ADVANCING DEMOCRACY A Report of the International Republican Institute Spring 2006 IRI Launches Women’s Democracy Network

Participants of IRI’s Women’s Democracy Network inaugural conference.

omen leaders from all over workshops designed to identify challenges his remarks, the President thanked IRI for the world traveled to and determine ways in which the Women’s its work and recognized the work of the WWashington, D.C., for the launch Democracy Network can assist in Women’s Democracy Network. “This of the International Republican Institute’s addressing them. conference provides an opportunity for (IRI) Women’s Democracy Network. The women leaders around the world to inaugural conference brought together The participants also visited the White connect with each other and serve as accomplished women leaders from Africa, House where President George W. Bush mentors for women in developing Asia, Eurasia, Europe, Latin America, and and First Lady Laura Bush spoke. During the Middle East, as well as the United States Continued on page 2, see WOMEN to foster relationships and help the leaders Contents advance as their countries make the Page 2 ...... Message from the Chairman transition to Page 3 ...... Belarus Election democracy. Page 4 ...... Liberia Elections Page 5 .... Dr. Kirkpatrick Visits Those attending had an Page 6 ...... Reforms in Afghanistan Page 7 ...... Democracy in Mongolia opportunity to meet Page 8 ..... Cubans Take Steps to Freedom with other women Page 9 ..... IRI Examines Why Democrats leaders to share Lost in Central Europe experiences and Page 10 .... IRI Hosts Democracy Leaders; challenges facing their Ayten Shirinova, a political activist and former candidate for Advancing Democracy with Technology parliament from Azerbaijan, and The Honorable Ruth Khasaya Page 11 ...... Democracy’s Hero countries. The women Oniang’o, a member of the Kenyan National Assembly, become participated in regional friends at the launch of the Women’s Democracy Network. Page 12 ...... Staff Update

1225 Eye Street NW • Suite 700 • Washington, D.C. • 20005 IRI Messageefr from the Chair man emocracy winning the presidency, pro- take office and begin the work of was democracy activists held a national appointing committees and electing D given convention to democratically choose chairs. IRI’s successful work with new hope with their candidate, and carried out a independent candidates during the elections in nationwide campaign with no access election continues. With the Afghanistan, to media or printed materials. formation of e-Mustaqel, a bloc of Belarus and pro-democracy moderates, IRI is Liberia. Despite After 25 years of turmoil and 14 helping members of parliament find the forgone years of civil war, Liberians chose their voice in the new democratic conclusion of a Lukashenko victory, Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf as the first government. Belarusians bravely went to the polls elected woman head of state on the on March 19 believing that change is African continent. IRI monitored the Despite the dangers and difficulties, possible and change will come to the historic elections, witnessing people in Belarus, Liberia, last dictatorship in Europe. And in enthusiastic voters who were hopeful Afghanistan and many other Liberia, voters elected the continent’s for peace and democracy in their countries continue the daily struggle first woman president, Ellen wartorn country. IRI monitors to bring freedom and democracy to Johnson-Sirleaf. praised the elections and urged all their countries. Liberians to come together to rebuild Led by Aleksander Milinkevich, pro- their country. democracy activists in Belarus waged a strong campaign in the face of Afghanistan saw the first government repression and democratically-elected parliament Senator John McCain retaliation. With little hope of Chairman, IRI

WOMEN, Continued from page 1 democracies so they can help shape the future of their nations.”

One conference attendee, Tanja Tomic, a member of the Skopje City Council in Macedonia, said, “President Bush’s reference to IRI’s network provided a strong motivation for me to expand the network in Macedonia and throughout the region.” Former Spanish Foreign Affairs Minister Ana Ayat Mohamed Aboul Futtouh, director Palacio gives a keynote address during the of Ibn Khaldun Center for Develop- The three-day conference, which coincided conference. ment Studies in Egypt, participates in the Middle East workshop. with International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month, was held March Members Gahl Hodges Burt, Vice The Women’s Democracy Network is an 6-8. Keynote speakers included Paula J. Chairman, American Academy in Berlin; initiative established by IRI. The network Dobriansky, Under Secretary of State for Alison Fortier, Director, Lockheed will encourage and support women Democracy and Global Affairs; The Martin Missile Defense Programs; Susan working to advance political, civic and Honorable Ana Palacio, former Minister Golding, President and CEO, The economic participation in their countries, of Foreign Affairs for Spain; and The Golding Group, Inc.; Janet Mullins and create regional networks to strengthen Right Honorable Kim Campbell, former Grissom, Partner, Johnson, Madigan and their development. Prime Minister of Canada. The event Peck; and Cheryl Halpern, Chairwoman, was also attended by IRI Board Public Broadcasting Corporation.

