4th doha hh the emir has warned that challenging the choices of peoples will only result in fulfilling the feelings of despair and generate waves of wrath . moreover opposing the popular will contradicts the spirit of democratic option that calls for compliance with what the majority decides, hh the emir added. touching on the regional security, hh the emir said establishing such a security could not be completed unless democratic practice makes progress , because security is not just military arrangements agreed upon by states.

 

it rather requires internal political measures which enable the citizen to participate in the affairs of his country and shoulder his responsibilities. hh the emir sheikh hamad bin khalifa al thani went on to say the this area is in a pressing need to finalize a major project which it has already launched and has to carry on with it for its own interest and the interest of the world as well. at the forefront of this project is democracy , not only as a mechanism for decision making but as a way of life that is directly involved with the essence of its poeples aspirations for development, progress and building a better future, hh the emir said in conclusion. hh the emir further said that in the history of this area, exchange was not a mere profession but an integrated culture which recognised the other, reflected self confidence and the desire of co-existence and acceptance of diversity and differences, which are fundamental human values in democratic societies, hh the emir addressed the distinguished guests of the doha 6th forum on democracy , development and free trade. hh the emir further said that the success of democracy in this area will have a tangible strategic impact on a wide geographical circle extending to the east and to the west and. hh the emir also hinted that the success of the democratic project is essential for addressing the manifestations of tyranny and corruption that still devour the peoples fortunes , deprive them of their rights and push some of its citizens to extremism and alienation. hh the emir made clear that the challenges facing the change towards democracy in our area have not prevented lately the birth of a unique experience in practicing democracy and referred to the insistence of the palestinian people on exercising their legitimate right to choose their government with the due keen of their national authority on providing guarantees for exercising this fundamental right, the matter which contributed to hold the parliamentary elections in a complete atmosphere of transparency and fairness. elaborating hh the emir said this calls upon advocates of democracy all over the world to respect the decision of the palestinian people and support and encourage rather than putting pressure on it or interfering with the right of the people to choose their leaders or threaten to withhold aid to them. hh the emir delivered a speech to the inaugural session of the doha 6th forum in which he stressed that democracy , development and free trade complement each other and none could be implemented separate from the other. democracy , hh the emir said democracy could not be attained without effective development in all economic and social fields . likewise sustainable development could not be achieved unless the citizen is allowed to participate in decision making and to protect his economic interests, said hh the emir. in his speech, hh the emir said to achieve the desired benefits from democracy, development , free trade and the consolidation of the new world order there is an urgency to carry out a comprehensive political economic and social reform in developing countries to help them accelerate development that will be beneficial to all categories of the people. it is also imperative that advanced countries understand the problems of the developing countries and translate that practically into the agreements to be concluded in the frame of the world trade organisation (wto) to assist those countries develop their own capacities the following is the unofficial translation of the speech of his highness the emir sheikh hamad bin khalifa al-thani, of the state of qatar at doha 6th forum for democracy, development and free trade. in the name of god, the most compassionate , the most merciful, your excellencies, honorable guests of qatar, ladies and gentlemen, i would like to welcome you in doha at this forum, which provides a good opportunity to consider the relation between freedom of trade exchange, development, and the advancement of democratic practice, which became clearer and gained strong momentum after the end of the cold war. democracy, development and free trade complement each other and none could be implemented separate from the other. in developing countries in particular, democracy could not be attained without effective development in all economic and social fields. political freedom is meaningless in a community in which poverty prevails and in which a big section suffers from ignorance disease and achieved unless the citizen is allowed to participate in decision making and to protect his economic interests. the same thing applies to free trade since its desired positive results in favour of development are linked to the existence of a world order that guarantees equal opportunities for all countries and peoples of the world in a way that helps narrow the current economic gap between them. to achieve the desired benefits from democracy, development, free trade and the consolidation of the new world order there is an urgency to carry out a comprehensive political economic and social reform in developing countries to help them accelerate development that will be beneficial to all categories of the people, said hh the emir. it is also imperative that advanced countries understand the problems of the developing countries and translate that practically into the agreements to be concluded in the frame of the world trade organization to assist those countries develop their own capacities to be able to cope with competition required by the new world order, said hh the emir .

 

hh the emir further said, though our area was unable to keep pace with turning to the market system and democracy, it had a leading old experience in which trade exchange was combined with cultural openness, and religious tolerance with economic prosperity in an atmosphere of peace and stability. for centuries the indian ocean, the arabian sea, the gulf and the mediterranean were considered lakes of peace and cooperation and open areas for trade and cultural exchange between islamic, european, chinese and indian civilization, hh the emir sheikh hamad bin khalifa al thani told the distinguished guests of the doha 6th forum on democracy, development and free trade. elaborating hh the emir said, in the history of this area, exchange was not mere profession but an integrated culture which recognized the other, reflected self confidence and the desire of coexistence and acceptance of diversity and differences, which are fundamental human values in democratic societies.

