ADVANCING IRI A Report of the International Republican Institute Summer/Fall 2007 IRI Commemorates President Reagan’s Westminster Speech wenty-fi ve years ago, in a speech to the British TParliament, President called on Americans “to foster the infrastructure of democracy -- the system of a free press, unions, political parties, universities -- which allows a people to choose their own way, their own culture, to reconcile their own diff erences through peaceful means.”

To commemorate this pivotal June 8, 1982, speech, the International Republican Institute (IRI) hosted a panel discussion featuring Richard V. Allen, President Reagan’s fi rst National Security Aff airs Advisor; IRI Board Member Frank J. Fahrenkopf, Jr., Co-Chairman of the Democracy

Program study, whose principle Ed Meese speaking at IRI’s celebration of President Reagan’s Westminster Speech. recommendations helped craft the National Endowment for Democracy Honorable Edwin Meese, III, former initiative; Mark Palmer, credited Counselor to the President and U.S. Table of Contents Attorney General. with conceiving some of the core A Message from the Chairman………...2 ideas behind President Reagan’s Westminster speech; and Michael Rich Williamson opened the panel Democracy Promotion…...2 Samuels, who helped shape the by reminding people of President Research Facility in Iraq……….……....3 Reagan’s long held beliefs. Quoting a ideas that went into the Democracy Nigerian Elections…………………...... 4 Program study. IRI Board Member 1980 Reagan speech, Williamson said, Cambodian Youth Festivals…..………..6 Richard S. Williamson, who was an “Peace must be such that freedom Assistant to President Reagan at the can fl ourish and justice prevail...Our Bolivia’s Citizen Advisory Boards…...... 7 foreign policy should be to show by White House and was also Assistant ’s Road from Communism...... 8 example the greatness of our system Secretary of State for International Democratic Reforms in Georgia….....…9 Organization Aff airs, served as and the strength of American ideals.” moderator. IRI Hosts Democracy Leaders...... 10 Richard Allen recalled the impact Democracy’s Heroes...... 11 Th e panel was followed by a dinner Continued on page 5 Staff Update...... 12 featuring a keynote address by Th e see 25TH ANNIVERSARY

1225 Eye Street NW • Suite 700 • Washington, D.C. • 20005 • www.iri.org IRI A Message from the Chairman A statement by Senator John McCain read at a dinner celebrating the 25th anniversary of President Ronald Reagan’s speech at Westminster. wo and helped chart a new course for our American heart than to accept their a half country and the world. abridgement in our own society. Let Tdecades us reject the idea that our advocacy of have passed With the establishment of the democratic values around the globe is since President National Endowment for Democracy, reckless and in vain, or that freedom Ronald Reagan the IRI, and its allies, and by stating only works for wealthy nations and delivered the forthrightly America’s mission to Western cultures. Such a short- historic speech promote democratic change, President sighted view of American purpose is we have occasion Reagan put America fi rmly on the blind to the futility of building walls to celebrate side of freedom. We must not deviate in a world made remarkably smaller tonight. “We live now at a turning from this course. We see in some because of the success of American point,” he announced, and it was hard places setbacks in the march forward, values. A world where our political then to imagine just what a turning and the path is strewn with obstacles. and economic values have a realistic point it was. Within less than a But democracy promotion should be chance of becoming a global ideal decade, the Berlin Wall fell, the Soviet a question of how, not if. was the principal object of Ronald Union was shattered, and democracy Reagan’s foreign policy. We should was on the march throughout much Th e promotion of freedom is the embrace the consequences of our of the Communist bloc. By calling most authentic expression of our success, and determine the best on America to foster the infrastructure national character. To accept the methods for extending them to lands of democracy, in all countries and abridgement of those rights for other where they remain denied. among all peoples, President Reagan societies should be no less false to the Democracy Promotion in the Middle East: the Right Policy? n the late 1990s, reform in the recent years. In Lebanon, the peaceful countries like Oman has resulted in Middle East was limited to a actions of civil society organizations in signifi cant legislative strengthening and Inumber of monarchies that had 2005 accelerated democratic change. has provided an opening of political decided to allow a gradual opening In 2006, critical elections in Kuwait space for citizens who are eager to of their political systems. Today, extended the vote to women for the participate. In 2007, important throughout the region, people are fi rst time in the country’s history. national elections in both Morocco and openly discussing and debating Th e eff orts of domestic monitors in Jordan are expected to further political democracy, a fact unthinkable only a the face of government interference reforms that are already underway in few years ago. Th e centrality of this helped provide citizen oversight for the both countries. debate is a positive change – one that fi rst time in Egypt’s otherwise fl awed citizens from Afghanistan to Morocco parliamentary elections. For the fi rst time in three decades, welcome after years of internal decay Afghanistan has a democratically and stagnation. Iran’s students and ethnic minorities elected parliament. An ongoing have joined with the broader middle accomplishment of this legislature While there are serious challenges for class to publicly criticize the economic has been to strengthen relationships local democratic activists in places like and social failings of that country’s between constituents and Tunisia, Syria and Iran, there were theocratic regime. An incremental their representatives in Kabul, also gains in a number of countries in yet deliberate approach employed in Continued on next page

