Europe and the Arab World Connecting Partners in Dialogue 17–19 December 2008, Vienna Hofburg Palace

Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs

Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs Imprint Copyright © Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs of the Republic of , 2009 and the Arab World All rights reserved. Content and Editor: Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs of the Connecting Partners in Dialogue Republic of Austria, Mag. Sabine Kroissenbrunner Project Coordination/Text Editor: Mag. Julia Kospach 17–19 December 2008, Vienna Hofburg Palace Design: Thomas Kussin/buero8 Photo-Credits: Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs of the Republic of Austria, Hopi Media Print: Grasl Druck & Neue Medien, 2540 Bad Vöslau Printed in Austria 5 >>> Preface www.bmeia.gv.at >>> 6

Preface

Efforts for a structured dialogue The Vienna meeting was the first one of the Arab countries” has become a pillar of can be implemented by concrete political steps between Europe and the Arab between Europe and the Arab League which Arab Middle East policies. Its value has been of the parties concerned. The dialogue between World date back to the 1970s. The brought together representatives from both repeatedly acknowledged by the Middle East the Palestinian factions is as necessary as the Barcelona Process and the Union governments and civil society and addressed Quartet, the European Union, and the UN dialogue between Israel and Palestine and for the Mediterranean have revived specific thematic issues. The recommendations Security Council in its Resolution 1860. among all countries of the Middle East...... the process of defining common issued by the three workshops illustrate the Austria as a member of the UN Security Serious political negotiations, political Michael interests and areas of cooperation. common challenges we face in both regions. Council in 2009-2010 was particularly engaged will and effective implementation of all sides’ Spindelegger, The EU-Arab League Meeting At the same time, they draw a picture of in achieving agreement on that resolution. commitments and international obligations are Minister for European in Malta in February 2008 has the tasks that lie ahead of us. Austria, together Notwithstanding all peace efforts, we have the only way forward to lasting peace, stability and International institutionalised dialogue between with partners, will work to follow up on these seen the situation escalating once more and development in the region. Affairs of the European and Arab states, recommendations. recently, witnessing war, destruction and Our common task is to redraw and shape a Republic of Austria including those in the Gulf and We see our efforts for dialogue also as suffering. The ceasefire of January 2009, new geography of the mind which will make ...... on the African continent. a contribution to a fair and lasting peaceful followed by various initiatives on the European our regions become one area of common Austria, together with the League of Arab solution in the Middle East. The Arab Peace and Arab side to calm the situation, and the interest and shared perspectives for reform States, initiated the Vienna meeting “Europe Initiative adopted in 2002 in Beirut and International Conference in Support of the and cooperation. and the Arab World – Connecting Partners reconfirmed at various occasions is a prime Palestinian Economy for the Reconstruction of Austria will continue to offer her services as in Dialogue” to foster relations, give impetus example of how the Arab League can provide Gaza held in Sharm El Sheikh on 2 March have a platform for dialogue and peace. to existing cooperation and develop ideas an essential input by speaking with one voice. provided room for new hope. However, peace, for new initiatives improving understanding Its focus on the “just and comprehensive stability and prosperity in the Middle East can and exchange. peace in the Middle East as the strategic option only be realised if all these valuable initiatives www.bmeia.gv.at >>> 8 List of Contents

4 Preface by H.E. Michael Spindelegger

8 Conference Programme

12 Summary by the Co-Chairmen

16 Statements of the Participants at the Opening Panel and Ministerial Meeting

52 Workshop 1 Strengthening Women in Society, Public Life and Dialogue

56 Workshop 2 Development of Civil Society, Pluralism and Diversity Management

60 Workshop 3 Promoting Intercultural Dialogue and Youth Participation in Politics and Civil Society

...... Ministerial Round Table >>> Conference texts in and English: www.bmeia.gv.at ...... 9 >>> Programme www.bmeia.gv.at >>> 10 Programme

Thursday, 18 December 2008

Wednesday, 17 December 2008 09:30 Workshops continued 13:00 Informal lunch 12:00 Opening Panel 14:30 Workshops continued H.E. MICHAEL SPINDELEGGER Federal Minister for European and International Affairs, Austria 16:30 Joint Concluding Session of all three Workshops H.E. AMRE MOUSSA Secretary General of the League of Arab States 18:00 Reception for Workshop Participants and Delegations MRS. YOUSRIYA LOZA SAWIRIS Sawiris Foundation for Social Development, MR. GILLES KEPEL Institute of Political Studies, H.R.H. PRINCE TURKI AL FAISAL Friday, 19 December 2008 King Faisal Center for Research and Islamic Studies, Saudi Arabia 09:30 Ministerial Round Table 13:00 Lunch for Workshop Participants hosted by H.E. Michael Spindelegger “Europe and the Arab World – Connecting Partners in Dialogue” Discussion by Ministers from the European Union, Turkey and the 14:30 Workshops League of Arab States and Guest speakers Three parallel workshops on expert level Chair: H.E. MICHAEL SPINDELEGGER WORKSHOP 1 Federal Minister for European and International Affairs, Austria Strengthening Women in Society, Public Life and Dialogue Co-Chair: H.E. AMRE MOUSSA WORKSHOP 2 Secretary General of the League of Arab States Development of Civil Society, Pluralism and Diversity Management WORKSHOP 3 13:00 Press Conference Promoting Inter-Cultural Dialogue and Youth Participation in Politics and Society 13:30 Working Lunch for Round Table Participants 19:00 Informal dinner for Workshop Participants and Delegations hosted by H.E. MICHAEL SPINDELEGGER List of Participants: Representatives of States, League of Arab States and European Commission AUSTRIA H.E. Michael Spindelegger, Federal Minister for European and International Affairs, Co-Chair . LEAGUE OF ARAB STATES H.E. Amre Moussa, Secretary-General of the League of Arab States, Co-Chair . H.E. Souad Bendjaballah, Minister Delegate for Scientific Research . BAHRAIN H.E. Karim Al-Shakar, Ambassador at Large, Ministry of Foreign Affairs . H.E. Cristina Funes-Noppen, Ambassador of Belgium in Vienna . BULGARIA H.E. Rodion Popov, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs . CYPRUS H.E. Markos Kyprianou, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Cyprus . CZECH REPUBLIC H.E. Karel Schwarzenberg, Minister of Foreign Affairs . H.E. Arnold de Fine Skibsted, Human Rights Ambassador, Ministry for Foreign Affairs . EGYPT H.E. Farouk Hosni, Minister of Culture . ESTONIA H.E. Urmas Paet, Minister of Foreign Affairs . H.E. Teemu Arto Juhani Tanner, Director General for Africa and the Middle East, Ministry of Foreign Affairs . FRANCE H.E. Denis Simonneau, Chief of Cabinet of the Minister of State for European Affairs . H.E. Heidrun Tempel, Ambassador, Special Representative for Dialogue among Civilisations, Federal Foreign Office . H.E. Kelly Bourdara, Special Adviser to the Foreign Minister on Women Empowerment Affairs . HUNGARY H.E. Kinga Göncz, Minister of Foreign Affairs . H.E. Wijdan Salim, Minister of Human Rights . Daniele Perico, Chargé d’Affairs, Italian Embassy in Vienna . H.E. Salah Bashir, Minister of Foreign Affairs . KUWAIT H.E. Fawzi Abdulaziz Al-Jasem, Ambassador of Kuwait in Vienna . LATVIA H.E. Eriks Zunda, Parliamentary Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs . H.E. Ishaya El-Khoury, Ambassador of Lebanon in Vienna . H.E. Omar Gadallah Aloukali, Director for Arab Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs . LITHUANIA H.E. Giedrius Puodziunas, Ambassador of Lithuania in Vienna . LUXEMBOURG H.E. Nicolas Schmit, Minister Delegate for Foreign Affairs . MALTA H.E. Tonio Borg, Minister of Foreign Affairs . H.E. Taieb Fassi Fihri, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation . H.E. Henriette van Lynden, Director for the Middle East, Ministry of Foreign Affairs . OMAN H.E. Yousuf bin Alawi bin Abdullah, Minister of Foreign Affairs . PALESTINE H.E. Riyad Al-Malki, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Information . POLAND H.E. Witold Sobków, Political Director, Ministry of Foreign Affairs . H.E. Maria Teresa Goncalves Ribeiro, Secretary of State for European Affairs . QATAR H.E. Khaled Bin Mohammad Al-Atiya, State Minister for International Cooperation . ROMANIA H.E. Laza˘r Coma˘nescu, Minister of Foreign Affairs . SAUDI ARABIA H.E. Nizar Obeid Madani, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs . SLOVAKIA H.E. Diana Sˇtrofová, State Secretary for Foreign Affairs . SLOVENIA H.E. Mitja Drobnicˇ, Director General, Ministry of Foreign Affairs . H.E. Miguel Ángel Moratinos Cuyaubé, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Cooperation . H.E. Ali Ahmed Karti, State Minister of Foreign Affairs . H.E. Hans Lundborg, Ambassador of Sweden in Vienna . H.E. Buthayna Shaaban, Minister, Political and Media Advisor . H.E. Abdelhafidh Herguem, Secretary of State for , Arab and African Affairs . TURKEY H.E. Ahmet Davutog˘lu, Chief Foreign Policy Advisor of the Prime Minister . UNITED ARAB EMIRATES H.E. Abdul Rahman Mohammed Al-Owais, Minister of Culture, Youth and Community Development . H.E. Abu Bakr Abdullah Al-Qirbi, Minister of Foreign Affairs . EUROPEAN COMMISSION H.E. Benita Ferrero-Waldner, Commissioner for External Relations and European Neighbourhood Policy Guest Speakers H.R.H. Prince Turki Al-Faisal, King Faisal Centre for Research and Islamic Studies, Saudi Arabia . H.E. Mohammed Arkoun, Emeritus, Sorbonne, Paris, Algeria/France . H.E. Hanan Ashrawi, Member of the Palestinian Legislative Council . H.E. Safwat El-Bayiadi, Evangelical Synod of the Nile, President of the Middle East Council of Churches for the ...... Evangelical Family, Egypt . H.E. Sheikh Ahmad Badreddine Hassoun, Grand Mufti of Syria . H.E. Gilles Ministerial Round Table Kepel, Institute of Political Studies, France . H.E. Yousriya Loza Sawiris, Sawiris Foundation for Social ...... Development, Egypt . H.E. Archbishop Boulos Matar, Maronite Archbishop of Beirut, Lebanon . H.E. Bishop Antoine Odo, President of the Chaldean Bishops of Syria . H.E. Christoph Cardinal Schönborn, Archbishop of Vienna . H.E. Anas Shakfeh, President of the Islamic Religious Community in Austria . H.E. Luc van den Brande, President of the European Union's Committee of the Regions, Belgium 13 >>> Summary by the Co-Chairmen www.bmeia.gv.at >>> 14

participants stressed that relations should not dimensions of society and politics, promoting be dominated by them. They underlined civil society activities, and listening to the the fact that both Europe and the Arab World hopes and concerns of youth in order to were characterised by ethnic, religious and enhance the development of European and cultural diversity and welcomed the presence Arab societies and cooperation within and of high-ranking representatives of various between our respective regions. Summary by the Co-Chairmen faith communities at the Ministerial Meeting. Strengthening the participation of women The Vienna meeting was held in a spirit of in public, economic and societal life by “Europe and the Arab World – Connecting Partners in Dialogue” mutual respect and openness. Participants ensuring equal rights and equal investments in reaffirmed their commitment to peace and the education, health and legal services was seen Joint Initiative of Austria and the League of Arab States respect of democratic principles, human rights as an important means to promote sustainable and fundamental freedoms as core elements development and prosperity. Participants of the dialogue between Europe and the Arab acknowledged the important contribution of World. the Convention on the Elimination of all Forms Ministers confirmed the importance of the of Discrimination against Women to this end. Arab Peace Initiative adopted in 2002 in Beirut Austria and the Arab League undertook to and acknowledged by the relevant UN Security support capacity building and exchange of Ministers and high level civil society participation of the Arab League Secretariat. Council Resolutions. They expressed their Arab and European women members of re pre sentatives of the Member States of the Participants recalled that Europe and the support to the activities of the Arab League to parliament as well as the establishment of a European Union and the League of Arab States Arab World are closely linked by historical, promote steps towards its implementation network on interreligious and intercultural met on 19 December 2008 in Vienna for an geographical and cultural bonds but also by and called for visible efforts by all parties in dialogue from gender perspectives. international conference “Europe and the the common challenges our societies face the near future in order to achieve peace in the Participants considered the development of Arab World – Connecting Partners in Dialogue” today, such as the need for political and social Middle East ending the Arab-Israeli conflict. a vibrant civil society as well as the promotion organised jointly by Austria and the League reforms in the light of the international For the first time, the Vienna meeting brought of pluralism and diversity management as of Arab States under the co-chairmanship financial and economic crisis, the need for together representatives from governments, crucial preconditions for social cohesion. They of H.E. Michael Spindelegger, Austrian Federal strategies to cope successfully with migration civil society and religious communities from noted that an intensified exchange on diversity Minister for European and International and integration and the need to promote peace, the Member States of the EU and the Arab would contribute positively to mutual Affairs, and H.E. Amre Moussa, Secretary development, security and stability, and fight League to discuss common concerns and respect and better under- General of the League of Arab States. terrorism while fully respecting human concrete partnership initiatives. Taking note standing between the Ministers stressed the importance of regular rights and fundamental freedoms. Dialogue of the recommendations of the expert meetings citizens of Europe and the and institutionalised dialogue and recalled the was seen as a means to confront these common held on 17 and 18 December 2008, ministers Arab World, including EU-Arab League Ministerial Meeting in Malta challenges more effectively both at regional stressed the importance of strengthening in the context of in February 2008 as a decisive step in this and global levels. women’s active participation in the different migration. direction. Ministers also welcomed the new While questions of religion and religious ...... structures of the Union for the Mediterranean, identities feature prominently in today’s media Co-Chairmen Amre Moussa and Michael Spindelegger especially the co-chairmanship and full coverage and cross-cultural relations, ...... www.bmeia.gv.at >>> 16