 

ladies and gentlemen, over the past five years, our area has been witnessing a controversy over the issue of democracy and has been pulled back and forth over this issue with variant reaction ranging from acceptance to rejection and from enthusiasm to disinterest, hh the emir said. the emir further hinted that , this controversy has started and it is necessary that it continues until the reform message reaches its end, so that the citizens of this area get their due share of political and economic freedom. the success of democracy in this area is not only in its interest but also will have a tangible strategic impact on a wide geographical circle extending to the east and to west, hh the emir told the participants. the consolidation of security in areas not far from us, and reducing the rates of legal and illegal immigration to them will be affected by the democratic process in our area, because the success of the democratic project is essential for addressing the manifestations of tyranny and corruption that still devour the peoples fortunes, deprive them of their rights and push some of its citizens to extremism and alienation. of no less significance, ladies and gentlemen, is the role of free media and encouraging its organizations because they contribute to rectifying the democratic process and practice. honourable audience, the challenges facing the change towards democracy in our area have not prevented lately the birth of a unique experience in practicing democracy that deserves all commendation and respect.

 

the palestinian people despite their sufferings under the grip of occupation, insisted on exercising their legitimate right to choose their government. their national authority was also keen on providing guarantees for exercising this fundamental right by its people, said hh the emir . so the parliamentary elections were held and all those who followed it, including those who could not so far tolerate its results or accept the will of the palestinian people, have acknowledged its transparency and fairness. hh the emir went on to say, the civilized way in which the palestinian political forces have dealt with the results of these elections reflects a commitment to what is decided by the collective will and the acceptance of the citizens free choices .

 

this calls upon advocates of democracy all over the world to respect the decision of the palestinian people, said hh the emir. this important arab experience should be supported and encouraged rather than putting pressure on it or interfering with the right go the people to choose their leaders or threaten to withhold aid to them, hh sheikh hamad bin khalifa al thani told the distinguished guests. challenging the choices of peoples will only result in fuelling the feelings of despair and generate waves of wrath.

 

moreover opposing the popular will contradicts the spirit of democratic option that calls for compliance with what the majority decides. ladies and gentlemen, establishing the regional security could not be completed unless democratic practice makes progress, because security is not just military arrangements agreed upon by states. it requires internal political measures which enable the citizen to participate in the affairs of his country and shoulder his responsibilities. in fact, the participant citizen is a secure citizen because he knows his rights and duties. it is the secure citizen who builds a secure homeland, which in turn establishes a regional system enjoying security and stability. therefore, the desired security cannot be attained without the progress of democracy, said hh the emir sheikh hamad bin khalifa al thani. within this conviction the state of qatar has been keen on supporting efforts exerted to help the area improve and reform it s affairs, and has recently contributed ten million dollars to the u.n. fund for democracy.

 

moreover, qatar offered a similar sum and expressed full willingness to host the main office of the foundation for future which is concerned with promotion democratic practice and reform efforts in the area and area and bear all relevant responsibilities and commitments. ladies and gentlemen, this area is in a pressing need to finalize a major project which it has already launched and has to carry on with it for its own interest and the interest of the world as well.

 

at the forefront of this project is democracy, not only as a mechanism for decision making but as a way aspirations for development, progress and building a better future which was supposed to be attained several decades ago. however it exerts more efforts today to attain it, and has the right to get enough international support and backing to help the reform message achieve its goals. it is necessary to remember, honourable audience, that our area has never complained of the too many who extended help to her to attain democracy, but rather complained of their shortage. i thank you for your attendance and participation and wish your forum all success. may the peace, the mercy and the blessing of god be pon you. (qna)

In the name of God, The most compassionate, the most merciful. Ladies and Gentlemen. Dear presence. I have the pleasure to be among you in this session dedicated to dialogue on the topic "Enhancing democracy and combating terrorism". First, I would like to discuss some points relating to the issue of concepts. What is the democracy ? Very humbly, I would like to clarify the following points:- • The concept of democracy stands on fundamental basics and principles which - as a whole - aiming at its final outcome to realize the justice not with the ultimate but the relative meaning suitable in place and time. • For this reason, the perspective of democracy should launch from "a real standing point" which inspiring the application of basic fundamentals and total principles in the democratic exercise. This fundamentals are materialized in building the state of institutions, human rights, effective popular participation in government and rule in accordance with the law and principles of transparency and accountability which guarantee the majority's opinion of the people.

