Socialist women from 131 countries call for activation of south-south cooperation
Regional, Politics, 7/17/2000

Socialist women from 131 countries, who met over the week end here, called for activating south-south cooperation by setting forth the "Barcelona conference" decision which considered equal chances as a prerequisite of development in the Mediterranean region.

Participants in the western Mediterranean section of the women chapter of the International Socialist unanimously expressed worries at widening gaps between northern and southern Mediterranean countries and their impact in terms of southern countries exclusion, poverty worsening and deterioration of social conditions, especially for women.

They also urged for supporting women's struggles for lasting development and for full exercise of basic human rights, considering women rights as part and parcel of the human rights. The two-day conference entitled "women partnership for lasting peace in the Mediterranean" also urged political parties, member to the International Socialist, to endeavor to adopt the quota principle which they called "a positive discrimination to widen women representation in decision making centers."

Chairwoman of the women section of the International Socialist, Dolores Renau, told Moroccan daily "Liberation" the choice of Morocco as a venue for the conference is due to "the kingdom's interesting situation and successful transition." She said this is the best time to help Moroccan women who are struggling for democracy and for the attainment of their rights.

Of the conference theme, she stressed the need to involve women in the quest for peace because women are generally better negotiators than men.

Previous Stories:
  Women chapter of international socialist meets in Rabat   (7/14/2000)
  Socialist members of the European parliament visit Damascus   (6/1/2000)
  Several Moroccan Parties Attend Algerian Socialist Forces Front Congress   (5/29/2000)

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