Participants also stressed the need for initiatives in the field of civic education and human rights education and welcomed in this regard the UNESCO sponsored Human Rights Manual, which could serve as a basis for intensified cooperation between Europe and the Arab World in this field. Participants stressed the importance of integrating youth and young adults into intercultural dialogue activities as an effective contribution to fighting racism, xenophobia and stereotypes on all sides and to the pre vention of radicalisation and extremism. Investing in education and student exchange program mes between Europe and the Arab World was seen as a priority. Suitable universities needed to be identified in both regions to intensify cooperation on scholarship and twinning programs. Ministers agreed on the need to institution- alise dialogue efforts and European-Arab cooperation by setting up units for dialogue within their respective administrations and ensuring a regular exchange among them. They also agreed to set up a small steering committee within the next months to guide substantial and procedural preparations for a follow-up meeting. Austria and the Arab League announced their intention to initiate a staff exchange programme for diplomats in the field of dialogue. Ministers welcomed the holding of an EU-Arab League Ministerial Meeting in Egypt ...... in 2009 as well as the decision to establish >>> Conference texts in Arabic and English: www.bmeia.gv.at Ministerial Round Table a Liaison Office in Malta within the framework ...... of the Malta Initiative. 17 >>> Statements of the Participants www.bmeia.gv.at >>> 18

(…) The history of relations between Europe the separation of state and religion, and the Islamic World dates back to the eighth individual and political rights and freedoms, century in Europe. Muslim communities and equal rights for men and women. have been living for hundreds of years in The core of this way of life is to sustain European countries such as Greece, Bosnia pluralism. and Herzegovina, Bulgaria and Romania. Thus Having said this, we must not ignore the Statements of the Participants is an autochthonous religion on our challenges of globalisation and immigration continent, deeply rooted and grown together for our societies at large – be it in the field with Europe. More recently, in the 20th of language, education or labour market at the Opening Panel and Ministerial Meeting century, migration has brought to integration, of legal, cultural or religious Europe from Turkey, the Arab World, Asia traditions which often hamper integration and Africa. In 1950, about 800.000 Muslims and social upward mobility in particular were living in Europe. Today the figure is of women and young people. (…) somewhere between 15 and 20 million. The past has seen enormous cultural and Developing our relations therefore entails to scientific exchanges between Europe and the ask a provocative question: Where is Europe, Arab World in the fields of philosophy, what is Europe? Where and what is the Arab World? We look at two regions that are defined Michael Spindelegger together representatives from governments and by religious, ethnic and cultural pluralism civil society. This new partnership will help and social heterogeneity. We are looking at Minister for European and International Affairs of to raise awareness for the common social two regions that have been in constant the Republic of Austria and political challenges societies in Europe trans formation. Both Europe and the Arab and the Arab World face today. (…) World are challenged to accommodate (…) This conference represents a colourful Europe and the Arab World share a common tradition with modernity and progress. mosaic and an impressive picture of the history – a history of antagonisms and conflicts, Europe has seen considerable processes pluralism and diversity of our societies – both but an even longer history of fruitful exchange of integration and institutionalisation. in Europe and in the Arab World. The great and co-existence. Our relations are often seen European identity is work in progress: variety of experts present today reflects the as predominantly shaped by the differences in Originally founded as an economic community, many different contributions Arab and religion and culture, between Christianity and the members of the European Union have European men and women are making to their Islam. This focus on differences has become developed it, step by step, into a community countries, their societies and on the global level. stronger in recent decades – on both sides. of shared values and a community of law This is the second meeting between the EU We must escape this trap! as we know it today – a community strong and the Arab League on ministerial level and We have to work together to establish enough to unite diversity and to draw on it is the first meeting to address specific new common frameworks of intercultural its strengths to shape the future. The ...... thematic issues. The Vienna meeting is also com patibility and complementarity. We must European Union is based on the solid Opening Panel the first EU-Arab League event which brings tell the stories of cooperation and joint visions. foundation of the Enlightenment: reason, ...... 19 >>> Statements of the Participants www.bmeia.gv.at >>> 20

mathematics or medicine. The Arab World Austria hosts this con ference out of a long • Strengthening civil society, pluralism and Ferrero-Waldner, the European Commissioner had an important mediatory function in and successful tradition of dialogue and diversity management for External Relations and European connecting Europe to other cultures and mediation – with our neighbours in Central • Achieving integration and fruitful co- Neighborhood Policy. societies of the Far East. and Eastern Europe, in the Western Balkans, existence with immigrants We come together today in a time bearing Dialogue needs to address issues of common and in particular with Muslim communities • Promoting intercultural dialogue and great expectations for incidents of change concern such as development, prosperity both in Europe and in the Arab World. youth participation in politics and society in the international political track. The and peace. It needs to promote the values We maintain strong ties with the Muslim and • Keeping pace with the necessary educational world has arrived at an unacceptable stage of we share: good governance, human rights, the Arab World, aiming to build bridges by reforms to accommodate the requirements instabi lity, an enormous financial crisis tolerance, pluralism and diversity engaging in interreligious and intercultural of knowledge based societies pushing the world’s economy into stagnation management, the rule of law. dialogue. The official recognition of Islam • Strengthening social cohesion, preventing and heavily affecting especially developing In the “Joint Declaration of the Paris in Austria dates back to 1912. radicalisation and securing peace. countries. Furthermore, no progress worth Summit for the Mediterranean” on 13 July In recent years we hosted two meetings of mentioning was reached in the peace process 2008, ministers of foreign affairs affirmed their European Imams as well as international For Arab and European decision-makers in the Middle East, problems around the “ambition to build a common future based on conferences on “Islam in a Pluralistic World” discussing the importance of dialogue and Horn of Africa, in South Asia and in many the full respect of democratic principles, (2005) and “” (2007). During the partnership, there is no bigger challenge than other regions of the world around us escalated, human rights and fundamental freedoms, as Austrian EU-Presidency, we initiated a meeting to contribute to a fair and lasting peaceful enshrined in international human rights law, with the Foreign Minister of Denmark and solution of the Middle East conflict, the one such as the promotion of economic, social, Islamic and Christian leaders in 2006 to help issue in the region with the highest political cultural, civil and political rights, mitigate the effects of the so-called “cartoon stakes. (…) strengthening the role of women in society, the crisis”. These contacts showed how much Our meeting today should bring about respect of minorities, the fight against racism common ground exists. Upon our efforts, the EU concrete ideas and projects for further co- and xenophobia and the advancement of Council adopted conclusions rejecting violence operation, ideas how to intensify our dialogue cultural dialogue and mutual understanding.” and calling for mutual tolerance and respect. on state and society level and what next This is a common ground for a strong As recent developments in the global steps should be taken from here. partnership between Europe and the Arab economy have made clear, both Europe and countries. We wish that these commitments the Arab world must cope with the financial become our common heritage. (…) and economic crisis and need to secure Religion is an important part of our cultures, employment, especially for young people. Amre Moussa but our dialogue efforts must go beyond the Apart from these tasks, Europe and the Arab Secretary General mere sphere of religion. We should raise world share a number of common challenges of the League of Arab States, Co-Chair awareness for the importance of civil society in our societies in order to develop our and the numerous people actively contributing potentials and enhance co-operation, such as: Let me thank Austria for organizing this to fighting poverty and discrimination, important meeting, but let me also stress the marginalisation and injustice. As believers or • Promoting women’s participation and important role played by the Portuguese ...... non-believers, they often take great personal enhancing their contributions to the Presidency at the time, by the Maltese Amre Moussa, Michael Spindelegger efforts and risks. economy, society and politics Diplomacy, as well as by Mrs. Benita ...... 21 >>> Statements of the Participants www.bmeia.gv.at >>> 22

international terrorism continues and cases of mentioned meeting in Malta and enhanced dimension. The realization of such a strategic public, on both the Arab and the European maritime piracy increase. by our meeting today – needs great efforts to dimension however asks for a development in side and not limiting it to an elite already All of this calls on us to create means and be able to stand upright. I would like to clarify the way of life towards the better, which is convinced of such a dialogue. For this sake we fields of cooperation which open doors to that this is a matter of a joint project and not conditioned by solving the Middle East should adopt the mechanisms of the Alliance common work serving the objectives of peace, a matter of giving on one side and taking on problem, ending the Arab-Israeli conflict, of Civilizations, which was initiated by Spain development and stability. In this regard the other side. (…) establishing a real Palestinian state with full and Turkey. (…) Europe and the Arab World represented in We – the Arab side – are willing to make sovereignty on the territory occupied in 1967 As you have mentioned, Mr. Chairman, the European Union and in the League of Arab this effort, earnestly, attentively and readily comprising East Jerusalem, and putting an end there is no clash or political confrontation States can work together to jointly achieve in order to implement such a cooperation to the occupation of Syrian and these goals. on the basis of a good, constructive and Lebanese territory. This is an ...... Today’s meeting gravitates towards this comprehensive dialogue, as well as according important and crucial issue, if same direction. It is not only complementary to programs, the framework of which is worth we are to aim at realizing We are working to establish a to, but also necessary for the success of the being designed by a group of ex perts of both stability and tranquility. (…) parties, as a preparation for We do not interfere in comprehensive institutional framework ...... the second Ministerial Europe’s relations with others, Meeting, which is planned to but it is our right to ask for a huge economic renaissance in be held next summer. ourselves, if this was the right the Arab World and we invite the European Economic development has time to improve relations with to become the pillar of our a counterpart who is censored side to participate in this common Arab-European project. Our by international human rights Arab World hosts enormous organizations for its practices in approach in order to jointly overcome the resources, which are not the occupied territories, with present crisis and generate a real increase limited to natural resources, no respect to the merest but also comprise our human regulations of international law. of international development. resources. We are working Together, let us look at a ...... Amre Moussa to establish a comprehensive prosperous future for our institutional framework for a relations; let us strive forward in our between Europe and the Arab World that is ...... huge economic renaissance cooperation and in our common projects on a a basic one or deserves to be continued. in the Arab World and we basis of absolute consideration and respect There were events in past years which have Union for the Mediterranean, which does invite the European side to participate in this for rights, for justice and for international led to certain tensions. They were related to the not comprise all the Arab states, although it common approach in order to jointly overcome charters and pledges. (…) so called “clash of civilizations”, a conflict does comprise all member states of the EU, the present crisis and generate a real increase It is important to me to point out the between the West and Islam. I believe that as well as some other European countries. of international development. necessity that the dialogue of civilizations is international conditions have proven the error A comprehensive Arab-European path would For the sake of its future, this relation, which an integral part of the Arab-European relations. of this theory upon which certain policies were compensate for this deficit. is rooted so deeply in history, deserves to be (…) The major step in this direction might lie formed, and perhaps such a gathering as ours Our joint project – initiated by the above granted an agreed-upon and solid strategic in extending dialogue to the people, to the can decide that we believe that the theory and 23 >>> Statements of the Participants www.bmeia.gv.at >>> 24