2 International Republican Institute

Continued from previous page and criticisms of the pace of reform, diffi cult given the lack of both success is being realized in the broader democratic tradition and current Middle East. To judge the progress transportation infrastructure. Reform- of reform, one must look at much less minded elected offi cials now conduct dramatic indicators than elections, their own constituent meetings, such as a maturing of representative modeled after IRI’s town hall meetings bodies and the development of civil in 2006. In Pakistan, a decade of society. democratic rule and multi-party politics was shortened in 1999 by a Th rough its work with political parties, return to military rule. Despite the civil society, women and youth, IRI corruption and personality-based has learned that much of the challenge politics that defi ned democracy during to democracy in the Middle East does this period, IRI’s recent poll found not come from popular resistance to that 80 percent of the Pakistani people reform, but from deeply entrenched believe that democracy will make personalities and groups, usually their lives better. When asked their in current governments that feel intention to vote if elections are held, threatened by reform. Ultimately, it is 94 percent responded affi rmatively. the people of the region who will strike a balance between democratic change A candidate from Ajloun, Jordan practices giving a campaign speech in the traditional Despite the challenges to democracy and tradition. seated style. Research Facility in Iraq Helps New Government in Crafting Policy he January 2005 elections for Directorate, composed of a library and services to members and staff of the the transitional Iraqi National of research, legislative drafting and ICR. TAssembly and the December budget departments, provides support 2005 elections for the permanent In organizing the directorate, IRI Iraqi Council of Representatives hosted a study mission for Iraqis to (ICR) brought many new legislators the Czech parliamentary research into offi ce. Among the challenges unit in Prague. IRI also, organized to the young government are a lack seminars in Baghdad and Amman, led of legislative experience among most by the former Deputy Director and members -- many of whom were Senior Specialist in Public Policy at the victims of Saddam’s prisons or exiles Congressional Research newly returned to Iraq -- and an Service, along with the former Research absence of trained professionals to staff Director for the Norwegian parliament. parliament. Experts from the United Kingdom’s House of Commons research unit and Drawing on experience from the Canadian Library of Parliament previous IRI programs, the institute also provided training. helped legislative leaders establish a department within the parliament to Th e directorate has given provide objective, nonpartisan research Continued on page 7 and policy analysis. Th e Research A member of the ICR uses the library to see RESEARCH FACILITY research legislation.