 

• The democracy is not a formal process represented in wording texts. It is not a makeup or procrastinating process aiming at absorbing general social indignation in order to make the status of the Political power remained as it is. • The success of the democratic option in the political field require the adoption and execution of comprehensive development plan in both economical and political fields in order to guarantee the balance of the tracks in the state's movement due to inter-organic connection between such tracks. • The democratic option should be originated from the self-determination of the society. The democracy can not be rooted when imposed from abroad according to ready prescriptions which have no relationship with the society targeted with democracy application. • The application of democracy is not free of some obstacles in application due to the difference in social and economical characteristics of the societies. Therefore, we should be aware that the real democracy can not be correctly instituted with only political decision making to instill its principles if the democracy application will not be accompanied by continuous process of awareness with the democratic system culture in line with the application of democratic rule mechanisms.

 

• Finally, we should believe in the graduation since the jumping over the social realism or adopting the philosophy of " Revolutionization" and abstracting the time mostly ending in – proofs are many from the past and our current time - conflicts leading to deep social and security imbalances. • All these factors are streaming in final outcome which crystallized in comprehensive reformative policy in political, economical and social field with utmost priority given to the cultural base which gives the supporting power to the reformative process as its basic entrance. It is not sufficient to merely change the nature and type of ruling systems or rulers, but the brains should be changed to attain a complete awareness and comprehension which depend on enlightenment and accept the new modernization which is not excluding the whole principles of social heritage without intellectual reason, and which respect the values of freedom and difference in opinion, with diversity, equality, transparency, empowerment of the woman, rights of the child. In brief to respect the human rights in it's comprehensive structure politically, economically and socially. What is the Terrorism ? If the definition of fundamental bases for democracy conception is an easy and agreeable matter in general, this fact incorrect in defining the conception of terrorism. In order to put my participation within the topic of this dialogue, it can be said that our important issue-according to the common U.N. expression – is "the international terrorism which endanger the lives of innocent people or cause them death or threatening the basic freedoms". It is generally known that the international community has not yet arrived collectively to specific definition on international terrorism, despite the phenomenon of terrorism - with all its sides - was subject of consideration from researchers and analysts within not short time. Without getting into details, there are some details and general aspects that I would like to mention now have relationship with our topic. • The terrorism – in general - is naturally based on ideological motives. • The terrorism is accompanied by violence. Causing public terror is a state related to terrorism. • The terrorism acts are launched from political and ideological motives on the grounds of deep belief characterized mostly by extremism, self-closing that the violence is legal as a from of political protest aiming at forcing the power to act in specific way.

 

• The terrorism-in general- emerge from misery, disappointment, sense of injustice and despair which make the people sacrificing their lives in order to realize fundamental changes. • The patterns of terrorism are multiple some of which are indicated as state terrorism within the regimes of dictatorships, authoritatives, regimes of colonization and occupation. Some patterns are related to the organized crime inside and out bounding the some state; also the international terrorism which is the subject of my participation. In this respect, the international public opinion goes to exclude the acts of occupation legal resistance from the international terrorism.

 

• The problem of terrorism is political, psychological moral and basically legal. Enhancing democracy and combating terrorism. Now, the question launches from central context of the speech: Does the enhancement of democracy play role in combating terrorism. ? I see – humbly- that building democracy with the specified conception and enhancing its application, is considered one of the most effective means to treat the phenomenon of terrorism. The reason is that the basic principles of democracy, with its meanings from freedom, equality, state of law, institutions, popular participation, the good rule with the its incomes for the plans of comprehensive social and economical development is really representing general acquisitions for all. In this meaning, and as long as there is insistence to apply and enhance democracy politically, economically and socially is a serious and transparent process, not characterized by the formative touches, or hidden ideologies of tyranny, it will be able to remove the misery, disappointment, sense of injustice or despair which motivating some of people to commit terrorism acts. Enhancing democracy on providing democratic security will provide the environment necessary for the security of the society against terrorism but not ultimately. We should confront the cases of overdosing and extremism in thinking and self-closing which essentially contradictory with the principles which the democracy is based on. In this area the importance of available legal means to treat such phenomenon's under democratic rule which crystallized on insisting on intellectual satisfaction methods in lieu of being limited to the methods of military, violence are there, violence breeds violence. Ladies & Gentlemen, Since we are dialoguing on enhancing democracy as a method of combating international terrorism, we should not ignore the consideration of some basic points, from which are the following:-

 

1. As we call for disseminating and applying democracy internally, we should seek the same objective at the international level. The feeling of injustice and despair of receiving justice powerful countries and international relations organizations will make disappointment and generate misery and so a fertile environment of committing terrorism acts is prepared.