policy of the clash of civilizations has failed hindrances. There is also an agreement to well as geographic proximity along coastlines unemployment rates among women are two and that all of us will mobilise our potential enhance the Islamic-Christian dialogue and of the Mediterranean Sea. Egypt was once the to three times that of mates. Such is the and capabilities to move within the framework this is a very important matter and I am happy great bread basket of Rome while Spain was a dimension of the daunting challenge we have of the alliance and dialogue of civilizations. to welcome the attending religious leaders from centre of Arab culture and art. This has to face but these challenges also offer a (…) The EU-Arab League dialogue embraces both sides that parti ci pate. I believe that we engendered economic and cultural similarities wonderful opportunity to unleash the all, whereas the other initiatives cover parts of should find a way to implement these over the centuries. Similarities in attitudes and untapped potential in the Arab region with a the Arab World in comparison to the entirety recommendations, to refer to them in our per ception that by far outweigh any difference labour market which is, as I have mentioned of the European side. This requires that we, final declaration and that the European Union, we may have. When I received this invitation, before, increasingly young and increasingly the ministers and decision makers, reconsider the European Commissioner and the Arab I asked myself: “What, as an Egyptian, do I see female. This in itself holds hope for the future. this matter if we wish to have a dialogue that League should strive to implement these as the single biggest challenge facing two (…) I have two proposals to make: First, with represents a genuine improvement in our recommendations energetically. regions today?” This is where action needs to regard to business, I would propose a system of relationship and a joint action considering be focused. The answer was crystal clear: business twinning between mature business in development and modernization and to work The single most important daunting challenge Europe and new business across the Arab in the future, in this new century, all should is that of employment. For Europe, it is coping region. You are surely familiar with the concept be present, all should participate. Here lies the Yousriya Loza Sawiris with the economic consequences of a fast aging Sawiris Foundation for Social Development, importance of this meeting and the initiative population and for the Middle East it is job Egypt of a European-Arab dialogue and the creation for a young and eager population. importance of the initiative which has been According to the World Bank, given the launched in Malta early this year. I have (…) As citizens of a globalised world, we all are current demographic trends, we will soon be followed the results of the workshops and it is aware of the ripple effect of the economic and facing the most intense pressure on labour clear to all of us that these workshops have financial crisis. When shortfalls in one country markets in the post World War II period. (…) engaged in profound discussions and were not deeply affect the prospects in another, can Un employment rates are the highest for the merely routine gatherings but rather active we not turn this equation around and work young first-time job-seekers. Indeed, young discussions with important results. There was towards positive ripple effects, where progress people make up a large proportion of the an interaction between the civil society and prosperity in one part of our world currently unemployed all over the Arab region. organizations on both sides, more importantly, impact constructively and in a beneficiary way Two thirds of the popu lation in our countries the interaction between civil society on another? This is how I envisage Arab- is under the age of 30, making it the second organizations from each side, which met European links, in terms of action to build the youngest region of the world after Sub-Saharan perhaps for the first time here in Vienna. mutual wealth and prosperity of our societies Africa. In Europe, those under 30 represent In addition, the workshops have achieved and cherished nations. only one third of the population. (…) Arab recommendations concerning the empowerment The recipe for success is universal: coopera- women still have the lowest rate of labour force of women and enhancing women’s role in tive activity where actions complement rather participation in the world, although their society and also concerning the expansion than compete with each other. Significantly my engagement in labour force has gone up of political participation of the youth as well as region has always had closer ties to Europe considerably over the last decade. The gender ...... organizing the movement in this large than to any other part of the globe and many of gap in unemployment is particularly great in Michael Spindelegger, Amre Moussa, Yousriya Loza Sawiris Arab-European space without obstacles or our countries share a common historic past as Bahrain, Syria, Egypt and Saudi Arabia where ...... 25 >>> Statements of the Participants www.bmeia.gv.at >>> 26

of town twinning, where two geographically I hope that, with the grace of God, the seeds or the culture of the Abbassid caliphate. I think of the Mediterranean. These assets have to be and politically distinct areas are paired with that we have sowed together today will the greatest moments of our shared history weighed against a corresponding number of the goal of fostering human relations and bear fruit for all of us in the future. (...) were moments of hybridisation. (…) weaknesses. Previous speakers already cultural links between their inhabitants for the Against this background, let me now propose reminded us of Europe’s substantial industrial benefit of all. (…) I would like to adopt this a number of political options, moving on to capacity and its impressive intellectual and concept for the business world; that is to my own domain, i.e. education. The previous academic landscape; Europe has become a introduce business twinning to our parts of Gilles Kepel speakers already reminded us of the enormous comprehensive area of security and the rule the world. Institute of Political Studies, France economic, social and demographic challenges of law and, as such, by far the most important My second proposal regards a co operation confronting us at the geopolitical level. In economic partner for the Arab region. However, originating in long NGO experience (…) I would like to offer you more options to the majority of the countries to the south and Europe does not have enough young people. (…) partnerships built with mutual relation, which illustrate how universities can contribute east of the Mediterranean, the predominantly At the same time, the Gulf region – with is the crucial ground for collaboration. The towards strengthening the dialogue between young populations are under-employed and its extremely high investment capacities, its key to collaboration lies in these partnerships the Arab World and Europe, or the European dissatisfied. Many of these young people, vast oil resources and its sovereign wealth as a direct result to achieve something Union for that matter, not through empty without employment, are prepared to emigrate funds – has a major security problem due to greater. Collective action is more powerful phrases, but by building structures that enable under the most difficult conditions, which not weak structures, possibly with the exception of than individual action and it creates a sense us to educate a young generation, a generation only deprives the countries of origin of their of community achievement. that will no longer need headphones at most valuable human resources, but also I am a firm believer in the vertical meetings like this, as they will all be speaking causes enormous problems in the countries of partnership; that is a partnership with NGOs, Arabic, French, English, Italian, German if destination in terms of immigration control. community groups and the government, as necessary equally well, a generation of both Though this brain drain is not entirely to the well as the horizontal partnership, which Arab and European origin. Taking up this disavantage of the receiving countries, it means teaming up with other donors and challenge is absolutely essential if, in the provides, among other things, a fertile ground foundations to scale up projects together. (…) multi-polar world evolving around us, we want for movements of the extreme right, particularly Gainful and consistent employment is the to create an area of strength, extending from in the currrent context of a financial and key to leveraging the poor out of poverty. Job the North Sea to the Gulf region. This will be economic crisis. (…) creation is therefore at the heart of the Sawiris a great opportunity for and Europeans, Together with others, and thanks to the Foundation established by my family a few for all of us, as a mixed society is about to generous support provided by His Royal years ago. Pro-poor programs with a number develop, with fifteen million people of Arab Highness Prince Turki, who is sitting next to of fields in training are key to creating origin living in Europe, in a country like me, and numerous other personalities in the employable skills in areas defined as gaps in France, who are intermarrying and sharing region, I have created the Eurogulf Forum, as the market place. It is in that spirit that the lives. A new generation is growing up, with I am convinced that the future of the region Sawiris Foundation acts in a spectrum of children who are becoming the hybrid depends not only on a two-way dialogue training activities from primary to tertiary ambassadors of an emerging culture, a culture between the North and the South, but on a ...... education. (…) We all look forward to setting that is taking a course similar to that of the triangular relationship between the assets of Amre Moussa, Michael Spindelegger, the framework for more intensive cooperation culture of Andalusia at the time of its greatest Europe, the assets of the Gulf region, and the Prince Turki Al Faisal, Gilles Kepel between Europe and the Arab World and so splendour, the culture of Alexander the Great, assets of the countries to the south and east ...... 27 >>> Statements of the Participants www.bmeia.gv.at >>> 28

Saudi Arabia, and needs a partnership with Europe, but it is an opinion held by active dispute over the Shab’ah farms between Syria Europe, given that the military partnership with minorities, and reducing their influence Prince Turki Al Faisal and Lebanon remains from French colonial the United States alone is no longer sufficient, certainly is in our shared interest. King Faisal Centre for Research and Islamic Studies, days. For Europe to sit on the sidelines while as the disaster of the war in Iraq has shown. How can that be done? The first step – and Saudi Arabia the Israelis and the Palestinians struggle to find The countries to the south and east of the we have already taken that step at my own an agreement that will bring peace is not Mediterranean, from Morocco to Egypt, and university, at the Institute of Political Studies Loosely translated an old Arab proverb says: acceptable. Europe is the largest contributor of from Egypt to Syria, have a very rich cultural in Paris – consists in educating young ”Your friend is he who tells you the truth, not aid to the Palestinians. Europe is the largest heritage and a system of education with a num- people from the Gulf, the Levant, the Maghreb he who tells you what you want to hear”. (…) trading partner of Israel and European Jews are ber of elements currently in a process of pro- countries, from Europe and also from the Europe has a leading role to play in reaching the third largest Jewish community outside found renewal, but they are in dire need of United States together in three languages – peace in the Middle East. Historically, the Israel. These are assets that can be applied to employment for their young people. Without English, French and Arabic – which enables European heritage, from the Greeks and pressure both sides when they get stuck for employment opportunities, their societies are at them to work in the three languages in any Romans to the Renaissance and the Age of definitions or ideas. (…) risk of exploding. In this triangular relationship, environment and to grasp the world around Enlightenment, has its roots in the culture of A German acquaintance remarked that the we therefore need to combine and mutually them without being blinded by prejudice. the Middle East, from Pharaonic Egypt to the Mediterranean Sea was not the border of Europe. balance the strengths and weaknesses of Europe, They will get to know each other well, and Phoenicians, Sumerians, and Persians, and Rather, it is a conduit between Europe and the Gulf region and the countries to the east and students who are colleagues today will be in finally the Arabs and Ottomans. Without Africa. The border, he said, is the Sahara Desert. south of the Mediterranean. Such a relationship positions of responsibility in their respective Pharaonic mathematics there would not have Upon reflection, there is much wisdom in will be beneficial for all those concerned. (…) countries tomorrow, which means that been a Euclid, and, without a Hammurabi, that thought. So North Africa, from Egypt to This leads me on to my third and last point, they will be dealing with each other on an there would not have been a Socrates, a Plato, Mauritania should be part of Europe. President i.e. the contribution to be made by universities entirely different basis. This is an extremely and an Aristotle. Without them, there would Sarkozy’s Mediterranean Union addresses that in this context. (…) Education in Europe does important perspective which has beens not have been a Khwarizmi or an Ibn Sina issue and is another tool in Europe’s arsenal not attribute enough importance to the South, it overlooked to far. Institutions like the European (Avicenna) or an Ibn Rushd (). In to use with the Palestinians and Israelis. It is strongly Euro-centred, and consequently Commission and the League of Arab States ought turn, without these, there would not have been follows the Barcelona Process and the European the view people in Europe have about the Arab to take a special interest in this perspective and an Aquinas or a Galileo or a Descartes. The Neighbourhood Policy. I hope that it will world and the Middle East, including the contribute towards providing resources for Age of Colonization followed and Europe’s succeed where the others have failed. All of situation in Israel, is character ised by a the education of our future leaders in political, dominance over the Middle East has left these attempts at Mediterranean common considerable degree of ignorance, if not preju- economic and social-policy terms. (…) us with the present geographic, economic and interests have ignored the Gulf Cooperation dice. Similarly, in the Arab and Muslim I hope that my comments will be understood political interaction that calls for European Council countries and Iraq and Yemen. We see, world, especially since the rise of Islamic by you as an expression of hope – an action to resolve the conflicts inherited from today, the failure of Europe to reach a free trade fundamentalism, a deplorable image of Europe expression of hope that is all the more valuable that age. The thumbprint of Europe is all over agreement with the GCC countries, still. The and the West in general has been gaining ground as, since 9/11, we have been living in a world today’s conflicts in the Middle East. Palestine larger and more powerful economic and political among young people, who associate Europe dominated by a spirit of confrontation, at least is a direct result of Britain’s abandonment of Union is more able to compromise than the with a sinful lifestyle and with conflict between in the image of the world conveyed by the its mandatory responsibilities in 1947. Iraq’s smaller and younger Council in the Gulf. Christians, Jews and Muslims. This attitude is media. (…) I think that by creating this fabric of geography and ethnic composition are the Other actions by Europe can be helpful. not shared by the majority, nor is hostility relationships in civil society and at uni versity result of the map drawn by Mr. Sykes and To the north of Palestine is Lebanon, towards the Arab World a majority position in level we are building our future. Mr. Picot after the First World War. The where Europe and especially France 29 >>> Statements of the Participants

...... have a distinct responsibility to be actively Abu Bakr Abdullah Al-Qirbi, engaged. Europe should ask Israel to withdraw Benita Ferrero-Waldner immediately from the Shab’ah Farms. This ...... will remove the issue of national liberation from Hizbollah’s arsenal and allow for Lebanese politicians to negotiate a national reconciliation based on national interest rather than on fighting a national liberation war. Both Iran and Syria will be equally denied the banner of fighting the occupation in Lebanon. Europe should also encourage Syrian-Israeli negotiations to achieve peace. This will deal a blow to Iranian meddling in the Arab World and force those Palestinian factions based in Damascus to emulate Syria.

