Dubai: A US diplomat has stressed her government's commitment to promote democracy in the Arab world, asserting that the current administration firmly believes that the democratic participation of people in the region should go hand in hand with sound social and economic development plans.
During a short visit to the region, Tamara Wittes, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Middle East Partnership Initiative (Mepi), told Gulf News the US is keen to see governments in the Arab world taking up democratic reform from within for the betterment of their peoples. "Wise governments embrace democracy because it is prerequisite for sustainable growth and economic advancement. It is a must for stable society which is badly needed in this part of the world," she said.
Dr Wittes did not agree with the view that the administration of President Barack Obama is not enthusiastic about promoting democracy in the Middle East. On the contrary, she said, Washington's commitment to democratic ideals is based on an entrenched belief that democracy is a necessity for stability in the world.
"We believe in democracy as a human value and an essential need for mankind. We also believe that participation in decision-making process is essential for success. The US is not willing to impose democratic values in the Arab world, nor anywhere in the world. We need people to adopt the democratic participation in decision-making process the way that suits them and we are convinced that democracy can not live on its own. Economic and social development are prerequisites for sustainable democracy."
In his address to the Islamic world when he was in Cairo in June last year, Obama pledged that no system of government can or should be imposed by one nation by any other, but reiterated his government's commitment to governments that reflect the will of the people.
"I do have an unyielding belief that all people yearn for certain things: The ability to speak your mind and have a say in how you are government; confidence in the rule of law and the equal administration of justice," he said.
Dr Wittes said that no one should come to a conclusion that the US commitment towards democratic reforms has been lessened. We are talking with both governments and the organisations of social society in a number of middle eastern countries to encourage a common ground for democratic participation of people in these countries.
Regional dialogue
She said the US supports the democratic process in Iraq and it is engaged in parleys with the authorities and societies in Egypt. "We are talking to Saudi Arabia and to the government in Syria. We are willing to see transformation to democracy from within the institutions in these countries. We believe that democracy and freedom of speech have become necessity for young men and women in the region. This age group forms more than 60 per cent of the population in the Arab world and this suggests the future for democracy in the Arab world," she said.
She said the US is also aware that the youth in the region do not like any foreign power to impose change. "We need and we are ready to help the younger generation to pursue their dreams in a better world and better future," she said.
Dr Wittes said the US in highly concerned about the human situation in Gaza.
"The administration recognises the fact that the peace process did not move as fast as the US wanted it to go, but this does not mean that the US has lost interest in achieving peace between Israel and Palestinians. The US is still the largest contributor of aid to Gaza and wants to see an end to the miserable life of Palestinians through the two-states solution."
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