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Arabia
Forum Ends Without Declaration
2005-11-13
The two-day Forum for the Future to promote US plans for ushering in democracy in the Middle East ended yesterday without adopting a final declaration. The second day of the forum also witnessed sharp US criticism of Syria and a Damascus rejoinder. Syrian Foreign Minister Farouk Shara later left Manama without attending a group photo gathering for the participating foreign ministers.

A final declaration could not be adopted because Egypt tried to introduce language which the United States said would restrict aid groups. “Obviously we are not pleased,” said a senior State Department official at the conclusion of the forum. The Egyptian delegation was not immediately available for comment but a Gulf diplomat said other Arab countries also had reservations about the document and Egypt was not alone.
Posted by:Fred

#3  The only thing missing was Bob Zimmerman singing

Come gather 'round people
Wherever you roam
And admit that the waters
Around you have grown
And accept it that soon
You'll be drenched to the bone.
If your time to you
Is worth savin'
Then you better start swimmin'
Or you'll sink like a stone
For the times they are a-changin'.
Posted by: Hupomong Hupating3051   2005-11-13 15:58  

#2  Refusing to vote for the declaration was the only victory for the participants. First they had to actually participate in a forum on democracy in their region under the sharp eyes of United States Secretary of State Dr. Rice and Assistant Cheney. They had to sit still -- politely -- while Rice essentially lectured them, althought I'm sure it was courteously done. Then they had to sit still -- again politely -- and actually vote for that anathema of a declaration, and publically declare against the United States. Their nightmares must be getting worse and worse. (Not to mention, as was pointed out yesterday, Bush sent a Black, Christian woman, and a lesbian to the party! What a way to rub their noses in it!)
Posted by: trailing wife   2005-11-13 15:30  

#1  Ooooooooooo...Another defeat for the President! How much lower can he go?

well, somebody was spinning it that way yersterday!
Posted by: Bobby   2005-11-13 14:52  

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