Benita Ferrero-Waldner Commissioner for External Relations and European Neighbourhood Policy, European Commission

Security threats from climate change, conflict, terrorism, nuclear proliferation to economic instability are unconstrained by borders and simply cannot be addressed by nation states alone, let alone by traditional alliances between states. They require new forms of creative partnership and cooperation reaching far beyond state administrations. Therefore my hope is that the EU-Arab League cooperation will become such a partnership. (…) The Quartet believes and the Arab League agrees that peace in the Middle East is urgent and therefore I am convinced that the only 31 >>> Statements of the Participants www.bmeia.gv.at >>> 32

peace possible will be one with an language database and glossary. Fourth, we European Union to the Arab World is necessary The conflict must not constitute an alibi to indepen dent Palestinian state at its heart have recently agreed to establish an EC-Arab for all parties. (…) Two of the fundamental keep us from progressing, to keep us from underpinned by broader peace between Israel League liaison team in Malta. Last but not least, actors in our dialogue today are and remain evolving further and to keep us from listening and the whole Arab World. In other words, a fifth, we are planning a joint cultural event in our respective communities and particularly or working together. It is this balance that we 23-states-solution, that is, 22 members of the early 2009 with the Anna Lindh Euro- the Arab communities living in European must find. Arab League plus Israel. That is why the Arab Mediterranean Foundation for the Dialogue countries. These Arab communities living peace initiative you launched in 2002 and between Cultures based in Alexandria. (...) in European countries are of course active reiterated at your 2007 and 2008 summits is in fighting discrimination and fighting for one of the most promising peace developments a social acquis for equal opportunities. They Karel Schwarzenberg Minister of Foreign Affairs, Czech Republic in the last few years and indeed, last week the are also actively fighting to act as a bridge European Union repeated its political support between the European and Arab Worlds. for this initiative at the highest possible level. Experience has proven that this community (…) There are no human rights without (…) Europe is ready to work with the Arab does not wish to abandon its origins or democracy and there are no human rights if the League and I think we are gathered here to its historical identity. Experience has shown citizens are not entitled and have the imagine future perspectives. What finer that this Arab community remains very closely possibility to take part in politics. I know that perspective is there than a comprehensive attached to its cultural and religious roots. sometimes it is a long process. Let us be quite peace settlement in the Middle East? However, At the same time, it is important for us to use honest, the Europeans, who sometimes are very I think we have to create the conditions for this know ledge and ties to history to create self-conscious about democracy, needed more that. You know that this summer’s launch of the best and most profitable future for than 200 years to develop it. So let us be a bit the “Union for the Mediterranean”, in which all of us, which includes integration. (…) also the Arab League fully participates, was yet The Israeli-Arab conflict has caused another signal of our wish for deeper political immeasurable damage and has had a terrible engagement, more co-ownership and the need ...... impact on our souls and spirits. Considering for concrete projects which will bring benefits Taieb Fassi Fihri the elements that have been expressed by to the citizens. (…) I will note the 5 priorities ...... the ministers here, it is quite clear, that if on which we are already working and these occupation policies continue, the frustration are: First, we have agreed to establish a crisis will mount as will the tensions in the area. response centre and early warning system Taieb Fassi Fihri At the same time, we want to make sure that Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, within the premises of the Arab League we create the proper atmosphere for changing Morocco Secretariat. Second, we have offered to host a this environment in the months and years seminar in early 2009 on electoral assistance to come. This must not hold back our and the training of domestic electoral observers (…) In our societies a dialogue must not be dialogue. We have living societies. Our and I think something like that is already going limited only to the political sphere. If we want societies are very active. They must be able to on in the framework of the OSCE here in Vienna, to have a concrete impact on our society, we work together, the business community, the ...... Third, the Commission is offering assistance in must also take in all the dimensions promised religious community and the uni versities Karel Schwarzenberg translation especially in setting up an Arabic by dialogue, and the opening-up of the as well as the media...... 33 >>> Statements of the Participants www.bmeia.gv.at >>> 34

modest in our declarations while always positively because our peoples in Europe and stability of the Mediterranean region and in the liaison office, an initiative jointly sponsored by acknowledging that one thing depends on the the Arab south all shelter under three faiths: dialogue of cultures. Malta’s geostrategic position the European Commission and the League of other. The ultimate aim is to have the citizens Judaism, Christianity and Islam. They are in the Mediterranean has placed it in the Arab States. In the future, this office will act as participate. A real democracy cannot work connected by areas of conversions and privileged yet responsible position of building a catalyst for ideas and initiatives, a promoter without a proper administration, without a common values that prompt us to raise aware- upon the established maxim that there can be of the dialogue between Europe and its Arab good government and without, first of all, the ness of these values among the generations. no peace and security in Europe unless there is neighbours. (...) rule of law, and I do think we have to work These are the values of peace, reconciliation, peace and security in the Mediterranean. The together on that. (…) The Czech EU Presidency tolerance, rejection of violence and exclusion invigorated effort to strengthen understanding is a presidency of a country which did not and of contempt. As for the language, while and accelerate the rapprochement have any colonial or other specific interest in the Arab south is keen on teaching most between Europe and the Arab World, widely Yousuf bin Alawi the Middle East or Northern Africa. Maybe it is European languages in all stages of educational represented by the European Union and the bin Abdullah the right moment to start a discussion without curricula, some countries in the European League of Arab States, essentially emanates Minister of Foreign Affairs, Oman remaining in the past but addressing the north pay insufficient regard to teaching from the need to establish a platform for problems of today and of the future and first the Arabic language, literature and arts. This interregional engagement, dialogue and of all the real problems our population is facing. observation of mine does not stem from a consultation on strategic issues of interest of (…) There is no doubt that the idea to hold populist stance nor from a demand for two bold organizations. Our aim is not to have such a dialogue between both sides is a positive reciprocity but simply one hand cannot clap sporadic meetings for dialogue but a regular sign and we should expand this mechanism alone. (…) We are in need of a vast cultural permanent channel of communication, into the future to open up op portunities for a Farouk Hosni movement whose axes are religion, language exchange of views, dialogue and meetings. (…) better understanding of each other. I have read Minister of Cultural Affairs, Egypt and the arts supported by a formidable It is in this spirit that Malta initiated the the results of the dis cussions that transpired economic mechanism that takes Cairo to Paris, process of the EU-League of Arab States during the past two days between the two (…) Our joy about such interaction cannot Florence to Marrakesh, Beirut to Vienna, dialogue, which led to the Malta meeting last sides, as well as the recom men dations which hide our common concern – that we have not Al Azhar to the Vatican. February. The ministerial meeting did not only emerge from this meeting and there is no doubt gone beyond the phase of diagnosis to that of serve to engender more sensitivity to global that there remains a number of areas of mis- therapy, even though some two decades have issues of prime concern and interest but also understanding concerning the objectives we elapsed since its inception. The pride in and afforded the visibility that the European Union both seek. We do not blame anyone for this. understanding of popular culture, which Tonio Borg and the League of Arab States increasingly need At the start of the 21st century, there are Minister of Foreign Affairs, Malta re presents people’s consciousness, the very to play a more prominent and pre-emptive many realities which we, on both sides, ink with which their annals are inscribed, role in addressing them. (…) Malta must confront and understand. I believe have a lot of effect on our attaining the results (…) The workshop discussions of the last two has been given the responsibility that such meetings should proceed in we aspire to in this Arab-European dialogue. days have resulted in a number of most valid of establishing a European the future and I wish to state that I hope In order to realise this, there are three documentations for future cooperation and Union-League of Arab States that all documents could be as well principal factors which require a great deal of dialogue. Malta looks forward to working with understanding of the rule and influence. I mean its partners in the Euro-Arab dialogue because ...... religion, language and the arts. The first, it is our firm conviction that this dialogue has Tonio Borg Yousuf bin Alawi bin Abdullah religion, has the gravest impact, negatively and the potential to create a lasting milestone in the ...... 35 >>> Statements of the Participants www.bmeia.gv.at >>> 36

submitted in Arabic and not merely in English. from 32 states, including three has unconditionally upgraded its relations with (…) We hope that the recommendations universities from Hungary, adopted the Israel. This has sent the wrong message at the will help all of us to establish a good and University Statute in Barcelona. The EMUNI wrong time to both Israel and Palestine, the beneficial partnership that serves the interest will act as a coordinator and facilitator of joint Arabs, Muslims and all the peoples of the area. of the peoples in both areas. (...) academic and research activities. This (…) The Quartet and the Security Council only framework could be used to launch a scientific give us new promises, saying that Annapolis is project in history in line with the project irreversible. These new promises are not enough “The Image of the Other” in history teaching to restore the confidence of the Palestinian Kinga Göncz with the Council of Europe. (…) people in the peace process, especially if Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hungary this is accompanied by the European decision to upgrade relations with Israel. In spite Dialogue between Europe and the Arab World of all this, we regard this meeting to be has been considerably intensified during Riyad Al-Malki positive. We look at the positive and warm Minister of Foreign Affairs and Information, recent years. We share many common interests: relations which the civil society organisations Palestine maintaining regional peace and stability, could contribute in different cultural areas, ensuring the prosperity of all peoples in the ...... the youth and their enthusiasm. We believe region, trade, investment, environmental Michael Spindelegger, Kinga Göncz (…) For quite some time, injured Palestine has protection, energy supply and so on. Hungary ...... been looking up to Europe, so as to compensate fully supports the EU partnership with the for some of its positions in the past and to take Mediterranean and the Middle East approved an effective role in the endeavours to put an by the European Council in 2004, which dialogue. One of the Hungarian initiatives is a end to the Arab-Israeli conflict, especially the provides clear directions for the EU to work semantic intercultural dictionary documenting Palestinian-Israeli conflict and to support the with the countries of this region to pursue the connotations of the same keywords and actions of the Arab League in order to end political, social and economic dialogue. We their diverging meanings in the Western and Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories and are firmly convinced that Hungary can Islamic civilizations. This will be an important to contribute to establishing a viable Palestinian contribute to the EU-Arab partnership through tool to promote intercultural dialogue and state with democratic institutions. We extend our relatively fresh experience in setting contribute to mutual understanding. The our thanks to the European Union and the up structures of good governance, rule of law dictionary is Hungarian/Arabic but will be European Commission for their generous and human rights. Regional stability is a translated into French with the support of financial contributions to the Palestinian pre con dition for fruitful cooperation in UNESCO. Edu cation is crucial for the better National Authority in the last decade; the Mediterranean. The solution of the Israeli- understanding between cultures and in contributions which played an important role Palestinian conflict is the first step. (…) promoting cultural and human partnership. in the capability of this young organisation to I was glad to see the very concrete and very Following the objec tives of the Catania discharge its different responsibilities and good recommendations of the workshops Declaration the process of establishing the functions. At the same time, we call for a ...... mentioned at the beginning. Hungary is Euro-Mediterranean University (EMUNI) was greater role of Europe in contributing to the Riyad Al-Malki strongly committed to the intercultural finalised. More than a hundred universities difficult peace process. The European Union ...... 37 >>> Statements of the Participants www.bmeia.gv.at >>> 38

