ENHANCING COOPERATION REMARKS BY H.E. FUAD SINIORA WORLD ECONOMIC FORUM in sharam el shaik

Let me offer the following few observations on the issue of enhancing dialogue and cooperation. Clearly, this is a very central question for a conference that is itself motivated by the objective of enhancing dialogue and cooperation. 

• The fact that in today’s world no country is an island is a well recognized fact. It is well recognized by policy makers and by the global village at large. International interdependence has been increasing for some time. But in recent years the increase in interdependence has been dramatic in a number of critical areas. This is obviously true in the ability of countries’ to protect their own citizens from modern threats, including weapons of mass destruction and cross-border terrorism. Economic interdependence is another major area. Economic interdependence is not only or mainly about international trade anymore, important as trade is. Globalized capital markets, the problem of money laundering, and intellectual property rights have become central to the economic and financial ties that link countries in today’s world.

• One can go on to other areas as well, such as the environment, where one country’s welfare are intimately tied to what other countries do. But the point I want to stress is already clear. The need for collective international management and action has risen sharply in recent years.. The circle of international public goods, to use an economists’ term, has widened dramatically in scope. The stakes have also become much higher.

• The web of mechanisms and institutional frameworks that make up the system of  international governance, including the UN system, global financial and legal institutions, international conventions and  standards, as well avenues for  international dialogue, have all grown significantly in recent years. But in my view,  the effectiveness of international governance is not yet commensurate  with the growing and urgent need. The gap may be even widening.

• To make the system of international governance and cooperation more effective we need to rationalize and strengthen the work of international and regional organizations and the frameworks of cooperation in general. Stronger and more effective international governance requires it become more democratic, and be seen as such. There is already a high degree of participation. But is it participation that translates into an effective voice in decision-making? Much less so, in my view, and more importantly in the view of most Arab public opinion.

• We need to recognize that the sense of being marginalized in international decision-making, whether by Arabs or many segments of the less developed word, weakens the system of international governance significantly. This is something that needs to be addressed.

• Another major weakness is the perceived selectivity and uneven enforcement of international rules. In our region, the issue of the nuclear weapons possessed by Israel, and the acquiescence of the international community to three generations of gross injustice in Palestine, are major weaknesses in the credibility of the international system of governance and of international institutions in general.

• The fight against extremism cannot be won if we do not address the deep sense of marginalization and selective justice which are widespread, particularly in our region. Empowering the forces of moderation requires that these frustrations be dealt with, boldly and seriously, both by the countries of the region as well as by the international community.

• On the economic front, many Arab countries have made substantial progress in structural reforms to better adapt to the to a changing world. This is a very positive trend. But the level of economic integration within the Arab world is still insufficient, and that’s something that Arab countries and institutions need to address.

• On the security level,  the persistent problem of Palestine since the year 1948 is a central problem. Without a fair and lasting solution to it, I am afraid there can be no stability or peace in our region. In this regard, the Israeli occupation remains also for parts of Syria and Lebanon remains a pressing problem. And there is no justification for wasting more time without reaching a solution to the Palestinian problem, which is at the heart of the conflict between Israel on one side and the Arab and Islamic worlds on the other. The occupation of Iraq has increased has  the sources of for instability.. These problems are creating are encouraging national and religious extremisms and impeding the realization of democracy.

• Unfortunately, there is a growing islamophobia in Europe and America in particular, which is not only due to the events of 9/11. The difficulty that turkey is facing in joining the EU is one of the indications that there are changing conditions against Islam and the Muslims. Non governmental institutions in Europe and the USA have a major role to play in stemming this trend.

• I do not want to paint a bleak picture or to imply that  the international community has done nothing. Actually, as far as Lebanon is concerned, the UN Security Council has been quite helpful and forthcoming in relation to the assassination of PM Hariri, and in consolidating and strengthening Lebanon's independence, and stability. Also the international organizations have manifested good will to support Lebanon in implementing its reform agenda.

• However, the security situation in our region is very worrying, with the growing tensions regarding Iran’s  nuclear program, the worsening situation in Iraq and the lack of advancement on the Palestinian track. In Lebanon, as in other parts of the Arab world we look forward to stronger collaborative efforts to address these threats. We are ready to be part of such efforts.