to forget how powerful and gigantic these words are, and especially what they really mean, just because we simply take them for granted!

But I want each one of us to reflect on the meaning of these three simple words, and tell me if you could even consider living in a country where these principles are not the basis of its social and political organization…

What would you do if the country where you live lost or forget about one or all of these principles?

Thus and to conclude this idea, I strongly believe that, despite the predictable drawbacks, the peoples of our neighbour countries won’t allow these ongoing democratic processes to be stopped.

And the immense float of direct, easy achievable, non censored and free information will be the primary source for the action of these peoples, feeding and encouraging their dreams and hope of a better future.

And this time, the world is paying special attention to what’s happening in these countries, despite the recent irresponsible behavior of the BRICS at the United Nations Security Council on the sanctions to Syria. But even when speaking about Syria, the rest of the world is attentive, tightening the dragnet on the Al-Assad regime.

And most particularly the European Union, which is at this moment putting into practice a New Neighbourhood Policy, of which I am the rapporteur in the European Parliament.

And this is the second reason why I believe the path to democracy is a “one way ticket”- simply because the world is attentive, has the will, a new look to the problems of the region, a new stance, and is acting proactively in helping these peoples achieving their objectives of freedom and self-determination.

In Europe, for example, new principles and new methods are being drawn up for our Neighbourhood Policy. And both the European Parliament and the Commission, in an atmosphere of truthful cooperation, are working together on a policy targeted to the people, with innovative approaches and simpler protocols, to gain in efficiency and results. Of course, properly assessed and monitored, as all the policies in the EU!

Firstly, this new approach stresses the absolute necessity of advocating our fundamental values in the relations with our neighbouring countries from the beginning. We can no longer acquiesce in our defence of democracy, human rights and, especially, social justice.

We can no longer focus on short-term stability at the expense of the best interests of the citizens, of constantly defending them, and of their individual and collective freedom, with a particular focus on women and children’s rights.

Secondly, we will apply a bottom-up approach. It is vital that this happens. Only greater involvement by local communities and authorities and civil society will ensure maximum effectiveness in implementing our Neighbourhood Policy.

The idea is to "empower citizens" and all the civil society movements which are engaged in our values, supporting organized movements striving for positive democratic changes in their countries: in advancing women's rights, building and deepening the democratic principles of freedom (of speech, association, religion, media, of choice, etc), fair elections or fighting corruption, the rule of law, greater social justice, respect for minorities, environmental protection and resource efficiency, for example. But also regional or local authorities or other decentralized State services which work at community level.

That's why, in the European Parliament, we welcomed the proposals for a European Endowment for Democracy and the Civil Society Facility as a way to target resources more effectively and efficiently towards civil society. My report, which will be voted next December, will propose several concrete ideas.

Thirdly, a "Tailor-made Neighbourhood Policy", adapted to each state or region, with clear benchmarks and careful assessment. In other words: "stronger conditionality and stronger differentiation".

Although Europe doesn't want to impose its model on any other country, when taxpayers' money is being used, we should give more to those who want to do more in approaching and sharing our values.

This is to say that the more and the faster a country progresses in its internal reforms, the more support it will get from the EU. The 'more to more' approach is correct, just, and I strongly defend it…

BUT… Only if is focused on the people! That’s why we need the European Endowment for Democracy and the Civil Society Facility on the ground and at full throttle!

Hopefully, if well implemented, these two instruments can give more consistency, coherence and efficiency to the efforts of the EU, the Member States and also of several institutions, NGOs and political foundations which are already active in this field.

The 'more to more approach' implies that there may also be 'less for less' if the governments in some countries don't seek or delay the universal goals we are proposing!

But, by combining the bottom-up approach, the stronger conditionality and differentiation, we come to the conclusion that, when the time comes to take measures of curtailing relations with governments engaged in the violation of human rights and democratic standards, the EU will not only uphold, but further strengthen its support to civil society, using mainly these two instruments.

The new European Policy towards its neighbouring countries is ambitious, innovative and sophisticated. I also think it’s feasible, if properly managed.

All this reinforces the “one way ticket” to democracy, which I have been defending.