that the participation of civil society will have and used to better coordinate and develop the and exercising political will to ensure women’s The European Union should become convinced a positive impact. We encourage all initiatives existing institutional channels. Our role is to access to economic and social rights and to all that the Arab League and the Arab countries as which push forward societal factors to play trigger an appetite for getting involved and to levels of education. a whole are the road to a healthy relationship. their role in reviving the Euro-Arab dialogue. ensure the smooth implementation of projects The Arab World does not reject, as some may Peace should not only be left to politicians; all once they have been initiated. This is why think, the principles of freedom, participation sectors of society should contribute. In turn, we support for example the initiative of in government, reform and civil society I welcome this initiative which has involved “dialogue of culture units” at foreign ministries Abu Bakr Abdullah Al-Qirbi organizations. However, all of this must stem Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yemen us effectively with the leaders of civil society ideally linked to the Alliance of Civilization from the will of the countries of the area, the and afforded us the opportunity to listen, to national coordinating units. aspirations of their peoples and civil society benefit and to learn from them. Throughout history, Europe has always been (…) This meeting emphasises our joint organizations to become partners for a place of cultural interactions. Diversity has desire to formulate a rapprochement of visions, governments. (...) proven its social and economic benefits and is if not a unified vision in dealing with the ă ă an inextricable component of today’s society. problems we are confronted with and not to Laz r Com nescu Yet, diversity may come at the cost of social lecture one another. Can we today formulate Minister of Foreign Affairs, Romania cohesion if conditions for real integration and our priorities and agree upon mechanisms Markos Kyprianou Minister of Foreign Affairs, Cyprus mutual respect are not ensured. Economic and commit ourselves to joint action as (…) For centuries Romanians have been inequalities and social tensions may manifest partners to work in a relationship where good culturally close to the peoples of Arab coun- themselves in the cultural arena and cultural understanding and confidence prevail and to (…) Cyprus supports enhanced cooperation tries and to Islam. In the past decades many differences may be politically exploited confront the challenges of establishing security between the European Union and the League of Romanians chose to live in Arab societies and generating discrimination, racism and and stability in the area, combating terrorism Arab States on both regional and global issues even more Arabs remained in Romania after xenophobia. Unfortunately Europe is not free and building economical and political structures the establishment of my country. So it’s no of such phenomena. (…) As we celebrated that serve our peoples? Moreover, I wish to surprise that, while giving particular attention the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declara- raise the question of the relationship between to the strengthening of its bilateral relations tion of Human Rights a short time ago, it is es- religions. Celestial religions are not rituals with Arab countries, Romania highly encourages sential to underline that intercultural dialogue of worship; their practice may differ here the strengthening of the Euro-Arab dialogue as must be based on shared universal values and and there. Yet they represent ethical values, well within frameworks such as the European respect for the equal dignity of people. teachings and tenets which we all share, Neighbourhood Policy, the Union for the The universality of human rights, including Moslems, Christians and Jews. We hope that Mediterranean, the Anna Lindh Euro-Medi- the Freedom of Expression and the Freedom religious leaders will enhance these values terranean Foundation for the Dialogue between of Religion, does not deny cultural pluralism through dialogue and through understanding Cultures or the Alliance of Civilizations. and diversity. Gender inequality and the of religions and to eliminate wrong impressions, Romania also supports the Egyptian initiative empowerment of women are issues that affect especially those concerning the Islamic faith. to host a second EU-League of Arab States all cultures and therefore intercultural dialogue We seek a different vision of a Europe which Ministerial Meeting in Cairo in 2009. creates a good opportunity to share relevant would cooperate with the Arab World as a uni- ...... The dialogue of cultures between Europe and experiences. Empowering women entails fied whole and not with the Middle East and Michael Spindelegger, Markos Kyprianou the Arab World can be further strengthened overcoming pre judices and marginalization, the Gulf separately...... 39 >>> Statements of the Participants www.bmeia.gv.at >>> 40

of common concern and that’s why we feel that as well as on those who enforce the laws among Process, took a first step towards the the participation of the Arab League in the Wijdan Salim the various parts of the Iraqi society in the politicisation of its structure. It also took a very Minister of Human Rights, Iraq newly formed Union of the Mediterranean cities and the countryside. (…) We wish to important step by opening its doors to the Arab is a very positive step. The Middle East recommend the following for this conference: League, which will help us to co operate better is essential for Europe’s security and stability (…) There are two main lines of thought in Establishing a joint committee of experts from when carrying out local development projects and Cyprus being the only EU member state the dialogue. First, the peaceful coexistence the Arab and European sides, so as to propose and make it easier to develop a decentralised geographically located in the Middle East between different cultures and civilizations new working mechanisms which aim at cooperation strategy with regional and local bears a special duty in reaching the Arab through dialogue avoiding wars and clashes. enhancing human rights and finding the best players. The Union’s Committee of the Regions World to discuss and understand the problems Second, the wish to unite efforts in common ways and means to establish dialogue. Secondly, wel comes the conclusions of the ministerial and challenges it faces. That is why my Irish action in order to have a world where justice, holding joint conferences of representatives of meeting in Marseille, which recognised the colleague and I presented a joint proposal for equality and peace prevail through the the different nationalities, religions, doctrines in added value of our proposal to create a upgrading the relations of the European Union con tribution of all different cultures and Iraq to spread the culture of dialogue and Euro-Mediterranean Regional and Local with the Palestinian Authority and establishing civili zations. Between these two basic acceptance of the other. (…) Finally, creating a Assembly, which will bring local and regional a high level political dialogue. objectives the common denominator are special prize for the best author or artist of a dimension to the governance of the Union for The establishment of a joint representation human rights in their comprehensive global book, novel, play, painting, sculpture focussing the Mediterranean. It is not a new institution but office between Cyprus and Malta in Ramallah concept which is indivisible and based on on the relationship between human rights and a network of co-responsibility just going for among other things demonstrates the strength dignity as a basis of all its branches, such as the dialogue of civilizations. (...) concrete, pragmatic and practical contributions and systematic effort Cyprus is exerting to civil and political rights as well as economic, to promote a dialogue between the peoples reach our Arab partners but at the same time social and cultural rights to the rights of and communities living in the regions. The demonstrates the fact that even for small states, women, children, minorities, the handicapped, three chores are based on sustainable urban for small countries, where there is a political native populations, immigrants etc. (…) Luc van den Brande development, strengthening transport infrastruc- President of the European Union’s Committee will, there is a way, and we have this political Iraq has a unique experience in the long-term ture and using alternative energy until there is of the Regions, Belgium will. (...) peaceful coexistence between peoples, nation- enough capacity to set up genuine regional I would like to congratulate our experts who alities, religions and diverse doctrines. They all planning projects and make them more have done an excellent work. The workshops have contributed in building civilizations which (…) The territorial approach and the proactive attractive and competitive. The contribution of covered all the topics and not only did they have left a strong impact on human history. (…) role of the regional and local authorities the Committee of the Regions will therefore be discuss them on the theoretical level but also The Iraqi citizens are now working on standing of the Euro-Mediterranean region has not only channelled via the creation of this joint and made concrete recommendations and it’s an on their own feet and catching up with the been understood by the governments of the permanent Assembly and the objective to go impressive number of recommendations. Now world. In this resurgence, we are basing 43 partner countries of the Union for the for a tangible contribution towards solving they must be implemented and must not ourselves on human rights, respecting the other Mediterranean but it has also been perceived, in everyday problems. (…) Intercultural and inter- remain just an academic, theoretical exercise. as well as national reconciliation and peaceful some way, as innovatory instrument just able to regional dialogue is essential, also speaking in I would suggest that we ask the Secretariat coexistence. Our government is disseminating bring a new impetus to the Euro-Mediterranean terms of human rights, the rule of law and of the Arab League together with the European the culture of human rights based on peace, dialogue with the real strength of the players on democracy, and the basic values we have to Commission to work out ways and help us dialogue, accepting the other, reconciliation, the ground which make it up. The meeting of share. Democracy is to look at our common identify how we can implement the recommen- rule of law, progress and development. We are the ministers of foreign affairs on 3 and 4 reality with the eyes of the other, which is also dations of the workshops. (...) focusing on the pupils in schools, on teachers, November in Marseille, the former Barcelona the essential rule of every dialogue. (...) ......

...... Europe is facing a challenge of diversity by being newly introduced to Muslims and Arabs in Europe after the age of Al-Andalus. We are facing a different problem of diversity in the Arab World – wars that are trying to end the diverse life we had lived for thousands of years, not only tolerating but enjoying diversity...... Buthayna Shaaban 43 >>> Statements of the Participants www.bmeia.gv.at >>> 44

Europe is facing a challenge of diversity by World and we would be very happy to put as Urmas Paet Buthayna Shaaban being newly introduced to Muslims and Arabs much effort in it as necessary in order to make Minister of Foreign Affairs, Estonia Minister, Political and Media Advisor, Syria in Europe after the age of Al-Andaluz. We a difference. (...) are facing a different problem of diversity in (…) Our most important goal is to achieve peace, (…) What do we need from this conference? Is the Arab World – wars that are trying to end stability and security in our region and in the there a problem between the Arab World and the diverse life we had lived for thousands of whole world. We need to build a common future Europe? Why do we keep referring to the distant years, not only tolerating but enjoying Nicolas Schmit based on the full respect of democratic past and not to the last few years about what is diversity. (…) The measures that were taken Minister Delegate for Foreign Affairs, Luxembourg principles, human rights and fundamental happening? Who needs this conference? The against Arabs and Muslims in the last ten free doms, as well as to promote economic, Europeans, the Arabs, the Arabs and Europe? years, particularly after 9/11, need to be (…) I could not think of any links that are more social and civil and political relations. I see Moslems and Arabs and Europeans all need reconsidered. My generation, who lived in specific and closer than the ones between the great potential for developing deeper relations this conference. Why do we need this Europe in the 1970s, finds it alarming that immigrant communities coming from the Arab between EU and Arab countries and increasing conference? Because we want it to make a some of our students now cannot go into region living in European countries. These are co-ownership makes the relations more concrete difference by being candid and honest about certain fields in European universities because human relations, cultural ties. There is an and visible. (…) The most important objective what we are saying and what we are doing Arabs and Muslims suffer from the label of economic presence, a cultural and a religious for us should be intensifying the exchange of here. Take the example of diversity: terrorism that was introduced after 9/11. So presence in our country which makes our own experts in the academic field, civil societies real measures need to be taken and we need to societies evolve towards more diversity. This and state institutions of European and Arab be brave about the measures we take. Does is a topic which we should address together countries. I would also stress the importance of Europe support ethnic and religious states in because it is in our shared interest to make contacts among youth, the exchange of high the Middle East? I assume it does not. I have sure that theses identities, multiple identities, schools and university students. The Anna attended some of the workshops: The end of develop favourably. It is the young people, the Lindh Euro-Mediterranean Foundation for the occupation was a very important issue – second generation immigrants, who have to Dialogue between Cultures and the International ending occupation of Arab territories in the experience this multiple identity in a positive Youth Training Organisation Trajectory arranged Middle East, the Arab territories of Palestine. way and it is in our interest to help them. We a summer camp seminar on human rights this Islamophobia was a very serious issue. Trying are living in a world in which, through the year, where young people from different to think of introducing the Arab culture and media and the internet, we are all connected European and Arab countries participated. language to students in Europe was a very with each other on a day-to-day basis. This was an excellent initiative and I believe important issue. (…) People who want to make Experiencing this diversity in a positive spirit that our govern ment should support these kinds history need to be very brave and take the is a source of enrichment for individuals of activities more actively. I am convinced that dialogue where it needs to be taken: Not neces- and for our societies, but experiencing such the European and Arab countries share the same sarily by implementing every single measure diversity as something negative might lead aspirations and commitment for peace and the but by seeing which areas are mature to be im- these young people into situations of conflict respect of democratic principles, human rights ...... plemented now and trying to go into them and with enormous risks for our societies and and fundamental freedom, as it was declared in Michael Spindelegger, Antoine Odo, preparing others and developing them in the for the societies on the other side of the our joint communiqué in Malta and in the decla- Ahmad Badreddine Hassoun, Buthayna Shabaan near future. We look forward to a very Mediterranean. Integration is a necessity, as ration of the Union for the Mediterranean. (...) ...... im portant forum between Europe and the Arab is respect of diversity (...) and we have to 45 >>> Statements of the Participants www.bmeia.gv.at >>> 46