3 IRI April’s Elections Fail the Nigerian People n what was heralded late in a majority of states observers and police offi cials t is not always as the fi rst democratic and often lacked materials instructing voters how transition of as essential as ballots and to vote, a general lack of about coming I I power since Nigeria’s results sheets. Polling in confi dentiality throughout up with new independence in 1960, some areas of the country the balloting process and technologies, but voters went to the polls on did not begin until after the early closings of polling rather applying April 21, 2007, to elect a scheduled closing time of places. new president. However, 5 p.m., and many polling Nigerians, who craved a free proven technologies rather than serve as an stations did not open at and fair election, stood in in new ways. example of democratic all. Other irregularities line for hours waiting for transition, the government witnessed include underage ballots to arrive. Dedicated oversaw a broken electoral voting, signifi cant faults poll workers arrived on process that allowed the with the voter registration time and attempted to calm election to be stolen from list, stuff ed ballot boxes, crowds angry over delayed the Nigerian people. group voting, party poll openings. However, As it did in 1999 and 2003, IRI fi elded an international election observation delegation to monitor voting and ballot counting Stephanie Blanton, IRI’s throughout the country. Regional Program Director Led by Ambassador Pierre- for , using the IVR system. Richard Prosper, former U.S. Ambassador-at-Large For the April 2007 for War Crimes; Father Nigerian elections, Apollinaire Mulholongu the IRI observation Malumalu, President of the team used Interactive Electoral Commission of Voice Response (IVR) the Democratic Republic technology to collect of the Congo; and Andras real-time information Gyurk, Member of the on the electoral process. European Parliament from , IRI delegates As election observers from , Democratic visited polling stations, Republic of Congo, they would call into the Hungary, Kenya, Liberia, IVR system using the Mali, Namibia, Poland, touch-tone key pad, and Somaliland, Uganda report what they were and the United States, seeing. Th ose answers monitored polling stations were instantaneously throughout Nigeria. compiled and allowed IRI a real-time snapshot IRI monitors reported of the electoral process numerous irregularities on throughout the country. Election Day. Polls opened A woman casts her ballot in Abuja.

4 International Republican Institute the Nigerian government 25TH ANNIVERSARY and democracy. “He had an absolute betrayed the trust of its Continued from page 1 belief…in the superiority of democracy and people. As Andras Gyurk that is what he laid out in the [Westminster] President Reagan had on history. During stated, “It was obvious speech.” a November 1978 visit to the Berlin Wall that neither the spirit of Reagan said, “We have to fi nd a way to Nigerians who went to the Meese then discussed President Reagan’s knock this thing down.” Nearly nine polls to cast their ballots vision in dealing with communism. “He years later, nor the dedication of the developed what to the cheers thousands of poll workers has become known of thousands struggling to execute their as the Reagan of Berliners, responsibilities in polling Doctrine…He fi rst President Reagan stations throughout the engaged the Soviet challenged Soviet country were matched by Union on a moral Premier Mikhail their leaders.” plane, to get away Gorbachev to from this idea…that “Tear down this In testimony on the there was a moral wall.” Two years elections to the U.S. House equivalency between later the wall Subcommittee on Africa totalitarianism fell, signaling the and Global Health, IRI and freedom and President Lorne Craner end of the Soviet Ed Meese with IRI Board member Congressman David Dreier. democracy.” recalled what he had heard empire. from Nigerian voters, “What Meese left the audience with some poignant Mark Palmer called attention to how we cannot forget is that thoughts on democracy. “Democracy radical President Reagan’s ideas seemed at this matters to the Nigerian cannot be imposed and it can’t be seen as the time and how the President felt radical people, who implored our being imposed. Democracy is not easy, it change was needed. “In many part of election observers to tell takes time and it takes patience. Democracy the world, even in the West, people then the truth, in the hope that has diff erent forms. Democracy is worth assumed socialism was the future…Th e their government would doing.” pay greater attention to purpose of this [Westminster] speech was our words than they had to to change that assumption. To proclaim President Reagan’s vision lives on in the theirs.” and demonstrate that democracy and free work of the staff and volunteers of IRI. His enterprise were the future. And to thereby call to “move toward a world in which all Craner went on to say, “As change the course of history.” people are at last free to determine their own Nigerians move forward, destiny,” is one that still engages “the faith During his speech, Meese refl ected on newly sworn in President and fortitude” of a generation. Umaru Yar’Adua has an President Reagan’s belief in America’s values opportunity to turn his questionable victory into a great legacy. He can lead from the front and push electoral reform as the priority of his presidency. Th e next election will determine whether he is remembered as the man who stole his way to victory or the man who rescued Panelists discuss the development of President Reagan’s foreign policy and the creation of the National Nigerian democracy.” Endowment for Democracy. Pictured left to right are Mark Palmer, Richard Allen, Richard Williamson, Frank Fahrenkopf and Michael Samuels.