2 International Republican Institute Fair Election Denied in Belarus

n March 19, 2006, the O government of Belarus stole another election, again denying the people’s right to Photos AP\Wide World choose their leaders.

The results of the 2001 presidential election and 2004 parliamentary elections failed to meet international standards, and the incumbent president, Alexander Lukashenko, issued referendums to broaden his powers and abolish term limits. Despite these challenges, Belarusians have shown they are Belarusians turn out to peacefully protest the fraudulent March election. committed to joining the democracies of Europe. The elections and the term limit referendum, caucuses convened in homes, forests and International Republican Institute (IRI) the Unified Democratic Forces set their parks throughout the country, people cast has been just as committed to supporting sights on the presidential election their vote for delegates to represent them. Through trainings and public opinion scheduled for 2006. The members them at the National Democratic polling, IRI has helped these democrats realized that with a unified democratic Congress. With approval from the come together to bring real change to opposition supporting a single government, more than 800 delegates Belarus. candidate, they had an opportunity to win the support of a majority of Continued on page 9 A real chance for democratic change Belarusians. see BELARUS became evident in March 2003 when approximately 600 pro-reform candidates Throughout participated in local elections with one- the summer third winning seats on city councils. In and early fall the wake of this success, pro-democracy of 2005, activists realized democratic change was Belarusians needed before they argued about policy. chose a As a result, six of the seven leading democratic political parties along with more than 200 candidate to nongovernmental organizations formed run against the People’s Coalition Five Plus. Over the President next year, the coalition grew and became Alexander the Unified Democratic Forces. In the Lukashenko. A unified opposition, pro-democracy presidential candidates at the National wake of losses in the 2004 parliamentary In small Democratic Congress in October 2005.

3 IRI Liberians Begin to Rebuild Their Country at the Ballot Box n January 16, 2006, Liberians celebrated the inauguration of OEllen Johnson-Sirleaf, Africa’s first elected female head of state. The inauguration came two months after Johnson-Sirleaf won Liberia’s November 2005 presidential run-off elections and after 25 years of turmoil and 14 years of civil war.

Liberia’s 2005 presidential elections, hailed as credible by international and domestic observers, became a harbinger of hope for democratic stability in a country where the scars of war can still be clearly seen. With the success of the elections, a new chapter in Liberia has begun. Women line up to vote during Liberia’s October 2005 election.

The presidential elections, which set the Turnout was high, particularly for the IRI’s delegation for the first-round wheels in motion for positive change in first round, in which roughly 74 presidential election was led by IRI Liberia, were witnessed by IRI’s team of percent of registered voters went to Board Member and former international election monitors who the polls. Widely-feared Election Day Ambassador to the U.N. Richard S. observed Liberian voters patiently violence was nearly non-existent. Williamson; and Constance Berry enduring long lines to cast their ballots, in These were among the factors that Newman, former Assistant Secretary some cases walking overnight to reach made these elections arguably the of State for African Affairs. The polling stations in remote rural districts. most successful in the history of delegation for the election run-off was Liberia, Africa’s led by Charles Twining, former U.S. oldest republic. Ambassador to Cameroon and Cambodia. In discussing the elections, The In preparation for the election, IRI Honorable worked with parties to develop a code Margret Otim of conduct, which was signed and Ateng, a member adopted by all competing parties. of Uganda’s During Liberia’s voter registration drive, parliament and IRI fielded a pre-election assessment an IRI delegate, mission. IRI also co-hosted the first- said, “We in ever presidential debate, which featured Africa have a lot 11 of Liberia’s presidential candidates, Then-presidential candidate, Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, waves to her to learn from including the eventual victor, Ellen supporters as they rally before the first-round election. Liberia.” Johnson-Sirleaf.

4 International Republican Institute

process…” and to study the development of democracy in Dr. Kirkpatrick Visits Nicaragua.