 

2. As the external intervention to impose the form, nature and results of democratic system in harmony with the interests of intervening parties is increasing, the hesitation in establishing good democratic systems is increasing too. This is aggravating the state of tension and the lack of international peace and security.

 

3. Searching the self-interests of the external powers through the silence towards non democratic practices of alliances and in the same time escalating the campaigns against others under the slogans of establishing democracy where it is not in accordance with the required political methodology is representing in reality the policy of double standard which is not supporting the dissemination of democracy.

 

4. The dissemination of democracy and its practices is stable duty of all. They are all beneficiaries from the result regardless of the countries of association. In consequence efforts must be exerted at different levels to prevent provocation regarding the doctrines and the actual promotion for the theories of the clash of civilizations through the adoption of explicit or implicit policies. Ladies & Gentlemen I would like to suffice with these four points and their examples, as well as other points that may come to mind which one many from the reality of our area and the world wide. They are undoubtedly known to you . In conclusion, I would like to say that the democracy is not a slogan. It is a style which the decent human life can not be straight without. If we succeed in providing the ways to support such style, then we can be secure from the International terrorism. Thanking you.

The three-day conference is organised by the Planning Council in collaboration with the Qatar Businessmen's Association and the Gulf Studies Centre.

 

The conference will discuss future challenges faced by various establishments in the Arab world, challenges faced by civil societies and ways and means to overcome them, various types of reforms in the Middle East, media freedom, dialogue between various civilisations, democratic moves and how to combat terrorism, among others. The First Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister H E Sheikh Hamad bin Jassem bin Jabor Al Thani will speak at a session on enhancing democracy and combating terrorism. A session on regional institutions and future challenges will discuss the growing role of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and its increasing impact on the international economic system and the North-South relations. A session on power and opposition in the Arab countries will focus on the path of the civil societies in the Arab world between the existing ruling regimes and different opposition movements.

 

A session on media and press will discuss the difference of media values between the world regions and the influence of this difference on media thinking. About 560 delegates from 72 countries are attending the conference.

The three-day conference is organised by the Planning Council in collaboration with the Qatar Businessmen's Association and the Gulf Studies Centre.

 

750 participants to take part in democracy forumPublished: Friday, 7 April, 2006, 10:55 AM Doha Time THE Doha Forum on Democracy, Development and Free Trade will be held on Tuesday with 560 international participants from 72 countries attending, Assistant to the Foreign Minister for Follow-up Affairs Mohamed al-Rumaihi said. HH the Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani will inaugurate the three-day forum and deliver a keynote address, Rumaihi said. The delegates, including politicians, intellectuals, businessmen, NGO representatives and journalists, will hold 12 sessions and four-roundtable discussions.

 

First Deputy Premier and Foreign Minister HE Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim bin Jabor al-Thani will deliver a speech on 'Democracy and free trade', Rumaihi told a news conference. "The West could benefit from our experience and vision, unlike the situation in the past, as it is not a one-sided process anymore," he said. Each session will have six speakers from different continents, Rumaihi said, adding the participants would not represent their countries but themselves. He didn't confirm if Hamas would take part in the discussions, but said participants could express their personal opinion but not that of organisations. Hasan al-Ansari of the Gulf Centre for Strategic Studies said democracy, reform, development and free trade are inseparable, all of which would come up for discussion at the event. He denied they were looking West. "There is a lot to learn from ancient Indian civilisation," he said. The centre is a co-organiser of the forum, along with Businessmen's Association, the conference organising committee, and the Supreme Planning Council.

The three-day conference is organised by the Planning Council in collaboration with the Qatar Businessmen's Association and the Gulf Studies Centre.

 

the conference will discuss future challenges faced by various establishments in the Arab world, challenges faced by civil societies and ways and means to overcome them, various types of reforms in the Middle East, media freedom, dialogue between various civilisations, democratic moves and how to combat terrorism, among others. The closing session of the conference will be addressed by the First Deputy Prime Minister, H E Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim bin Jabor Al Thani, Minister of Foreign Affairs.

 

The first session of the conference will focus on the various challenges faced by regional establishments and their future. The conference will also discuss the impact of the World Trade Organisation on the international economy, north-south relations, south-south ties, new regulations, European-Mediterranean partnerships and cooperation and other issues of importance to the Arab region and the world. The second session will also feature among others, a round-table discussion on free trade and economy to be hosted by the Qatar Businessmen's Association (QBA). The three-day conference, the sixth of its kind to be hosted in Doha, is organised by the Planning Council in collaboration with the QBA and the Gulf Studies Centre.