5 IRI Th ousands of Cambodian Youth Attend IRI Youth Democracy Festivals

Youth participate in festival activities. nvolving the next generation of insight and ideas in areas ranging from and have provided them the chance to leaders in the political process democracy, information technology meet representatives from civil society, Iis a key goal of IRI’s work in and human rights. Among the most business and education institutions as Cambodia. To reach youth in small popular booths were one conducting well as to attend training sessions on rural communities, who are often mock TV interviews and another topics such as advocacy and message unable to access training programs, IRI holding a quiz contest on democracy development. In the evenings, and the Youth Council of Cambodia and health. the youth attend concerts by local (YCC) joined together to host a series artists and educational documentary of Youth Democracy Festivals. Th e Th e Battambang festival drew a screenings. festivals have given Cambodian youth crowd of nearly 4,000 and included the opportunity to learn about politics, interactive-programs on issues such By providing fun and entertainment, civics and public service. as land-rights, AIDS prevention and IRI and YCC have reached nearly broadcast journalism. One of the 12,000 Cambodian youth and have Nearly 8,000 young people attended most popular interactive pavilions was shown them that they have a role to the Kampong Cham festival, which the campaign central station, which play in Cambodia’s future. Building began with a marathon race, and engaged youth in mock campaigns and on the success of the Kampong Cham included exhibition booths, seminars elections. and Battambang festivals, IRI and YCC and interactive activities. Dozens of are planning to hold more democracy exhibitors, seminar presenters and Th e festivals have engaged youth while events in 2007. interactive-program hosts off ered off ering educational opportunities, Popular Reality Show Challenges Cambodian Youth IRI and YCC produced an eight-episode signatures for a petition drive and public television reality show, the Youth speaking. Each week poor-performing Leadership Challenge (YLC). Each teammates were eliminated with the “you episode divided participants into two go home now” Cambodian catchphrase. groups to compete against each other In the fi nal episode, the two remaining in civil society-themed challenges. Th e challengers presented a speech at IRI’s show, which aired from January through Youth Democracy Festival in Kampong March, gave teams two days to prepare Cham and the audience voted Hing

for each challenge; challenges including Two YLC teams compete by raising Soksan the winner. Hing was awarded fundraising for an orphanage, collecting money in a text message drive. The the grand prize of leadership training in money raised went to build a playground. the United States.

6 International Republican Institute RESEARCH FACILITY Bolivia’s Citizen Advisory Continued from page 3 parliamentarians and their staff s access Boards Keep Public Informed to in-depth research on proposed legislation and policy proposals. In the drafting of a bill which would protect freedom of expression, the Research Directorate produced an analysis that incorporated a comparison of other countries’ protections for free speech and press. Members were able to see how other countries had addressed this important issue. Another notable report written by the directorate, at the request of ICR members, was an analysis of legislation from several nations that addressed youth empowerment and rights. Th e work examined other countries’ laws for their relevance to the Iraqi model.