Kirkpatrick met with Nicaraguan Nicaragua to Show President Enrique Bolaños who expressed his support for her exploratory mission to Nicaragua. Dr. Support for Democracy Kirkpatrick said that the United States would support the candidate who won in the November elections as long as the elections were free, fair and r. Jeane J. Kirkpatrick, former current state of Nicaraguan politics transparent -- a theme she repeated U.S. Ambassador to the before the November 2006 presidential throughout her trip. D United Nations and member and legislative elections. The delegation of the Board of Directors of the included IRI Vice Chairman Peter Highlights of her meetings include a International Republican Institute (IRI) Madigan, IRI President Lorne Craner visit with former mayor of led an IRI delegation to Nicaragua in and then-IRI Regional Director for and Sandinista National Liberation early March to observe first-hand the Latin America and the Caribbean Front (FSLN) dissident presidential Brian Dean. candidate, Herty Lewites. Kirkpatrick was also welcomed by presidential The visit was widely covered in candidates and the Nicaraguan media due to Jose Antonio Alvarado. Both candidates Kirkpatrick’s commitment and expressed their support for support of democracy in Kirkpatrick’s visit. Nicaragua. Her schedule included visits with leaders of civil society The Nicaraguan Resistance Party and political parties, presidential (PRN), composed primarily of ex- candidates, and elected officials. Contras, honored Dr. Kirkpatrick for During her trip, Kirkpatrick her role in supporting the democracy in Kirkpatrick and Nicaraguan former mayor of commented that she was visiting Managua and Sandinista National Liberation Front Nicaragua while she was Ambassador (FSLN) dissident presidential candidate, Herty Nicaragua “…to support political to the United Nations. She used the Lewites, speak with media following their meeting. parties in Nicaragua’s democratic opportunity to remind those that the future of Nicaraguan democracy was dependent on not reverting to old ways and dictatorship.

In addition, Dr. Kirkpatrick took time to meet with civil society leaders; the executive board of IRI subgrantee Movimiento por Nicaragua (MpN); a broad spectrum of women political leaders and opinion makers; and the youth oriented Juventud de Nicaragua (JUDENIC), which is currently working to raise awareness among youth in Nicaragua of the importance of voting and participating in the IRI Board Members, Peter Madigan and Kirkpatrick, with Nicaraguan President political process. Enrique Bolaños.

5 IRI Pro-DemocracyyR Reforms Lead the Way in Afghan Parliament n December, Afghanistan’s first resistance, democratically elected parliament despite being I in three decades took office, granted completing the country’s transition to political democracy that began after the Taliban asylum by fell in 2001. After they took office in both Photos AP\Wide World December, the newly elected members Germany turned to the critical work of and the strengthening their new democracy by United naming committees and electing States. When committee chairs. the Taliban fell and Building on the success of Mustaqel Sultanzoi was Pawaistoon, a coalition of independent deciding candidates that saw more than 100 whether to Members of the parliament attend the inaugural session of the candidates elected to parliament, the run for National Assembly. International Republican Institute (IRI) is parliament, working with independent he recalls his son saying, “You can either effort to rebuild her country. She parliamentarians to help them build watch history pass by or be a part of it.” attended the Emergency Loya Jirga, relationships. The work has resulted in became a member of the Independent several blocs of independents, led by The decision was easy and Sultanzoi ran Commission on Human Rights, worked Group e-Mustaqel (the Independent for parliament from his home province for the International Committee of the Group), a bloc of pro-democracy of Ghanzi. He waged a true grassroots Red Cross, assisted President Hamid moderates. A loose coalition and degree effort, registered 15,400 women to vote, Karzai’s presidential campaign, and of cooperation has developed between and went to districts that even the became a working member of the the blocs, and as a result, the alliance government did not dare to go, European Union-sponsored Women’s captured 11 of the 18 committee communicating a simple message: “This Independent Candidates Coalition. chairmanships; Group e-Mustaqel alone is your chance to be heard.” Despite long Chairwoman Khogianai ran for captured four chairs, the most of any odds, the message was heard by voters. parliament on a platform of promoting faction in the parliament. women’s rights throughout the country Sayeema Khogianai, Chairwoman of the and has stated, “We [women] will Mohammad Daoud Sultanzoi has Women’s Committee, is another member struggle until we have become equal.” emerged as the leader of Group e- of one of the independent blocs. Mustaqel and as one of the stars of the Chairwoman Khogianai was forced to The success of this new bloc is an new parliament, having been recently leave her home in Kabul in 1991 during example of the commitment to elected Chair of the Economic the country’s civil war. Khogianai fled to democracy shared by most Afghans. Committee. A commercial airline pilot by the province of Nangarhar and began As Chairman Sultanzoi recently stated, training, Sultanzoi was actively involved in teaching at a girl’s school. When the “We didn’t have guns and we didn’t demonstrations against the Soviet Taliban came to power, she continued to have money, but we beat people who invasion, helping some of his fellow teach in private households despite the had been around forever. Now we have countrymen escape to Germany. He risks. After the Taliban was overthrown credibility. Now we’re their equals in returned to Afghanistan to fight in the in 2001, Khogianai immediately joined the the parliament.”

