For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
November 6, 2003
Fact Sheet: President Bush Calls for a "forward Strategy of Freedom" to Promote Democracy in the Middle East
Today's Presidential Action
In remarks at the 20th anniversary of the National Endowment for
Democracy, President Bush today announced that the United States
would pursue a "forward strategy of freedom" to promote
democracy throughout the Middle East.
During this time of change in world history, the President said
that the advance of freedom is the calling of our times.
Promoting democracy and freedom in the Middle East will be a
massive and difficult undertaking, but it is worthy of America's
effort and sacrifice. As long as freedom and democracy do not
flourish in the Middle East, that region will remain stagnant,
resentful, and violent -- and serve as an exporter of violence
and terror to free nations.
President Bush believes that democracy and Islam can coexist.
Millions of Muslims from Turkey to Indonesia to Niger have proven
that Islam and democracy are fully compatible.
America has accomplished the task of spreading democracy where it
has not existed before, and the President believes that
the advance of freedom will increase chances for peace and security
for Americans as well as for the people of the Middle
East.
The Administration's Record of Accomplishment in Promoting
Democracy
A RECORD OF ACCOMPLISHMENT AROUND THE WORLD: The Administration
has pursued a policy of promoting freedom and human dignity in every
part of the world. We pursue this policy both because it is right and
because it also addresses the fear, hatred, and inequality that
contributes to terrorism and violence.
Our policy is based on core values that uphold human rights through
democracy and the rule of law. We are committed to pursuing freedom
and promoting democracy and human rights, through both words and deeds,
as a member of the international community.
Greater Middle East: Moved support for democracy in the Middle
East to top of regional agenda, including support for
individual champions of human rights and for reform efforts in
Jordan, Morocco, the Gulf, and elsewhere.
o Afghanistan: Policy based on achieving democracy through the
Bonn process and assistance to constitutional, human
rights and judicial commissions; established
US-Afghan Women's Council and funded centers to promote
women's education, entrepreneurship, and political participation.
o Iraq: After removing oppressive regime, now leading
international coalition to assist in Iraq's
transition to democracy; established Iraqi Governing
Council, representing the diversity of Iraqi society, to help chart
course towards drafting, ratifying, and implementing a new
constitution; building civil society through grants, workshops, consultations, and technical
assistance to a wide range of Iraqi groups; provided over
$100 million to date for local governance programs;
supported women's conferences; and established Abuse
Prevention Unit.
o Middle East Partnership Initiative: Established first
initiative to support political reform efforts and
economic development, especially for women and youth.
o Middle East Peace: Placed democracy and human rights at the
heart of efforts for a two-state solution to the
Israeli/Palestinian dispute, demanded reforms in
governance of Palestinian Authority.
Africa: The Administration has an unparalleled record of
engagement in Africa that incorporates support for democracy,
reform, respect for human dignity and peace on the
continent. Our achievements include:
o Liberia: Sponsored UN sanctions; engaged with ECOWAS and key regional actors to negotiate peace deal ending civil war that had
serious human rights abuses.
o Sudan: Heavily engaged in the peace process to end Africa's longest-running civil war.
o Zimbabwe: Imposed targeted sanctions against President
Mugabe,
Zimbabwean Government officials, and their spouses in an effort to
protest and stop policies that undermine democratic
processes and institutions.
Asia: Our policy is focused on assisting countries on the path
towards democratization and long-term reform, and
calling attention to those who fall short.
o Burma: Leads international calls for release of Aung San Suu
Kyi and for return to inclusive political dialogue to
restore democracy; condemns regime for its human rights abuses;
strengthened sanctions on the regime for its
imprisonment of democracy leaders and extensive human rights abuses.
o China: Moved from defining progress on human rights solely
by prisoner releases to also enhancing rule of law,
electoral and other developments by increasing funding
for programs from $7M in FY02 to $12M in FY03.
o North Korea: Co-sponsored the first UN Commission on Human
Rights (UNCHR) resolution on human rights in North
Korea to call international attention to abuses;
consistently put human rights on the table during
multilateral talks among other subjects.
Central Asia: Contact with the region after September 11 focused
on war on terror and engagement on human rights practices of
countries in the region.
o Democracy and Human Rights Funding after 9/11: Doubled
funding for democracy programs in Kyrgyzstan (funded
first free printing press) and Turkmenistan; quadrupled
funding for democracy programs in Uzbekistan (funded
first political party programs) and Tajikistan.
o Human Rights Practices: Sponsored first UNCHR resolution on
human rights practices in Belarus and co-sponsored
first UNCHR resolution on Turkmenistan; concluded Joint
Declarations with Presidents of Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan,
Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan that cite continued progress on democracy
and human rights as central to our bilateral relationships.
o Georgia: Appointed James Baker as Presidential Envoy to
underscore the need for free and fair parliamentary
elections this November. Election results are incoming
and we are counting on the Government and people of
Georgia to ensure a free and fair outcome.
Western Hemisphere: Commitment to democratic, constitutional
governments through the Summit of the America's "Democracy
Clause." Strong support for multi-lateral engagement to address
democratic crises in Bolivia, Venezuela, and Haiti.
Continuing efforts to promote rapid, peaceful democratic transition in
Cuba.
o Democracy in the region: Concluded Inter-American Democratic
Charter, which defines Western Hemisphere by its commitment to
democratic principles.
o Cuba: Launched "Initiative for a New Cuba" challenging
regime to undertake political and economic
reforms; supported resolution at UNCHR this year.
o Haiti: Member of "Group of Friends" working to help the
Haitian people build democratic institutions, supporting
OAS efforts to resolve the political crisis.
o Venezuela: Member of OAS Secretary General's "Group of
Friends" providing support for efforts to comply with
OAS Resolution 833 calling for a peaceful, democratic,
constitutional, and electoral solution to the political crisis through
the referendum process.
International Institutions: Committed to reforming and rejoining
international institutions that support human rights, and
promoting new initiatives.
o Commission on Human Rights: Actively engaged in reforming
UNCHR to realize its potential through membership and
other changes.
o UNESCO: Rejoined organization to promote education and
democracy.
o UN General Assembly: On November 6, 2003, U.S.-introduced
resolution on Women and Political Participation was passed
by the UNGA.
Human Dignity: The Administration has taken special efforts to
safeguard the dignity of the individual.
o Cloning: Co-sponsored resolution at the UNGA calling for ban
on all forms of human cloning.
o Religious Freedom: Worked with OSCE to hold first meetings
on religious freedom, including anti-Semitism in Europe.
o Trafficking in Persons: President announced $50 million to
support organizations that rehabilitate women and
children who have been trafficked; U.S. efforts have led many
governments to improve their own laws and
performance.
Programs to Support Democracy and Human Rights: Significantly
increased funding levels for Human Rights and Democracy Fund
administered by the Department of State.
For more information on the President's initiatives, visit
www.whitehouse.gov
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