Doha Forum Expresses Hope for Peaceful Transition into Democracy in the Region

Doha, May 11 (QNA) - Participants in the Doha Forum on Democracy, Development and Free Trade have expressed hope for the long-term that the implementation of the democratic process and in the region would be fast and peaceful.
The participants in the tenth session held Wednesday morning at the Sheraton Hotel under the theme of "The US Views on Changing Developments in the Middle East", said change should stem first from Arab nations, stressing that the United States is not responsible to propose or implement any change in the region but only to offer its assistance whenever the concerned countries ask for.
By the 2013, the US strategy on Foreign Aid in terms of military and economic assistance will change compared to the previous phase, Dr. Anthony Cordesman from the US Center for Strategic and International Studies, explained.
The United States he added, will support Egypt and other countries, which led revolutions aimed at spreading principles of freedom and democracy in the Arab world.
The United States intends as well to decrease its aid for Afghanistan s economy by 1/3 and will focus on presenting technical and financial support, Dr. Anthony Cordesman said. While in Iraq, the US unities are in charge for this transitional phase to maintain security in Iraq and protect Iraqi people in case of any conflict between Kurds and Arab factions, he added.
For his part, Jay Fooltik, President and CEO of Global Policy Initiatives, former White House Special Assistant to President Clinton said , ''The United States is conscious about the important divergences between the region s countries and doesn t look to intervene or put any form of pressure on them.
Meanwhile former US Assistant Secretary of Defence for Global Strategic Affairs Michael Nacht said, noting that the US mission in Libya is clear and focused, with its allies and partners working together to enforce a U.N. Security Council mandate to protect the Libyan people from forces loyal to Qaddafi.
The decision to take part in the implementation in "Libya s no-fly zone", was not an initiative of the US, President Obama has decided to participate in this operation after holding long and deep consultation in the White House.