6 International Republican Institute Mongolians Realize the Benefits of Democracy

o many, poverty is seen as a successful transition. President Bush encourage and prepare them to engage barrier to democracy. The belief said during his visit, “Mongolia has in politics and government. IRI Tis that poor countries cannot made the transition from communism brought together a bipartisan group of make a successful transition to to freedom, and in just 15 years, you’ve women along with women leaders from democracy. Mongolia has proven the established a vibrant democracy and the U.S. for a forum on women’s critics wrong, and stands out as a clear opened up your economy. You’re an leadership in Mongolia. The forum example that despite economic example of success for this region and resulted in a quota of female candidates hardship, democracy can be achieved for the world.” in the recently passed election law. The and the lives of citizens improved. forum also produced relationships that The International Republican Institute have created a network of information After the fall of the Berlin Wall and the (IRI) hosted the First Lady at a sharing and support among female break-up of the former Soviet Union, roundtable with Mongolian women political leaders. Mongolia embraced democracy. leaders on women in politics and Despite a poor economy and the government. The event featured an Mongolia’s democracy was not built challenges of being landlocked between open exchange of ideas on issues and overnight. For nearly 15 years, IRI Russia and China, Mongolia held challenges concerning Mongolian has worked with democrats as they successful parliamentary elections in women. During the discussion, the have built a free Mongolia. As the 1996, 2000 and 2004, demonstrating First Lady thanked IRI for its country opened its government and the Mongolian people’s commitment to continued support of women’s its economy, it experienced growth a democratic process. programs in Mongolia. and improvement. Today, Mongolia stands as an example of the better life In November, President George W. The roundtable highlighted IRI’s work that democracy can bring to those Bush and First Lady Laura Bush visited with Mongolian women. In 2005, IRI committed to nurturing and Mongolia in recognition of its began working with women to protecting it. Newspaper Unundur Photo taken by Mr. Batbaatar of Mr. Photo taken by

Leaders of the Women’s Partnership in Politics and Governance effort talk with First Lady Laura Bush during her and the President’s trip to Mongolia in November 2005.

7 IRI Cubans Take Steps to Freedom

Wives, mothers and daughters of Cuba’s jailed political prisoners protest in silence on behalf of their loved ones. ew images in the western democracy to their island. Upon the (Directorio), and Dr. Orlando Gutierrez, hemisphere speak so powerfully as release of this year’s Steps to Freedom, National Secretary of Directorio, spoke Fthe Ladies in White: every Sunday, a International Republican Institute (IRI) of how Castro’s attacks on liberty and group of white-clad women carrying President Lorne Craner said, “This report freedom of expression have led to an flowers emerge from a Havana cathedral is a sign of just how alive and well the increase in dissident acts; this year’s report to begin their silent protest. They are the pro-democracy movement is in Cuba documents more than 1,800 dissident wives, mothers and daughters of Cuba’s and shows us that Cubans are willing to acts, nearly twice the amount from the jailed political prisoners. They march to take risks to bring about an end to previous year. demand the release of their loved ones. political repression and dictatorship.” This year the European Union awarded The growth of Cuba’s homegrown the Ladies in White its prestigious Craner was joined in his praise by democracy movement is the best hope of Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought. Department of State Cuba Transition change for the Cuban people. Steps to Fidel Castro barred the group from Coordinator Caleb McCarry, and Adolfo Freedom, released at IRI’s offices last traveling abroad to accept the award, Franco, Assistant Administrator for Latin December, is prepared annually by while increasing mob harassment of the America and the Caribbean for the U.S. Directorio, a nonprofit Cuban women’s peaceful marches. Agency for International Development. organization based in Miami, which Franco said of the report, “It is a document encourages solidarity for pro-democracy The story of the Ladies in White is a part of hope for the Cuban people.” activists in Cuba. The report is the most of this year’s Steps to Freedom report, which authoritative compilation of documented chronicles actions taken by Cubans in Javier DeCespedes, President of the dissident activity in Cuba. their struggle to bring freedom and Cuban Democratic Directorate