give it special and shared attention, because we Israeli-Palestinian conflict, we cannot have the challenge of transition from modernity to instead of the categorisation or the clash of all have a shared interest in the success of this peace, security and stability, to which we all globality. The test for all of us is the test for civilisations, for there should be a new phenomenon of immigration. aspire. We are aware of the extent to which the inclusiveness, accommodation of the different approach. Therefore this forum of Europe and Arab side has gone forward in reaffirming its cultures’ identities. Even the categorisation the Arab World is very important and timely peaceful choice that is irrevocable. We must of the Arab World and Europe: How valid is it and we all support this. There is a direct work together in order to push forward the today, how valid was it in the last century? relation between this civilisational approach Nizar Obeid Madani process of dialogue between the cultures of our Today, the Arab World is living in the and global orders which is immediate political Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Saudi Arabia countries. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is capitals of Europe and Europe is almost in all concern. (…) If we can save this transitional keen on enhancing international relations, Arab houses through satellites, so we are living period we can guarantee the future. (…) I wish to stress the importance of establishing an ideal international community in a much more comprehensive framework In order to reach the goals of regional and continuing dialogue between Arab countries, and the best ways of cooperation. In conviction today. It was a striking experience for all of us, global stability, there are four important members of the Arab League, and European of the importance of dialogue in order to for Turkish intellectuals and statesmen, when conditions which should be underlined by countries, members of the EU. This represents spread understanding and to avoid misunder- we observed that 275 Arab journalists followed this forum. One is that there should be strong the best path towards reconciliation and standing between countries and cultures, the the European summit in 2004 which was support for the Palestinian reconciliation and cooperation between partners and a true custodian of the Two Holy Shrines, His Majesty deciding on the integration process of Turkey. for Egypt because of their efforts in this regard; dialogue between civilizations. (…) In addition King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz, has hosted the There were 275 Arab journalists following this parallel to this there should be a strong to the questions inscribed in the agenda, there International Conference of Dialogue in Madrid press conference. Why? Why was the Turkish em phasis on the Annapolis Process. Secondly, are many other fields for Arab-European in November 2008, which embraced members integration in the EU that important for Arab there should be a strong support for the cooperation which could support and develop of all faiths. This invitation received a great journalists? (…) sus tain ability of the peace in Lebanon and an understanding between our countries, most feedback that was reflected in the extraordinary Let me give you an example of Ibn Rushd, in appreciation of Qatar for their effort. (…) Third, importantly the cooperation in commercial, meeting of the UN General Assembly. (…) 12th/13th-century Cordoba. Rushd’s classical a strong support for the peace transformation technological, information and other fields. commentary to Plato’s Republic reached us in Iraq also after the withdrawal of American These are the means for developing coopera- through a Hebrew translation. We do not have troops. The EU has a special responsibility tion in this field, as well as the requirements an original Arabic copy. We have an English in all these transitions. Fourth, a strong support for agreement on the best ways of dealing with Ahmet Davutog˘lu version translated from Hebrew. This is a very for Syrian-Israeli indirect talks because Chief Foreign Policy Advisor of the this and benefiting from it. We cannot deal important example of how these cultures were these indirect talks together with the Peace Prime Minister, Turkey with and realise any progress except interacting in the past. Therefore can we ask Settlement regarding Lebanon in Qatar last through readiness on both sides to today: Was Ibn Rushd more influential in the year, created a very positive atmosphere in the open up to one another, to avoid For Turkey as a country having historical European or the Arab World? He was influen- region. We have to keep up this atmosphere. (…) intolerance and stereotypes. (…) and cultural ties and well-structured tial both in the European culture and the Arab I would like to underline that we ad mire the Without a just and comprehensive institutionalised relations both with the World. Today we are facing similar challenges. political will and good intentions of both Syria peace and the resolution of the European Union and the Arab League, these There is a need of a new paradigm and that and Israel. We need more cooperation in all fora hold two dimensions. One is a long-term this paradigm is of a new inclusiveness in the these fields in the future. Turkey is always ...... civilisational dimension; the second one is that civilizational sense. Only then we can face the ready to help to achieve regional peace and we Nizar Obeid Madani of short-term immediate political economic challenges of globalization. Therefore Turkey are ready to take this responsibility to support ...... social concerns. (…) Currently, we are facing and Spain initiated the Alliance of Civilizations the European-Arab dialogue. (…) 47 >>> Statements of the Participants www.bmeia.gv.at >>> 48

Man is the sacred unit before Mecca, before Miguel Ángel Sheikh Ahmad Jerusalem, before the Wailing Wall and before Badreddine Hassoun the nativity church. Man is the most sacred Moratinos Cuyaubé unit. Therefore all the wars that have been Minister for Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Spain Grand Mufti of Syria waged in the name of religion and have been called “Sacred War” were not sacred because (…) We, Europeans and Arabs, are back in (…) You have all spoken about religion, you killing men can never be considered sacred. Vienna, after around 35 years, to discuss the have mentioned the gravity of religion or its Religion has come in order to serve man, future of an important region: the Middle East. danger. Man is the sacred book before the in order to secure his life. There is one human In ‘73 we faced this terrible War of Yom Kippur Koran, before the Bible, before the Torah. civilisation which has been built by all of us. and then we decided to consider launching a (…) There are no religions. There is one European-Arab dialogue because it was in the religion with different branches. Your meeting interest of all and then organised by OPEC in is indeed splendid. However, our mosques, our Vienna. We are not back in Vienna today to churches, our synagogues, our schools, what discuss oil but to discuss the future of the do they teach? I urge you: let us think about region, the people, security and peace in the universality and not globalism. Globali sation Middle East. Today, Europeans and Arabs have would tend to eradicate cultures, whereas come together again when after 35 years both universality enriches cultures. I would help sides have not yet realised the potential we ...... you with my Arabism and you would help would both have in order to bring stability Miguel Ángel Moratinos Cuyaubé´, Taieb Fassi Fihri me with your Europeanism. I would assist you and peace to the region. During the last two ...... with my Islam and you would assist me with decades, we thought that peace in the Middle your Christianity, with your Judaism and with East would only be possible thanks to the your secularity, even though you may not be United States. As Europeans and Arabs, we better and more efficient manner? (…) Time religious, but you are my brother as a man. played a secondary role. We did not trust has come to look for an imaginative and Therefore we need a scholastic curriculum ourselves and did not consider ourselves able creative measure and initiative in order to which would be endorsed by international to address the main issue. But times have really surprise public opinion in Israel and give organizations, so we can begin with a generation changed and both, the European and the them the meaning, the content and the that would believe that any state which is based Arab family, are taking into consideration seriousness of the Arab Peace Initiative. The on ethnicity, on religion and rejects the other – their own capacities. Time has come for both Europeans will be behind you. The Europeans well, this has nothing to do with religion and sides, Arabs and Europeans, to take on their will try to help you and I think with the new man has nothing to do with it. I congratulate re sponsibilities. (…) Europeans do support the perspective of the American administration, you in Europe because you have brought down Arab Peace Initiative and have encouraged all we will be able to really reach this goal. We ...... the Berlin Wall without one drop of blood. Why the parties to engage in it, the sooner, the look into the future with a new perspective on Michael Spindelegger, Ahmad Badreddine Hassoun, do we not join ranks in order to bring down a better, in order to finalise a peace deal in the the potential of Arabs and Europeans. We are Antoine Odo, Boulos Matar wall there, in a land which has been the cradle Middle East. (…) How can our Arab friends no longer the periphery. We are the actors of ...... of all celestial religions. (...) present the Arab Peace Initiative in a the region. (…) 49 >>> Statements of the Participants www.bmeia.gv.at >>> 50

Hanan Ashrawi It’s very easy to say: what we need from this a boycott and sanctions that sent the clear comes through the recognition and celebration dialogue is to undo the damage of the last message to the Arab World that democracy is of diversity that we talked about and the Member of the Palestinian Legislative Council, seven or eight years,of the so-called “war on good if you produce the results we want you to Palestinians have always been excluded and Palestine terrorism” and all its expressions and produce but you will be punished if you denied that. That is why we need the consequences which we all know. produce results which we do ...... We need to generate a not like. The double standard ...... new discourse and a new on democracy has not served momentum and means of our reality and has undermined im plementation and the credibility of the West and No culture can lay claim to exclusive mechanisms of cooperation. the Quartet. (…) excellence and no culture can address First, the Palestinians No culture can lay claim to would like us not to exclusive excellence and no the other with a sense of patronage de-contextualise or culture can address the other de-politicise the dialogue. with a sense of patronage or condescension. Therefore we must work (…) or condescension. Therefore together on a common language that It is absolutely essential we must work together on a to focus on ending the common language that celebrates diversity and pluralism occu pation. Our objective is celebrates diversity and ...... not to fund the occupation pluralism and leads to a and leads to a discourse of tolerance. but to end the occupation. discourse of tolerance...... Hanan Ashrawi We do not want to be In this context, there is the (…) The recommendations are extremely transformed into an emergency relief situation abuse of religion that my valuable and if this dialogue is to produce or a charity case but want to be a case of colleagues have addressed, again leading to affirmation of identity primarily through any results, then the networks, plans of economic re vitali zation and development ideological extremism, absolutism and the exercise of self- action and sustainable linkages that were and of genuine nation building. claiming divine rights or divine dispensation. determination. The right envisaged by this conference will become For the last few years there has been a God does not take sides in man-made conflicts to self-determination is the in dispensable vehicles for ongoing political vacuum that has served Israel to and yes, Ursula Plassnik and I, we insist it is something we have conversation, global conversation and continue to maximise the use of space and time man-made, it has never been “woman-made”. been excluded from cooperation, not just a dialogue between two in order to carry out the destruction of The question of identity, particularly to us and therefore has been a parties. Some of these networks have been in Palestine. We only saw the will for negative as Palestinians, is a source of self-definition negation of our effect such as the women’s network, the intervention as opposed to positive and self-value, an expression of authenticity history, our culture, women’s dialogue as well as the dialogue engagement, help lessness before or collusion and belonging and an enabling mechanism for our identity as among different religions, the interfaith with the Israeli violations and the emergence or engagement in the global conversation. This is Palestinians. dialogue and the economic cooperation agree- the use of double standards that allowed Israel in paramount the requirement for engagement...... ments in addition to all the other initiatives to act with impunity. The results of the If your identity is denied, you cannot be part of Hanan Ashrawi discussed within the Barcelona context. (…) Palestinian elections were certainly met with the global engagement. After all, harmony ...... 51 >>> Statements of the Participants Opening Panel >>> 52

Souad Bendjaballah Mohammed Arkoun Christoph Minister Delegate for Scientific Research, Algeria Emeritus, Sorbonne, Paris, Algeria/France Anas Shakfeh Cardinal Schönborn President of the Islamic Religious Archbishop of Vienna Community in Austria (…) In Algeria, we have invested a great As a scholar, as a thinker, specializing deal in this process in a very concrete and in history of Islamic thought, I have attended effective manner and today we would simply these assembly meetings for 40 years. (…) (…) For us as Catholics, as Christians, there We are all aware that Europe and the Arab like to state that this meeting in Vienna sets There is no way to have access to a durable is this deep conviction that Pope Paul VI World, the Near East in particular, due to their another milestone in deepening this dialogue Mediterranean Union for the future without expresses – that dialogue is the way of the geographical proximity, have at least, aside process, in particular by setting up workshops reconstructing, rethinking the heritage of church, and dialogue has to be the way of from the common historical heritage, many on women’s issues, and also on NGOs as each people, each religion, each culture inter-religious dialogue. Especially the common interests. Yet we also know that the members of civil society. These are very living in that Mediterranean space. We have Mediterranean world, the heart of the ancient relationships between these two civilization important segments of our society but they are many scholars; we have many thinkers civilisation, was never a border but rather a circles are burdened by the vestiges of history also segments which are closely linked to a who are engaged in this direction, who are bridge. I want to stress one single point in my and the problems of the present. (…) We more global program of reform that is going on fighting as citizens. These kinds of voices short speech. It’s the situation and the question have a human wealth which can help to build in the Arab World today, but also reforms have to be listened to. Collective memories of the Christians in the Middle East are often intellectual bridges between both sides: which have been undertaken to help bring the should be respected because we have to forgotten in our dialogues, yet these Arabic millions of immigrants from the Arab World Arab World and Europe closer together. (…) build a future together that would be based Language Christians were the ones who, through who have settled in Europe and have gained a For us, economic, social, cultural and political on the knowledge of these collective the work of translations, opened up the treasur- wide understanding of both sides. Austria is rights are indivisible. You must have them in memories, not just on repeating generalities ies of antiquity for the Arab Muslim World. aware of the importance of dialogue between order to further develop the dialogue, in order about three religions. Only the historian Their presence reminds us until today that religions, also within Europe, and has estab- to further enrich our social, cultural and will reestablish the balance for voices. “Arab” does not exclusively mean “Islamic”. lished a context for this work, supporting the political lives. This is not possible unless we Unfortunately this is not recognised, not in You will therefore understand with what Islamic Community of Austria. We have give it our full support. (…) The reforms that the Arab World and not even by European sadness and pain I look at the situation of convened the first conference of European are on their way hold great potential for the societies. I am battling in Europe to create Arabic-speaking Christians today who are Imams in 2003 in Graz, followed by a second Arab World. They need to be accompanied a place for exchanging the information that the inheritors of the first Christianity. I am conference in Vienna in 2006 at the time when by the European countries. (…) We are part of is provided by historians, anthropologists, convinced that the upholding and the fostering Austria presided over the European Union. this process with the prospect of setting up human and social sciences. (…) There of the presence of Arabic-speaking Christians We believe that the two declarations issued by important bridges to help us make progress is no history of theological thinking. I urge in the Arab World should be found in the hearts those two conferences have had a great towards a peaceful world. We hope that also the European Union to create places of of Europeans as well as in those of the response and were welcomed by many of the in the institutional context, we will continue intellectual and scientific exchange; not Arab World. The presence of these Christians Muslims in Europe. We look forward to a third to consolidate our efforts for better mutual exchange about what we call religious can, as in the past, be a bridge for mutual conference of the Imams in Linz. understanding between our peoples, between dialogue, but something that is politically understanding and for peace. I will tell you our civil societies and between our elites. This necessary for the European Union: the very openly that I consider the guaranteeing of will be necessary in order to ease the tensions compared history and anthropology the presence and the life and the rights of these in the region and between the Arab World and of religions, in plural. This is what I am Middle East Christians to be an important Europe. making a plea for. element of the ongoing European Arab dialogue. 53 >>> Workshop 1 www.bmeia.gv.at >>> 54

