MENA ends with The Doha Declaration
Regional, Politics, 11/18/1997

Participants in the controversial three-day fourth Middle East and North Africa economic conference held in Doha have issued a final declaration called "The Doha Declaration" before the actual closure of the conference.

After thanking the State of Qatar and the Emir of Qatar for their generous hospitality and the excellent reception that was provided to all, the participants expressed their full appreciation of the courage of Qatar that hosted this conference in the midst of difficult political circumstances in the region and that has proven its real will to contribute to a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in the Middle East.

However, there is something striking in the declaration of this economic conference. As it goes on, the participants move to the political positions of the conference and for the first time in the Mena conference, there is a call to adopt the formula of "land for peace" in the search for peace in the region. The participants considered that the Madrid Peace Conference formula as well as the United Nations Security Council Resolutions 242 and 338 were the two main principles of the peace process. They called for "broadening and deepening progress on all outstanding issues of the Arab-Israeli negotiating tracks of the peace process" despite all current obstacles. They also reaffirmed their determination to uphold the agreements reached among the parties, in particular those agreements between the Israelis and the Palestinians underlining the great importance of the faithful implementation of those agreements "by all parties."

The conference which was held under the theme "Creating a new public/private partnership for trade and economic growth beyond the year 2000," was attended by 850 foreign business participants together with officials representing over 65 countries and a number of international organizations, such as UN agencies. The Doha Declaration highlighted the importance of economic reform programs being undertaken by countries in the region, which has greatly enhanced the region's economic, commercial and trade potential. Such reform programs consisted of privatization, structural reform and removal of trade barriers, which should provide "a more business-friendly economic climate" throughout the region and "strengthen the ability to attract foreign investment and trade." The Doha Declaration went on about the support of participants for "deepening the infrastructure of peace."

The declaration further noted great concern over the deterioration of the Palestinian economy caused by "imposed restrictions and closures which hinder the daily movement of Palestinian labor and trade." The participants in the MENA conference called for the immediate removal of these restrictive measures and closures to help the Palestinian economy.

Another striking point in the Doha Declaration was the fact that no place for the next MENA conference next year was named. The decision was postponed till the beginning of next year when the yearly World Economic Forum takes place in Davos, Switzerland.

The MENA conference was considered in the declaration to have been a "unique opportunity for business participants to expand their network of public and private contacts in the region." International business leaders explored and developed new commercial opportunities within the Middle East and North Africa.

Important achievements of MENA conferences were noted, such as the Middle East-Mediterranean Travel and Tourism Association in Tunis and the Bank for Economic Cooperation and Development in the Middle East and North Africa, to be located in Cairo. The participants reaffirmed their full support for these institutions and reiterated their importance. The new bank is to see light in 1998, after completing the procedures of ratification by countries involved.

Previous Stories:
  Mena: latest developments   (11/17/1997)
  Jordan and Israel discussing establishment of a joint industrial   (11/17/1997)
  Arab League boycotts Doha conference   (11/13/1997)

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