"Democracy Can't Be Imposed from Outside"

At the Congress of Democrats of the Muslim World, politicians, newspaper editors and members of NGOs from 11 countries met for two days of talks on developing democracy across the Muslim world. Dorian Jones reports from Istanbul.

Former Yemeni Prime Minister Dr Abdul El Eryani, one of the prime movers of the conference, summarised the findings of the two-day meeting, with a message to both Islamic and Western leaders:

"Principles of Islamic values include justice and participation together with peace. These principles provide the basis for democratic governance and a more peaceful and prosperous world, thereby confirming the compatibility of Islam and democracy."

How open-minded is the European Union?

European Union countries were also represented at the congress that was held from 12-14 April. The presence of the EU is important to host country Turkey, which is eager to join its ranks.

The proposed admission of Turkey to the EU is widely seen in the Muslim world as an important test of how open-minded Europe is where Islamic countries are concerned.

Dr El Eryani says Turkey is an important example of how democracy and Islam can combine successfully, especially since the Islamic rooted AK Party of Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan came to power.

"The previous ruling parties almost caused a complete divorce between Islam and the state. The new Islamic party re-engaged to Islam AND democracy."

Advantages gained by pursuing a democratic path

Concerns over Turkey's democracy continue to be a major stumbling block to the country's EU membership aspirations. But Turkey argues that if its bid is successful this will send an important message to the Muslim world of the advantages that can be gained by pursuing a democratic path.

The conflicts IN Iraq and the Middle East will inevitably haunt those attending the congress. El Eryani admits that regional instability in the Middle East is an obstacle to democracy, but says some countries' leaders are using it as an excuse to avoid implementing reforms.

Instability used to delay democratic processes

"There is no trouble in promoting democracy and at same time working to establish peace and security in the Middle East", says El Eryani. "I don't think they are antagonistic, but some people use it to defer and delay any democratic process."

The absence of delegates from Middle Eastern countries, with the sole exception of Jordan, is an indication of the lack of democratic reform in the region.

However, some Arab delegates and journalists strongly criticised the congress for failing to invite anyone from Iran or Palestine. But the only explanation given was that it was individuals who were invited, not countries.

The main discussions were held behind closed doors. But according to Bahrain delegate Dr Salah Ali Abdulrahman, the meetings were dominated by the Middle East conflict. Dr Abdulrahman believes that the development of democracy in the Middle East is increasingly linked to the outcome of those conflicts.

"I think we need to work parallel, we need to continue working to resolve the crisis in Iraq and make more effort concerning the Israel and Palestine crisis. At the same time we need move towards democracy - especially the Middle East. And I think they need to work hard on the Iraq situation, otherwise it will be difficult to move democracy forward."

The congress as a talking shop?

Critics of such conferences argue that these lavish meetings are little more than talking shops. But the organisers argue that the congress provides an important opportunity for NGOs and political leaders from the Islamic world to meet and share their experiences in the struggle to achieve greater democratic reform.

Despite this pronouncement, the congress's final declaration was sketchy regarding the steps it would take to improve democracy in Islamic countries.

Two of the few concrete proposals were to set up an internet site, and to meet again for further discussions. But many of those attending said the congress was successful in that it gave them an important opportunity to share their experiences.

Democracy cannot be imposed from the outside

The main supporter of the congress was the Washington-based National Democratic Institute. But the organisation kept a low profile, eager to play down US involvement.

No mention was made in the closing document about the conflicts in the Middle East. But in a thinly veiled reference to the United States involvement in Iraq, several of the delegates stated repeatedly during the final press conference that democracy cannot be imposed from the outside.

Dorian Jones