Recommendations:

Workshop 1 • Undertake curriculum reform for state, private and religious schools to include civil Strengthening Women in Society, Public Life and Dialogue and human rights, women’s equal rights in society, cultural tolerance, understanding and acceptance • Support capacity-building workshops and programmes for women’s political and Participants discussed issues regarding the diversity management, minority rights economic leadership necessity to close the gender gap, to provide an violations, violence against women and women • Encourage dialogue among women, men and • Sponsor workshops for women theologians open space and create opportunities for women trafficking, low women political participation, religious leaders to advance women’s role in for an inter-faith and interreligious dialogue to utilise their full potential and to play an and discrimination against women in the public life, to strengthen the partnership and • Utilise and expand existing scholarship effective role in the decision-making processes. labour market. horizontal relationship between sexes and schemes, and provide equal access In addition, participants addressed the need Participants are concerned about some to eliminate gender stereotypes for women to scholarships and bilingual to strengthen European-Arab women networks interpretations of religions adverse to women’s • Establish twinning and mentorship exchange programmes, and enhance and dialogue for the promotion of gender full participation in society, the absence of programmes between European and Arab exchanges in language, cultural, social equality, conflict resolution and peace. women in intra-religious and inter-faith state institutions, companies and civil and natural sciences, technology, Participants urge Europe to further their dialogue and the marginalisation of their role societies law and theology engagement and to play a pivotal role for a just in peace processes and conflict resolution • Increase engagement of women in peace • Fund joint art and media productions that solution to end the suffering of women and discussions. processes, conflict resolution and dialogue promote cultural understanding, overcome their families living under occupation as well Furthermore, participants agree that both • Provide exchange programmes about stereotypes, and strengthen relationships and as ending the difficulties and challenges regions need committed and progressive successful legal reforms in the bonds among citizens in European and faced by women refugees and the internally decision-makers to achieve gender equality, European-Arab region Arab countries. displaced persons. peace and stability, and the enhancement • Introduce gender-responsive budgeting Participants are aware that aside from of active participation of women in political, programmes at national level Finally, participants urge both European and concrete projects, a long-term perspective is economic and social life. For this purpose, • Set up a documentation and archiving centre Arab governments and institutions to necessary for the achievement of human rights, CEDAW and other international ratified at the Library of Alexandria (e.g. thematic follow up and monitor the implementation women’s rights, dignity, and justice. For this, conventions and UN resolutions (including monographs, policy briefs, annual reports, of the recommendations adopted, and to fund partnership, dialogue and actions are essential. 1325 and 1820) have to be implemented and databases on women organisations and programmes and commitments made at this Participants have identified common issues reservations to the conventions need to be women leaders in various fields, joint initiative of Austria and the League in Europe and the Arab World such as reconsidered. Arab Reform Observatory) of Arab States. List of Participants: Workshop 1 Chair Brigitte Holzner, AUSTRIA, Austrian Development Agency, Gender Advisor . Co-chair Rola Dashti, KUWAIT, Kuwait Economic Society, Chairperson . Representative of the Host Elisabeth Riederer, AUSTRIA, Ministry for European and Inter- national Affairs, Head of Department I.7.b., International Women’s Issues ...... Sara Abbo, SUDAN, Sudanese Women Union, Secretary of Peace Alia Aboul . >>> Conference texts in Arabic and English: www.bmeia.gv.at Ezz, EGYPT, National Council for Women Egypt, Ambassador Saida Agrebi, ...... TUNISIA, Tunisian Mothers’ Association, President . Sawsan Al Ani, SYRIA, Embassy of Syria in Vienna, Counsellor . Fawzia Al Farsi, OMAN, State Council Member . Hatoon Ajwad Al Fassi, SAUDI ARABIA, King Saud University, Assistant Professor in Women´s History . Maryam Al Marashda, UAE, UAE University, Assistant Dean . Nada Al Mutawa, KUWAIT, Arab Open University in Kuwait . Tahani Al Naser, KUWAIT, Kuwait Permanent Mission in the Arab League . Abdullah Al Rashidan, SAUDI ARABIA, Ministry for Foreign Affairs . Ghazi Al Rawas, OMAN, Embassy of Oman in Brussels . Christine Assaad, UAE, Dubai School of Government, Gender, and Public Policy Pro- gram, Research Associate . Maha Aziz, IRAQ, Ministry for Foreign Affairs . Amina Baghajati, AUSTRIA, Islamic Religious Community in Austria, Spokesperson . Amal Basha, YEMEN, Sisters Arab Forum for Human Rights, Chairwoman . Ulrike Bechmann, AUSTRIA, University Graz, Chair Religious Studies . Meriem Belmihoub-Zerdani, ALGERIA, Court of Justice, Lawyer . Boutaina Ben Moussa, MOROCCO, Embassy of Morocco in Vienna, Counsellor . Tatyana Dronzina, BULGARIA, Sofia University, Professor . Yahya Fadhil, IRAQ, Ministry for Foreign Affairs, Attaché . Ingeborg Gabriel, AUSTRIA, University of Vienna, Professor for Social Ethics . Azza Ghanem, YEMEN, University of Sana'a, Rector . Monica Gutierrez, OSCE, Adviser on Gender Issues . Lily Habash, PALESTINE, ”Partners: Women & Men for the Empower- ment of Palestinian Women”, Founder and Head of the Board of Directors . Reem Haddad, SYRIA, Ministry of Information; Syrian TV, Director of Press and Information Office . Laurence Hengl, AUSTRIA, Austrian Development Agency, Desk Officer Middle East/Asia . Hagar Islambouly, EGYPT, Bibliotheca Alexandrina, Head of External Relations Sector . Radoslava Kafedzhijska, BULGARIA, Ministry for Foreign Affairs . Paivi Kannisto, FINNLAND, Ministry for Foreign Affairs, Adviser on Gender Issues . Marie-Thérèse Kiriaky, AUSTRIA, Arab Women´s Organisation, Founder and President . Amal Obeidi, LIBYA, University of Garyounis-Benghazi, Associate Professor . Liliana Popescu-Birlan, RUMANIA, National School of Political Science and Public Administration, Lecturer at the Faculty of Political Science . Anne Margrete Rasmussen, DENMARK, Danish Centre for Documentation on Women and Gender, Head of MENA Programmes . Reem Hadad SYRIEN . Zoya Rouhana, LEBANON, KAFA Violence and Exploitation, Managing Director . Lydia Saadat, AUSTRIA, Ministry for European and International Affairs, Desk Officer, Development Policy Planning for Asia, the Middle East, the Mediterranean Area and America . Magda Seewald, AUSTRIA, Vienna Institute for International Dialogue and Cooperation, Gender Consultant . Jamila Seftaoui, OSCE, Senior Adviser on Gender Issues . Buthaina Shaaban, SYRIA, Presidency Advisor . Muhsin Shlaga, IRAQ . Shirin Shukri, UNIFEM, Project Coordinator 57 >>> Workshop 2 www.bmeia.gv.at >>> 58

Participants highlighted the importance of Workshop 2 fully recognizing the potential of diversity and pluralism for all societies. While recognizing Development of Civil Society, important challenges, diversity management offers great opportunities for the inclusive Pluralism and Diversity Management and stable development of societies. Such Recommendations: policies need to take into account the multiple identities of each individual – based on nationality, culture, religion, gender, or • Promote capacity and awareness building political affiliation. Identity should be programmes among the population about used as a tool for generating pluralism and citizenship inclusion. A common challenge for all • Establish training programmes for civil countries is to fully recognise and embrace servants, including exchange programmes marginalised communities of minorities within between Europe and the Arab World Civil society has important contributions to governments and also limited tradition to their societies, be they religious, ethnic, or • Promote initiatives to strengthen the capacity make both in Europe and in the Arab World engage in civil society. The loyalty of citizens generated by political or economic migration. of civil society organisations (CSOs), in the empowerment of the population in can best be assured by governments being including the promotion of coordinated net- development, pluralism and democracy. Civil responsive to their needs and aspirations. works of CSOs within and among individual society organisations face many challenges, Cooperation between governments and civil countries, including exchange programmes e.g. lack of managerial capacity and internal society is an essential element for sustainable between Europe and the Arab World democratic processes and donor dependency development, in light of widespread poverty. • Encourage the empowerment of civil society as well as a lack of their recognition in law Civic education and human rights education and their full participation in public life as and in practice. were identified as key components in the an important contribution towards the The question of civil society is closely linked strengthening of societies, including civil strengthening of the social fabric and the with the issue of citizenship. There are society, contributing to the promotion of stability and credibility of the State in challenges concerning citizenship both in the diversity and good governance. While there general – in all efforts to strengthen civil Arab World and in Europe. In the Arab World, are important differences among the different society, the important role and contribution the empowerment of citizens is sometimes regions and individual countries, they all share of women should be given particular seen as a threat. On the other side, there is a common basis and values in the Universal attention widespread apathy and frustration among the Declaration on Human Rights and other UN • Seek regular contacts and dialogue with population – with limited expectation from human rights norms. CSOs, thus building confidence and 59 >>> Workshop 2