Th e library of the Research Directorate serves not just as a research facility but also as an archive of important Middle Eastern and Iraqi books. IRI sponsored visits to book fairs throughout the Middle East so directorate staff could purchase important books for the collection, including works on A Bolivian woman takes part in a local advisory board meeting in El Alto. human rights and the inner working s countries throughout Latin have established Citizen Advisory of parliaments, giving ICR members America continue to slide Boards, with the help of IRI, to take access to diverse points of view. Abetween socialist, populist an active role in the constitutional and democratic forms of government, redrafting process. Th e Research Directorate is a critical several administrations have resorted to tool for Iraq’s new government. Its rewriting constitutions to further their Th rough the boards, Bolivians receive facilities enable parliamentarians to goals. IRI is working with citizens monthly updates on the progress do independent research on proposed who are organizing to guarantee their and deliberations of constituent legislation and policy proposals. Th is involvement in the drafting process. members. With this information research adds valuable insight and new citizens are invited to take part in points of view to Iraq’s democratic Bolivian President Evo Morales has roundtable discussions on issues they debate. Whether considering changes supported eff orts for constitutional deem important and to off er ideas to the election law, how to distribute reform. In June 2006, voters elected for improving the debated legislation. oil and other natural resources or assembly members, with Morales’ Th ese discussions are formulated into how to ensure the status of women, Movement for Socialism party receiving a working document and presented to the directorate gives Iraq’s new a simple majority, short of the two- the Constituent Assembly members in parliament the tools to build a strong thirds necessary to force passage of a Continued on page 9 representative democracy. new constitution. As a result, Bolivians see BOLIVIA

7 IRI Romania’s Road from Communism to Democracy NATO, thus committing its resources to the mission of promoting freedom, security and stability throughout the region and beyond. Th at year also saw the return of the center-right to power in a new coalition government.

Th e start of the 2004-2008 parliamentary term saw IRI’s eff orts to help the government become more accessible to ordinary citizens. With the institute’s support, the Pro- Democracy Association published

Volunteers hang posters urging people to vote in the 1996 parliamentary elections. Cartea Albastra a Democratiei (Blue Book of Democracy), a guide to the fter the fall of communist With IRI’s help, government Romanian government. IRI also dictator Nicolae Ceaucescu in offi cials and members of parliament assisted legislators in organizing the ADecember 1989, Romanians received training on reaching out to fi rst public hearings, granting the turned to the work of building a free, constituents, established a code of electorate greater opportunities to democratic country. Th e collapse of ethics and crafted and implemented the engage their leaders on public policy communism in Romania was marked country’s fi rst freedom of information issues. Th ese eff orts have done much by violence and a diffi cult economic law. IRI also began working with to overcome the disconnect that and political transition. As Romania reformers on the left to help them existed between elected offi cials and prepared for the fi rst post-communist build a modern, European social- constituents. elections, IRI began a long-term democratic party. eff ort to help new democratic parties In January 2007, the Romanian and coalitions grow. However, the Despite progress in many areas, voters government’s democratic and political old communist elites remained ousted the deeply divided Democratic maturation was affi rmed through its in power until 1996, due to their Convention in the 2000 elections. Th e full membership in the European institutional advantages and a weak left-of-center government was plagued Union. Seventeen years after a violent and divided opposition. IRI helped by allegations of corruption. Over the revolution, Romanians have rebuilt opposition parties form the Democratic next four years, Romania’s political their country, established a thriving Convention, a coalition of centrist parties, with the help of IRI, focused democracy and joined the community parties, which united to win the on increasing government transparency of free nations. IRI now works in 1996 elections and elect a pro-reform and improving government partnership with Romanians, who have president. accountability. lent their experience to other nations in Eurasia and the Middle East. IRI Critically, both the right and the left As the newly formed government is proud to have contributed to this agreed on NATO and European Union took offi ce, it immediately turned its transition and will continue to work membership as the country’s top attention to strengthening democratic with Romanians as their country priorities. Romania’s democratization institutions and practices. Success was grows into a vibrant and prosperous eff orts were recognized in 2002, seen in the management of government democracy. ministries and the strengthened role when a date was set for its full NATO of parliament in policy-making. membership. In 2004, Romania joined