8 International Republican Institute IRI Examines Why Central Europe’s Democrats Lost Support ust a few years following the common thread that links these stories six countries. The 2002 victory of collapse of the Soviet Union, together. In each Prime Minister JCentral Europeans went to the polls case, parties and Mikulas Dzurinda and enthusiastically elected Center- politicians were able showed that leaders Right parties who promised improved to convince voters to can succeed at the economic conditions and better lives to grant them a mandate, polls, even when their citizens. In Lithuania, Poland, but once in power, enacting difficult and Romania, Bulgaria, Hungary, they forgot the need essential reforms. Macedonia and Slovakia, pro-reform to continue to inform governments took power with voters of their efforts. IRI commissioned ambitious agendas and high hopes. In In an environment authors from each of all but one case — Slovakia — the where governments the seven countries to same governments were defeated four were implementing study what went right years later. difficult economic and what went wrong. and social reforms, Funded by the United In November 2005, IRI published Why these communications States Agency for We Lost: Explaining the Rise and Fall of the lapses proved International Center-Right Parties in Central Europe, disastrous. Development, their 1996-2002 to examine what led to the case studies are the defeat of these pro-reform The Slovak example presents a core of Why We Lost, which is available governments and help others avoid the counterpoint to the defeats in the other on www.iri.org. same mistakes. While the circumstances differed in each country, several common themes emerged. All BELARUS of the governments promised more Continued from page 3 than they could realistically deliver. Corruption and painful reforms met in Minsk in October to choose a President Lukashenko promising to alienated voters, and while the post- single candidate that would represent “snap their necks like ducklings.” communist Left generally remained them in the 2006 presidential election. united, the Center-Right was plagued After two rounds of voting, Aleksander In the face of these threats, more than by infighting and division. Milinkevich narrowly won the 10,000 brave people gathered in nomination to become the presidential downtown Minsk in Oktyabrskaya Square In the case of Bulgaria, defeat was candidate for the Unified Democratic on March 19 to show their desire for attributed to reformers’ attempts to Forces. democracy. The people carried flowers, simultaneously build a united party, peacefully shouting “Long Live Belarus,” while also restructuring the As the campaign began, government “Milinkevich” and “Freedom.” With the government. The Lithuanian Center- repression increased. In violation of international community and independent Right’s collapse in 2000 was viewed to Belarusian law, the government monitors criticizing the elections and their be a result of the effects of required candidates to obtain permits results, Milinkevich has called for the neighboring Russia’s economic crisis, an to hold rallies or meet with voters. peaceful protests to continue. The pro- imprudent leadership choice, These permits were routinely denied democratic activists continue their ideological inertia that hampered and more than 200 activists were struggle, looking to Poland in the early reforms and poor public relations arrested. Opposition candidate days of the Solidarity movement for efforts. Alexander Kozulin was beaten by police inspiration. “There was a powerful public when he tried to attend an official protest,” Milinkevich recently said to The This last point – the failure to government event. Citizens were New York Times. “The authorities could do consistently and adequately threatened with violence if they nothing. Martial law was imposed. And communicate with the voters – is the protested election results, with that was the beginning of the end.”