collaboration, while recognising their standards regarding Arabs and Muslims, List of Participants: Workshop 2 Chair Ibrahim Bisharat, PALESTINE, UNDP, Program Development autonomy and important role as advocates, as well as Europeans and Christians, in Expert . Co-Chair Gudrun Harrer, AUSTRIA, Austrian daily newspaper “Der Standard”, Senior Editor . Representative thus contributing to pluralism public life, including in the media, of the Host Engelbert Theuermann, AUSTRIA, Ministry for European and International Affairs, Head of Department • Encourage cooperation with civil society curricula and history – Europe and the I.7, Human Rights, Humanitarian International Law, Minority Issues . Wajeeha Al Baharna, BAHRAIN, Bahrain in the development of a culture of human Arab World should also work together in Women's Society, Vice-President . Abbas Al Halabi, LEBANON, Arab Working Group for Muslim- Christian Dialogue, rights, e.g. through implementation of human contributing to a lasting solution of President . Fawzi Al Jasem, KUWAIT, Embassy of Kuwait in Vienna, Ambassador . Mohammed Al Malki, QATAR, rights treaties and the integration of civic the Arab-Israeli conflict, in order to ensure Ministry of Foreign Affairs . Nada Al Mutawa, KUWAIT, Kuwait University, Professor . Karim Ebrahim Al Shakar, and human rights education into school sustainable partnership BAHRAIN, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Bahrain, Ambassador-at-Large . Fayez Bin Ali Al Zebn, and university curricula • Recognise that intercultural and SAUDI ARABIA, Ministry for Foreign Affairs . Bakhtyar Aljaf, SLOVENIA, International Institute for Middle East and • Promote the use of the UNESCO inter-religious dialogue is a useful Balkan Studies IFIMES, Director . Abdulla Salem Alkatheri, UAE . Kurt Appel, AUSTRIA, University of Vienna, sponsored Manual on Human Rights instrument to highlight diversity, foster Associate Professor of Fundamental Theology, Vice-Dean of the Faculty of Catholic Theology . Sigi Atteneder, AUS- Education as a tool for concrete training mutual understanding, promote TRIA, Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Cambridge, Research Fellow . Mokhtar Aziz, LIBYA, World Islamic programmes both in Europe and the international cooperation and emphasise Study Center in Malta, Co-Founder and Director . Hoda Badran, EGYPT, Alliance for Arab Women, Chairperson . Arab World thus contributing to the that the dialogue between Europe and the Chedly Ben Younes, TUNISIA, Tunisian League for the Defence of Human Rights, Chairman . Wolfgang Benedek, 2009 UN Year of Human Rights Learning Arab World should be undertaken on the AUSTRIA, Institute for International Law and International Relations in Graz; ETC/European Training and Research • Recognise that diversity is inherent basis of equal partnership and on the basis Center, Head and Professor . Alain Deletroz, BELGIUM, International Crisis Group, Vice-President . Ioannis Dimi- in all societies in the Arab World and in of identified needs – dialogue should be trakopoulos, EC, European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights, Head of Unit “Equality and Citizen's Rights” . Europe and requires management based focussed, structured and goal and Saad Fadhallah, IRAQ . Stanislaw Gulinski, POLAND, Foreign Ministry, Expert on Middle East . Stefan Hammer, on human dignity, equality and non- results-oriented AUSTRIA, University of Vienna, Professor of Public Law and Legal Philosophy . Mario Hirsch, LUXEMBURG, Institute discrimination • Support cooperation between civil Pierre Werner, Director . Jacques Huntzinger, FRANCE, Union for the Mediterranean Ambassador . Edwin Keijzer, • Fully reflect the existing diversity in society organizations in the Arab World NETHERLANDS, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Advisor for the Relations with the Islamic World . Mouddar Khouja, society in the composition of all state and and in Europe to strengthen pluralism, AUSTRIA, Islamic Religious Community of Austria, Personal Assistant to the President . Lilia Labidi, TUNISIA, civil society institutions and organisations democracy and in confronting terrorism University of Tunis, Psychoanalyst, Anthropologist, Professor . Omar Mahmoud, SUDAN, Sudan Council of Voluntary • Share different models of relationship and extremism Agencies, Board Member . Michel Roche FRANCE . Merhoun Mourad, ALGERIA, Ministry of Foreign Affairs . Abir between state and religion and reflect • Facilitate the mobility of people Moussa, TUNISIA, Association Tunisienne pour les victims du terrorisme (ATUT), Secretary General . Sudad Muhy, them at academic and expert level in order and promote exchange programmes within IRAQ . Jeremy Nagoda, EC, EuropAid, Assistant to the Director of Thematic Operations . Ceylan Pektas-Weber, to identify best practices of securing and among the regions NETHERLANDS, Al Nisa Organization for Muslim Women and Youngsters in the Netherlands, Independent Consultant equal free exercise of religion while taking • Establish a data base for the collection of and Author . Lorenz Potocnik, AUSTRIA, Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Cambridge, Research Fellow . into account different contexts of good practices of dialogue initiatives, Egdunas Racius, LITHUANIA, Institute of Head of Asian and International Relations and Political Science at Vilnius religious life in society as well as a website on human rights and University, African Studies Center . Alexander Schahbasi, AUSTRIA, Austrian Integration Fund, Head of the Research • Share experiences and good practices dialogue in Europe and the Arab World Team . Rania Schakfeh, AUSTRIA, Austro-Egyptian Chamber of Commerce, Supervision of the Department of in mechanisms, policies and programmes • Establish an Arab-Europe forum on Legalisation . Jan Snaidauf, CZECH REPUBLIC, Czech Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Analyst at the Office of Strategy for the inclusion of marginalised citizenship to foster respect and recognition and Analyses . Ahmad Soboh, PALESTINE, Palestinian Authority, Vice-Foreign Minister . Heidrun Tempel, communities in all spheres of public life of citizens, including their rights and GERMANY, Federal Foreign Office, Special Representative for Dialogue among Civilisations . Trionfi, Barbara • Undertake special efforts to overcome responsibilities, and their contribution to AUSTRIA, International Press Institute (IPI), Communications Manager & Press Freedom Adviser (Asia) . Lurdes stereotyping, misperceptions and double the development of their country. Vidal Bertran, SPAIN, European Institute of the Mediterranean, Head of the Arab and Islamic World Programme 61 >>> Workshop 3 www.bmeia.gv.at >>> 62

Recommendations:

Workshop 3 • The EU and the Arab League and their Member States should hold a Youth Forum, Promoting Intercultural Dialogue and building on existing structures to review implementation of existing commitments Youth Participation in Politics and Civil Society and agreements on youth • Enhance academic research on youth, • Activate existing structures of one region including data bases on and dissemination in the other (embassies, cultural institutes of best practices of exchange and etc.) to reach out more to youth and empowerment projects educational institutions – use models for • Facilitate mobility of and exchange Arab reach-out in Europe, e.g. creating programmes for young people in particular an “Arab Council” devoted to linguistic, of students, scholars, researchers, artists academic, cultural, artistic and media and journalists Youth in the Arab World as much as in Europe Issues discussed included the following: activities directed specifically to youth • Encourage civil society and private business constitutes a source of power and a major • Include an Arab-European intercultural to promote the entrepreneurial potential factor in innovation and progress. Youth needs • Individual and collective identities and element in the activities of the Cultural of young people in the economy to be considered a basic part in poltical and the use of socio-, psycho- and linguistic Capitals of the EU and the Arab League, and • Intensify efforts to translate and distribute social participation and decision making. terminology (identity formation and of the EU Youth Capital works published in both regions related to The discussion evolved around empowering integration into host societies) regarding • Include socio-political aspects into the youth and read by youth young people across the Arab World and young Arabs in Europe and their role and dialogue in the EU and the Arab World • Facilitate formation, including the Europe irrespective of their background. The potential as bridges • Identify marginalised youth groups and simplification of procedures, of youth groups aim must be for youth to be able to reach their • Experiences of exclusion in EU and within ensure their full inclusion into dialogue and organizations and simplify procedures full potential as citizens and future leaders. Arab countries activities, including the religious dialogue in order to enhance inclusiveness and social • Challenges of intra-Arab discussion activities cohesion of youth across all segments of on youth • Secure access to quality education, formal society and non-formal, including vocational and • Encourage political parties and movements civic education as the key way to enable to better include youth in their policy young people to play a full role in society, formulations and structures and support especially marginalised or disenfranchised capacity building for young political leaders groups, including migrants, both within • Ensure complementarity and coherence of the Arab World and the EU initiatives of inter-cultural dialogue. List of Participants: Workshop 3 Chair Malin Stawe, SWEDEN, Swedish International Develop - ment Cooperation Agency (SIDA), Regional Programme Officer at the Embassy of Sweden in Cairo . Co-Chair Bernard Sabella, PALESTINE, Bethlehem University; Department of Services to Palestinian Refugees in the Middle East Council of Churches, Professor of Sociology and Member of the Palestinian PLC . Representative of the Host Martin Gaertner, AUSTRIA, Ministry for European and International Affairs, ...... Bilateral Economic Relations with North- and South America, Africa, Asia, Middle East and the Gulf Region . >>> Conference texts in Arabic and English: www.bmeia.gv.at Adel Abbas, IRAQ, Ministry for Human Rights, Director General Tahir Abbas, UK, University of Birmingham, ...... Director of the Centre for the Study of Ethnicity and Culture . Hisham Abdel Karim, SUDAN, NCYP, Foreign Relations Youth Secretary . Randa Abul-Azm, EGYPT, Al Arabia, Cairo Bureau Chief . Naif Al Aboud, SAUDI ARABIA, Ministry for Foreign Affairs, Counsellor . Jasem Mubarak Al Mubaraki, KUWAIT . Nayef Al Otaibi, KUWAIT, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Second secretary . Mohamed Alfakih Saleh, LIBYA, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Counselor . Hussain Ali Abdullatif, OMAN, Embassy of Oman in the UK, Ambassador . Ziad Ali, IRAQ, Ministry of Interior . Ammar Saati SYRIA . Alain Baetens, BELGIUM, Private Office of the Belgian Minister for Foreign Affairs, Advisor Middle East and North Africa . Maria Balducci, ITALY, Fondazione Mediterraneo, Expert in Intercultural Dialogue between Europe and the Arab World . Mourad Boukadoum, ALGERIA, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Deputy Director . Khalifah Buamaim, UAE, Ministry of Culture and Youth Development, Head of International Relations Department . Ivan Calabuig-Williams, OSCE, Assistant Program Officer, Action Against Terrorism Unit . Michele Capasso, ITALY, Fondazione Mediterraneo, Founder . Najlah El Haque, JORDAN, Consultant . Nadja Elgendy, AUSTRIA, Muslim Youth of Austria (MJÖ), Member . Karen Fogg, BELGIUM, European Commission, Head of UN Affairs . Mohamed Ghoneim, EGYPT, Ministry of Culture, Advisor to the Minister . Marija Golubeva, LATVIA, Centre for Public Policy PROVIDUS, Senior Researcher . Cengiz Günay, AUSTRIA, Austrian Institute for International Affairs, Senior Researcher . Farid Hafez, AUSTRIA, Institute of Oriental Studies at the University of Vienna, Lecturer . Iyhab Hamed, SYRIA, National Union of Syrian Students, Member of the Executive Bureau . Jan Hanrath, GERMANY, Institute for Development and Peace at the University of Duisburg-Essen, Researcher . Christiane Hartnack, AUSTRIA, University of Krems, Head of Intercultural Studies . Peter Holy, SLOVAKIA, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Desk Officer in the Department of Middle East and Africa . Riad Jarjour, LEBANON, Forum for Development, Culture & Dialogue, President . Kouzinia Katramadou, GREECE, G03 Department of European Policies of the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Expert Counsellor in Cultural Affairs . Gilles Kepel, FRANCE, Social Science Research Council Institute of the Arab World, Member of the Board of Directors . Klemen Klun, SLOVENIA, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Policy Planning and Research Division . Theresia Laubichler, AUSTRIA, Austrian Society for the Middle East (ÖOG), Head of Studies Department . Khalid Louhichi, TUNISIA, League of Arab States, Director of Population Policy and Migration Department . Firas Mahdi, IRAQ . Stefan Maier, AUSTRIA, Caritas, Head of Foreign Aid Department of Caritas Salzburg, Middle East Coordinator of Caritas International . Ina Marciulionyte, UNESCO, Department for Arabic Studies, Pázmány Péter University, Head . Pavlos Michaelides, CYPRUS, University of Cyprus; Philosophy, Intercultural and Interreligious Studies, Assistant Professor . Patrick Mifsud, MALTA, Ministry of Foreign Affairs; External Relations & Mediterranean Affairs, Counsellor . Gerhard Moßhammer, AUSTRIA, Intercultural Centre; Austrian Agency for ”Youth in Action“, Secretary General . Hassan Nafaa, JORDAN, Arab Thought Forum, Secretary General . Alexander Osman, AUSTRIA, Muslim Youth of Austria (MJÖ), Member . Clarisse Pasztory, EC, Political Matters Advisor . János Perényi, HUNGARY, Alliance of Civilizations, National Coordinator . Diogo Pinto, BELGIUM, European Youth Forum, Secretary General . Wolfram Reiss, AUSTRIA, Protestant Faculty of Theology; University of Vienna, Chair for the Studies of Religions . Benjamin Rey, EP, DG External Policies; EuroMed Unit, Official . Martin Rupprecht, AUSTRIA, Centre for Christian- Islamic encounter; Archdiocese of Vienna, Parish Priest . Soraya Salti, JORDAN, Injaz, Senior Vice-President MENA . Miriam Schive, AUSTRIA, Liechtenstein Institute in Vienna, Resident Director . Dina Sherif, EGYPT, John D. Gerhart Center for Philanthropy and Civic Engagement, Associate Director . Sara Silvestri, UK, City University London, Lecturer in International Politics ......

...... Our common task is to redraw and shape a new geography of the mind which will make our regions become one area of common interest and shared perspectives for reform and cooperation...... Michael Spindelegger