8 International Republican Institute Democratic Reforms Continue in Georgia n November 2003, a voice in the future reforms in the customs territorial disputes in the people of Georgia education of their children. bureau, improvements in Abkhazia and South Ossetia, Itook to the streets Additionally, on October transparency and private Georgia has continued in a historic protest over 5, 2006, the country property rights, which to carry out positive falsifi ed parliamentary held nationwide regional have enhanced Georgia’s democratic reforms. elections in what is now municipal elections as well reputation for Western Georgia is now looking to called the Rose Revolution. as elected the mayor of investors. Most recently, the the Fall 2008 presidential Almost four years later, Tbilisi, the capital. Th ese World Bank ranked Georgia and parliamentary the new government, elections helped further as 37th on a worldwide list elections to demonstrate led by President Mikhail institutionalize democratic for Ease of Doing Business in even greater democratic Saakashvili, continues practices in Georgia and 2006, compared with 113th advances. Th ese elections to enact meaningful continued to build upon in 2005. will be another exercise of democratic reforms that the success of the Rose Th ese successes have been Georgia’s commitment to have made Georgia a leader Revolution. carried out against the democratic principles and in democratization eff orts in Th e government of backdrop of numerous give the Georgian people the the region. Georgia has also tackled actions by Georgia’s opportunity to once again During 2006, Georgia held the issue of corruption and northern neighbor, Russia. chart their country’s future. its fi rst ever nationwide widespread use of bribery. Despite border closings, an school board elections, Th ese eff orts at combating embargo on Georgia’s wine which gave communities corruption also extend to industry and continued

BOLIVIA redrafting process, IRI country’s constitution. And as other leaders look Continued from page 7 has worked closely with to rewriting constitutions members of the Citizen As the Constituent as a way to solidify power, Sucre, the capitol of Bolivia, Advisory Boards to enhance Assembly nears completion, people can look to the at the end of each month. the validity of the fi nal IRI will continue its work citizens of Bolivia, and their document. Th e boards with the Citizen Advisory eff orts, as a way to demand Although there has been have off ered Bolivians an Boards in their eff ort to their voices be heard. limited success in achieving opportunity to take part participate in reforming real citizen input into the in the reformation of their their country’s constitution.

Citizens meet in Sucre to discuss the constitution.