9 IRI IRI Hosts Democracy Leaders Growth of ast October, IRI hosted a had risked his life and used the hotel to Technology Helps luncheon with the Macedonian shelter 1,200 refugees in 1994. to Advance L Prime Minister Vlado Buckovski during his trip to * * * Washington, D.C., to dedicate In January 2006, IRI hosted Democracy his country’s new Embassy. a delegation of 11 women ith the growth of satellite During the event, Prime parliamentarians and television, the Internet, cell Minister Buckovski said that political leaders from the phones and other technologies, Macedonia is a successful, Republic of Moldova to W our world is truly getting smaller. No mutli-ethnic democracy that observe the American longer can a government control all the can serve as a model for the Paul Rusesabagina during his visit to IRI. political process at the information coming across its boards. region and that his country is federal and local levels. The Ordinary people in Syria can watch as proud to be allied with the Untied States. delegation met with administration and people go to vote in Ukraine. People in Minister of Foreign Affairs Ilinka legislative officials in Washington, D.C., to Somaliland can talk on their cell phone to Mitreva, Minister of Economy Fatmir discuss federal legislative processes. The people in Indonesia. People in Cambodia Besimi, Macedonian Ambassador to the group then traveled to Lansing, Michigan, can post a blog to be read by millions all United States Nikola Dimitrov, and and met with local political parties and over the world. Slovak Ambassador to the United States lawmakers to learn about local Rastislav Kacer also attended the luncheon. government structures. Through the trip, To look at the ways technology is helping Moldovan women leaders experienced the advancement of democracy, the * * * first-hand democratic political processes. International Republican Institute (IRI), On November 1, 2005, Ukrainian Prime the National Democratic Institute (NDI) Minister Yuri Yekhanurov spoke at IRI * * * and Democracy Data & Communications during his first official visit to the United On February 2, 2006, then-Chairman of hosted “Expanding & Strengthening States since his appointment as Ukraine’s the Lithuanian Seimas (parliament) Democracy: The Role of Technology.” prime minister by President Viktor Arturas Paulauskas, this month’s IRI Board Member, Congressman Jim Yushchenko. During his remarks, Prime Democracy Hero, spoke at IRI. In his Kolbe opened the conference and Minister Yekhanurov thanked IRI for its remarks during the event, Paulauskas recognized the role technology is playing. work during the 2004 presidential thanked IRI for its work in Lithuania in “Like any other kind of education, elections. “I would like to express my the 1990s. Paulauskas also highlighted the democracy assistance has benefited deep appreciation and gratitude…I know importance of the 2006 elections in tremendously from the advances in only too well the scope of that great Ukraine and Belarus to the development technology…” assistance that was rendered…,” he said. of democracy in the former Soviet bloc, Continued on page 11 and urged his country to help new see TECHNOLOGY * * * democracies in the Caucasus region as On November 7, 2005, IRI hosted Paul they make the transition. Rusesabagina, who was portrayed by Don Cheadle in the award-winning film “Hotel * * * Rwanda.” Two days later, Rusesabagina On April 4, 2006, IRI hosted President was awarded the Presidential Medal of of the Cambodia Center for Human Freedom by President George W. Bush Rights, Kem Sokha, and Director of for his courage to protect Tutsi refugees Voice of Democracy Radio, Pa Nguon during the 1994 Rwandan genocide, and Teang, during their visit to the United his work to assist African nations in States. Both discussed the struggle for IRI Board Member, Congressman Jim conflict. Rusesabagina, then-manager of freedom and democracy in Cambodia and Kolbe, gives remarks during the the Hotel des Mille Collenes in Rwanda, thanked IRI for its support. democracy and technology conference.

10 International Republican Institute

Democracy’s Hero: Arturas P alauskas hen Arturas Paulauskas important for Lithuania to do the entered politics in 1997, same for other countries “who have Wfew would have guessed yet to achieve a democratic society.” that three years later he would become speaker of the Lithuanian At the 2005 IRI Freedom Dinner, Seimas (parliament). When he first President Bush specifically cited the decided to run for president in 1997, work of Lithuanians in bringing Paulauskas was a young former democracy to Belarus, which has prosecutor general, who ran as an been called Europe’s last independent with little political dictatorship. IRI President Lorne experience, but the desire to see Craner said, “The Baltic States and democracy work in his country. Lithuania in particular serve as a Arturas Palauskas model of what the other countries At the time, said Paulauskas, “I in Eurasia want to become – understood that running as an parliamentary elections, the New democratic, free market, European independent candidate for the Alliance was one of the most states. The willingness of the office of the president, I needed to popular parties in the country. political leadership in these learn how to build structures that countries, like Speaker Paulauskas, could take my message to the From 2000 to 2006, Paulauskas to take the lead in promoting Lithuanian people.” served as speaker of the democratic values is a tribute to the Parliament. He also served as enduring spirit of people to pass At the suggestion of a friend, acting president of the Republic of the democratic torch on to those Paulauskas visited the International Lithuanian after Rolandas Paksas who currently live in the darkness Republican Institute’s (IRI) office was impeached. As speaker and of authoritarian non-democratic in Lithuania to learn how to run a acting president, Paulauskas not regimes.” campaign. Paulauskas used IRI’s only strengthened democracy in lessons to reach out to hundreds of Lithuania, but he made the Paulauskas attributes much of his thousands of Lithuanians with his promotion of democratic values success to IRI training. “At the message. the cornerstone of his foreign earliest stage of my political life it policy priorities. was IRI that helped teach me how Ultimately, he lost his bid for to take a professional approach to president in the 1997-1998 elections “Lithuania has been blessed to have the art of politics,” said Palauskas. by just under 7,000 votes out of friends who have helped “Without that help, I am not sure more than 2 million cast. But us…succeed in becoming a that I would have had the successes Paulauskas took his experiences and model…for our neighbors and our I have had to this point in my volunteers to build a new party, the region,” said Paulauskas. It is political career.” New Alliance. By the 2000 because of this that he believes it is

