Bled Panel on Arab Spring: Europe Must Gain Better Understanding

Bled, 2 September (STA) – The Bled Strategic Forum panel dedicated to the Arab Spring agreed that the changes that have swept across the Arab region brought on an immensely complex challenge, both for the region as well as for neighbouring Europe and other world powers. Europe must gain a better understanding of the region, the panellists pointed out.

Executive Secretary General of the European External Action Service Pierre Vimont highlighted that the EU had made a lot of promises, both in terms of funding and concrete support, but not much of it has materialised.

At the same time, Europe is not alone in wanting to get involved in the region, as other states as well, including Turkey, Brazil and South Africa are also interested, which presents problems for Europe’s definition of partnership with the Mediterranean states, he said.

Director of the International Center for Consultations in Israel Wadie Abunassar stressed that Russia’s role in the Middle East cannot be ignored. He also criticised the EU for a lack of determination and understanding of the region, calling for reflection and serious studies.

Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Palestinian National Authority Riad Al-Malki noted that Europe tried to influence the events in the region from day one – by naming them Arab Spring or Arab Revolution.

Europe expected democratic changes, political tolerance, accepting of Israel, but what it is looking at now is a prospect of divided or even failed states. Now, Europe has to see what role it should take and ask the question what kind of states it wants to live with,” he stressed.

State Secretary at the Tunisian Foreign Ministery Touhami Abdouli urged a European contribution to the “ongoing revolution” in Tunisia. He stressed the main reasons behind the Tunisian revolution were the desire for freedom and dignity. That is why Tunisia must now change its economy to answer expectations of its people; the economy will have to serve social beings and not economic beings, he stressed.

Founder and Director of the Organisation for Democracy and Freedom in Syria in the United Kingdom Ribal Al-Assad meanwhile touched on the situation in Syria. He stressed the country turned into a testing ground for foreign powers.

The Syrian opposition is far from a homogenous force, but a mix of extremist, sectarian and other interests. Al-Assad stressed that the opposition must be enticed to establish a common platform. It should not be supported just because it opposes a brutal regime, he warned.