9 IRI IRI Hosts Democracy Leaders El Salvadoran President Democracy in Latin Democracy Assistance Antonio Saca visited America. Participants shared Commission. During the Washington, D.C. June experiences on challenges to training they discussed U.S. 11-12, to discuss a broad strengthening civil society political structures and range of bilateral issues and ensuring citizens can fully discussed IRI programming. with Members of Congress, participate in the decisions of highlighting the importance their governments. *** of his country’s March 2009 *** IRI hosted U.S. and presidential election. During European democracy his visit, President Saca met More than a dozen promotion experts, including with IRI President Lorne ambassadors and other National Endowment for Craner. government representatives Democracy President Carl Gahl Hodges Burt, Xie Lihua, Guo Jiamei and Alison Frortier. learned about IRI’s Women’s Gershman and Vice President Democracy Network (WDN) of the European Parliament On March 16, IRI Board at a luncheon on May Edward McMillan-Scott, at members Gahl Hodges Burt 16. Th e diplomats heard a conference in Bratislava, and Alison Fortier met with about the ideas behind the , March 23-24. Th e Xie Lihua of the Beijing establishment of IRI, current conference reviewed U.S. and Cultural Development IRI programming and the European Union engagement Center for Rural Women goals and mission of the on democracy and human and Ms. Guo Jianmei of WDN. the Center for Women’s Law Studies and Legal Aid *** at Beijing University at a Vice Chairman of IRI’s board, Washington, D.C. luncheon. Peter Madigan, welcomes IRI and the Institute President Saca to IRI. for Politics, Democracy Th e guests discussed their and the Internet at the On June 8, IRI Executive *** Graduate School of Political Management at Vice President Judy Van IRI hosted fi ve Ugandan Th e George Washington Rest traveled as part Members of Parliament University co-hosted a of the White House’s who are active on disabilities conference, Strengthening Presidential Delegation issues on a study tour Democracy: Analyzing the to Bamako, Mali to to Washington, D.C., Role of Infl uentials, on May attend the Presidential Minneapolis and St. Paul Carl Gershman speaks about 1, 2007. Th e conference democracy and human rights. Inauguration of His from June 2-16. Th e considered how the concept Excellency Amadou members learned how rights promotion. of infl uentials operates in Toumani Toure, advocates in the U.S. raise developing and *** President of the Republic awareness and address what international assistance of Mali. disability issues. can do to help strengthen the During her offi cial visit to the *** skills of pro-democratic voices U.S. in March, Speaker of the around the world. Parliament of Georgia Nino Representatives from IRI, the Burjanadze met with Lorne National Democratic Institute *** Craner and Judy Van Rest. and the Konrad Adenauer From April 23-27, IRI Th at meeting was followed by Siftung Foundation met in hosted Lebanese Ministers of another in Tibilisi, Georgia Washington, D.C. May 26- Parliament and Colombian with Stephen Nix, Director of President Amadou 25, at a colloquium entitled, Representatives and Senators IRI’s Eurasia program. Toumani Toure (right) Th e Challenges of Promoting greets dignitaries during for a training with the House *** his swearing-in.

10 International Republican Institute Democracy’s Heroes: eff orts to increase women’s political participation in Raquel Munt & Gladys Gonzalez China and to raise awareness of gender discrimination and aquel Munt and Gladys Gonzalez women’s rights. are blazing the trail to greater political leadership for women *** R in Argentina. Members of Compromiso On March 6, the Honorable para el Cambio (CPC or Commitment Frances Fragos Townsend, to Change), a center-right political party Assistant to the President in Argentina that is dominant in Buenos for Homeland Security and Aires, Gonzalez and Munt entered politics Counterterrorism, gave the with a desire to help their communities opening address at the fi rst and in the process discovered a true talent anniversary conference of in encouraging women to participate in the WDN. Th e conference public life. coincided with International Women’s Day on March 8. In August 2006, both were nominated by *** their party to attend the fi rst Latin America and Caribbean regional conference of IRI hosted leaders of the IRI’s Women’s Democracy Network, Unifi ed Democratic Forces which provides training and networking in from February Raquel Munt (left) and Gladys Gonzales (right) opportunities to aspiring and accomplished 26-March 2. Th e delegation women leaders around the world. From Despite a history of and a traveled to Washington, culture with traditional views on gender D.C. to discuss their vision that meeting, Gonzalez and Munt were inspired to carry on the mission of the roles, hundreds participated in the fi rst for Belarus. Th ey met series, which took place during the winter with members of congress, network in their own country. Gonzalez of 2006. administration offi cials and states, “Upon returning to our country, not members of the media. Th ey only did we want to share everything we Th e response from women involved with also spoke at a forum hosted learned and experienced with women from the CPC school has proven that the tide at IRI, “Belarus in the Post- the network, but we also wanted to take can change, particularly as women gain the Election Period: Where Do We concrete action on the commitment that skills and knowledge they need to break Go From Here?” we made during the conference.” into politics. Munt hopes that the CPC *** With the help of IRI and the Fundación school will “continue to raise awareness On February 26, former Creer y Crecer (Th e Believe and Grow on the importance of women occupying Prime Minister of Pakistan Foundation), Gonzalez and Munt decision-making positions and facilitating Benazir Bhutto met with developed the CPC Political Leadership access to those levels of participation, Lorne Craner to discuss Training School in Argentina, which in pursuit of improving the democratic upcoming parliamentary prepares women for political leadership quality of our institutions.” elections, sharing her ideas through an eight-part seminar entitled, for reform in such areas as the In addition to their duties with CPC, Entre lo Femenino y la Politica (Between economy and women’s rights. Gonzalez serves as director of the Banco the Feminine and Politics). Th e CPC Th e exiled party leader said she Ciudad (City Bank) of Buenos Aires and school addresses issues such as the value of would return to Pakistan to Munt as advisor to the Commission on the women in public life, women’s leadership contest the elections planned Protection and Use of Public Space for the and strategic planning and management for late 2007 or early 2008. Buenos Aires Legislature. for women in politics. ***