TECHNOLOGY elections and good governance, and role in this growth, helping arm citizens Continued from page 10 featured a live satellite hook-up with with the tools they need to organize, IRI and NDI staff in Iraq. communicate and more effectively The conference included panel participate in the democratic process discussions exploring technology’s role In remarks during the conference, and build the institutions required to in the advancement of democracy Lorne Craner, President of IRI, said, sustain democratic goals and values.” abroad in three areas: citizen activism, “Technology has played a significant

11 IRI Two long-time International Jeffrey Rights and Republican Institute (IRI) staff Krilla, Labor at members, Brian Dean and Jeffrey Regional the U.S. Krilla, have left the institute to accept Program State new opportunities. After seven years, Director Department. Brian Dean, Regional Program for Africa, Krilla Director for Latin America and the left IRI in joined IRI Caribbean, became the Executive January to in 2001. Director of the Florida FTAA (Free serve Both Krilla Trade Area of the Americas), Inc. President and Dean The group, based in Miami, Florida, Brian Dean George W. Jeffrey Krilla were supports hemispheric free trade and Bush and Secretary of State invaluable members of IRI’s team and efforts to bring the permanent Condoleezza Rice as Deputy Assistant will be greatly missed. Secretariat of the FTAA to Miami. Secretary for Democracy, Human

The International Republican Institute (IRI) is a Board of Directors Officers nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing democracy worldwide. U.S. Sen. John McCain Lorne W. Craner President (202) 408-9450 phone Chairman (202) 408-9462 fax Judy Van Rest [email protected] Peter T. Madigan Executive Vice President www.iri.org Vice Chairman U.S. Sen. Chuck Hagel Georges A. Fauriol Cheryl F. Halpern Senior Vice President IRI maintains programs in Afghanistan, Angola, Argentina, J. William Middendorf, II William J. Hybl Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Belarus, Bolivia, Bosnia Secretary –Treasurer Robert M. Kimmitt Elizabeth Dugan and Herzegovina, Brazil, Bulgaria, Burma, Cambodia, Jeane J. Kirkpatrick Vice President of Programs China, Colombia, Cote d’Ivoire, Croatia, Cuba, Czech Gahl Hodges Burt U.S. Rep. Jim Kolbe Republic, East Timor, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Harold Collamer U.S. Rep. David Dreier Janet Mullins Grissom Estonia, Georgia, Guatemala, Haiti, Hungary, Indonesia, Chief Operations Officer Lawrence S. Eagleburger Alec L. Poitevint, II Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kuwait, Kyrgyz Frank J. Fahrenkopf, Jr. Sonya Vekstein Republic, Latvia, Lebanon, Liberia, Lithuania, Macedonia, Randy Scheunemann Alison B. Fortier Chief Financial Officer Malaysia, Mali, Mexico, Moldova, Mongolia, Morocco, Joseph R. Schmuckler Mayor James A. Garner Nicaragua, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Peru, Poland, Qatar, Brent Scowcroft Thomas M. Barba Romania, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Somaliland, Susan Golding Richard S. Williamson General Counsel South Africa, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, Turkey, Uganda, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Venezuela, West Bank and Gaza, and Zimbabwe.

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