So, I think Democracy is on the move and it will be on the move for the years to come! It won’t always be easy, there will probably be drawbacks, but the will of the people, the access to uncensored and pluralistic information and a new world posture will help these countries, fostering and rewarding the path to democracy, which will finally prevail!

Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen:

To conclude I would like, telegraphically, to point out a few threats and weaknesses that may delay, (a pessimist which is not my case…, would say compromise) the path to democracy.

Because, despite all my sound optimism, I know this task may take long…! And to work, rapidly and with evident benefits to the people, there are a few “compatibilities” that should occur… Also some problems that must be solved…

Speaking about “compatibilities”….

The Middle East conflict. Israel and the Arab countries must find a solution to their incompatibilities! The Israeli-Palestinian conflict is at the root of the political tensions in the Middle East and in the Mediterranean region as a whole! Only by solving this extremely complex situation, we can aspire of having a long-lasting and wide-ranging peace.

Actually, I think Europe should get much more involved and take advantage of some of our Member States long-lasting relationship with several Arab countries and from our privileged relations with the Palestinian Authority, which is a big receptor of EU external aid. But also from our traditional and friendly partnership relations with Israel.

Having said this,

Why does the EU not endorse the Arab Peace Initiative and consider it the basis, with due adaptations, for a constructive dialogue between Israel and the Arab world?

Why not propose to transform the Quartet to a Quintet, with the inclusion of the Arab League? Some proposals I can detail in the Q and A period if you wish…

Another issue is the secularism as a form of government and its compatibility with Islam!

The Turkish recent history shows us that is possible to have a secular government in a Muslim country. With tensions, even coup d’etats, it´s true… But in the end, a clear division between state and religion has always prevailed…

How will Tunisia, Libya and Egypt, just to quote these 3 countries, evolve in the near future? What will be the relation between the State and religion? What place for “Sharia” in the upcoming constitutions?

In Europe, we have been getting mixed and opposed thought streams from the people and from the elites…. What currents of thought will succeed in the near future?

For instance, I was quite shocked with the reactions in Tunisia, after the airing of the movie “Persepolis” last 7^th of October on Nessma TV… I found these reactions, somehow, non understandable and terrifying…

And this takes me to the next question mark:

The existence of pluralistic and free mass media, including the state owned.

Is this possible in a near future? I would like to think so…

The coherence between the beliefs, the action and the speeches of the ruling elites.

This is to say: Do the ruling elites, specially the political ones, really believe in their proclamations of freedom, secularism, women and children rights, protection of minorities, etc, etc… ?

When the ruling elites in our neighbour countries commit themselves to the universal values we defend and stand for, are they speaking the truth or simply being Machiavellic?

I know this is not politically correct. But this is a question we must address. In real politics not everything is “wine and roses”…

And actually, I think in Europe, the mainstream views or judgments on the Arab Spring are too much based on high hopes and expectations, basically because of good will and there is too much idealistic views based on good faith.

That’s why, people here in Europe tend to get shocked when they hear about what happened after the airing of “Persepolis” or when they realize that one country don’t allow foreign election observation, after their revolution… People ask: what do they hide under the carpet?

This is not to unsay what I have defended before! And I repeat: in the medium or long term, Democracy will prevail! But meanwhile… We are not quite sure of what will happen… We are still waiting for the carpet to be totally lifted…

Finally, and then I conclude, the economic growth and development and its pace.

Values and good principles are the basis of everything we do (at least they should be!...) But, unfortunately, they don't feed the people! They might help in the long-term, but usually they take time to produce results, probably too much time for the immediate aspirations of all the citizens in the Southern Mediterranean...

The success of swiftly implementing real democracy will depend on the pace of the economic growth. It’s linear! That’s why the New European Neighbourhood Policy will also focus on this objective, especially on creating opportunities and jobs for the younger generation. And this will help to combat illegal migration, which, as we all know, is basically economic migration.

Thank you for having listened to me!

More information about the Lisbon Forum 2011: http://www.coe.int/t/dg4/nscentre/LisbonForum/2011LisbonForum_en.pdf