11 IRI U.S. Senate Confi rms IRI President & Executive Vice President Lorne Craner, President of IRI, was confi rmed by the Senate Judy Van Rest, Executive Vice President of IRI, was as a member of the Board of Directors of the Millennium confi rmed by the Senate as a member of the Board of Challenge Corporation (MCC). MCC is a U.S. government Directors of the United States Institute of Peace (USIP). corporation based on the principle that aid is most eff ective USIP is an independent, nonpartisan, national institution when it reinforces good governance, economic freedom and established and funded by Congress. Its goals are to help investments in people. MCC’s mission is to reduce global prevent and resolve violent confl icts, promote post-confl ict poverty through the promotion of sustainable economic stability and development, and increase peace building growth. capacity, tools and intellectual capital worldwide.

IRI Welcomes and Congratulates... Barbara Broomell took on the role of Deputy Director for Bosnia and Herzegovina. Barbara has also served as Resident IRI’s Women’s Democracy Network in June 2007. She Program Offi cer for Romania and Assistant Program Offi cer previously served as IRI’s Resident Country Director for for IRI programs in and Belarus.

The International Republican Institute (IRI) is a nonprofi t Board of Directors Offi cers organization dedicated to advancing democracy worldwide. U.S. Sen. John McCain Janet Mullins Grissom Lorne W. Craner (202) 408-9450 phone Chairman U.S. Sen. Chuck Hagel President (202) 408-9462 fax Cheryl F. Halpern Judy Van Rest www.iri.org Peter T. Madigan William J. Hybl Executive Vice President Vice Chairman Jim Kolbe IRI maintains programs in Afghanistan, Albania, Angola, Michael Kostiw Georges A. Fauriol Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Belarus, Bolivia, Bosnia and J. William Middendorf, II Stephan M. Minikes Senior Vice President Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Burma, Cambodia, China, Colombia, Secretary –Treasurer Constance Berry Newman Elizabeth Dugan Croatia, , , East Timor, El Salvador, Egypt, Alec L. Poitevint, II Vice President for Estonia, Georgia, Guatemala, Haiti, Hungary, Indonesia, Iran, L. Paul Bremer, III John F.W. Rogers Programs Iraq, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kuwait, Kyrgyz Republic, Gahl Hodges Burt Randy Scheunemann Latvia, Lebanon, Liberia, Lithuania, Macedonia, Malaysia, Mali, U.S. Rep. David Dreier Joseph R. Schmuckler Harold Collamer Chief Operations Offi cer Mexico, Moldova, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Nicaragua, Lawrence S. Eagleburger Brent Scowcroft Nigeria, North Korea, Oman, Pakistan, Peru, Poland, Romania, Frank J. Fahrenkopf, Jr. Margaret Tutwiler Sonya Vekstein Russia, Serbia, Slovakia, , Somaliland, South Africa, Alison B. Fortier Olin L. Wethington Chief Financial Offi cer Sri Lanka, Sudan, Syria, Thailand, Tunsinia, Turkey, Uganda, James A. Garner Richard S. Williamson Thomas M. Barba Ukraine, Venezuela, West Bank and Gaza, and Zimbabwe. General Counsel

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