Franco Frattini's lecture for the Symposium on cultural diplomacy and religion

Rome, March 30, 2014

Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is an honour and a pleasure for me to be speaking here today on a subject that is particularly close to my heart. A subject on which I believe it is worth opening a lively inter-cultural dialogue: the spiritual dimension in the era of globalisation.

I speak to you today in the same spirit that has always inspired Italian foreign policy on these questions: the awareness that it is only through open debate and the dissemination of different points of view that we will be able first, to understand each other. Second, to appreciate the progress promoted by so many governments in this respect. And third, to abandon certain all too deeply-rooted stereotypes. This is not a question of delivering lessons, but of discussing questions that, for all those who truly care about global progress and stability, are of central importance in today’s world.

We are living through a period of history marked by deep change and growing uncertainties. The end of the cold war increased our perception of insecurity, added to the range of actors on the multilateral stage and redefined the hierarchy of international power. 

 

A world as interconnected as ours is a world that calls upon each of us – states, citizens and organised groups in civil society – to become more engaged, to take on more responsibility to safeguard peace and harmonious co-existence. Each of us must necessarily have a direct interest in the well-being of the others, which in turn will have repercussions for the stability of each and every one of us. The contagion of crises now spreads very quickly, and these crises project their effects over a very broad range and with repercussions that can set off chain reactions. 

The recent economic-financial crisis demonstrated this all too clearly.

But the destinies of our humanity are at stake, if we think of growing poverty and desperation, climate change and environment degradation, or conflict and post conflict situations, where too often the largest number of victims is represented by the poorer and the weaker, first of all women and children.

Ladies and gentlemen,

In the international scenario I mentioned earlier, the peoples of the world are feeling a more intense need to reaffirm their cultural identities and to seek to become members of – and identify with – movements defined under rigid and exclusive criteria. The return, in many countries of the world, to traditional cultural customs, often in their most orthodox forms, seems to represent a shield against a modernisation that is wrongly perceived as being imposed by the West and stigmatised as being fraught with danger. 

Against this background, we are witnessing a new “protagonism” of the spiritual component, which has carved out a growing space for itself in today’s society but has in some cases taken on extremist forms.

In the collective imagination the perception now prevails that the religious factor inspires conflicts, fundamentalist movements and tensions in so many regions of the world. On all sides, and for too long, people have been fanning the flame of hateful theories concerning the clash of religions and civilisations and between the West and Islam. Such theories offend both the truth and our fundamental values. 

How can it be possible that religious observance has grown to be the source of conflict par excellence? And what can we, together, do to once again build upon the enormous “positive” potential of the great religious traditions? These traditions are a key element in achieving a better knowledge and understanding of the world and its dynamics. They can and must once again play their part in the quest for peace. They can influence the way that leaders and peoples view these issues and encourage different forms of social organisation and cooperation. 

We are living at a time when it is urgent to mend the global fracture between, on the one hand, an open and tolerant conception of human co-existence and, on the other, totalitarian pressures that are reluctant to accept the diversity that is inherent to our world. That is why recourse to the spiritual dimension offers us an unrivalled instrument for dialogue and mutual understanding. At the international level, naturally, but also at the national level. 

All the Governments should battle on all fronts to defend freedom of religion, understood in its broadest sense as the right to profess a religion and manifest one’s faith in public. It is for us the heart of civil co-existence, the individual right par excellence. But it is also a guarantee of a society’s founding values since the religious dimension encompasses both the individual’s intimate relationship with God and the drive to create a community with others.

Religious freedom is a cardinal principle of our civilisation, one that is sanctioned by the Italian Constitution. It is one of the founding principles of the European project and is reiterated by numerous international instruments that are the cornerstones of the international system for the protection of human rights. To mention just two: the Universal Declaration of Human Rights of 1948 – which the Organisation of the Islamic Conference recently recognised as having the value of international customary law – and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights of 1966.

It worries us to witness, so regularly, violent situations where this right is attacked. Cruel attacks on religious minorities, coercive practices against those not belonging to the faith of the majority, or more sophisticated forms of discrimination and marginalisation, on the cultural level and in participation in public, civil and political life. The Italian initiatives for religious freedom arose from the persecution and blood-stained events that have followed on one from the other. These episodes should be addressed and opposed, not least to foster a better understanding of the Islamic world and its presence in Europe. 

We are each of us called, therefore, to help prevent and avert all cases of intolerance through the only two tools that are truly effective: dialogue and multilateralism. 

It is the world of politics that is called upon first and foremost to do so. At the national level, it is the leaders who must provide solutions to the problems of multi-ethnic co-existence without losing sight of the sensibilities at stake. 

And at the international level, states have the task of working together with conviction in all those fora that have been created to foster dialogue, bring cultures closer together and ensure that the full weight of religion is brought to bear both in crisis prevention and in resolving conflicts. Conflicts and crises that today more than ever require a multi-dimensional response. 

But in the quest for a new social and inter-faith harmony we also place our trust in religious groups and leaders. Who more than they can lay the groundwork for a dialogue based on the deepest values of mankind and solidarity, values that are common to all religions? Who better than they can build on the potential of the spiritual dimension in the quest for international stability and sustainable development? 

Finally, co-existence is also a challenge for civil society, for students, for associations, for all of that closely-woven fabric that makes up society and has the power to influence policy and make its voice heard with true courage. 

I know I am speaking to men and women whose spiritual pathway is different from that of my own cultural tradition. But I do so in a spirit of great sincerity, in the hope that our views might coincide on certain fundamental principles. The first principle that I wish to underscore is that religion cannot be instrumentalised to justify violations or abuses of human rights, including the right of full religious freedom. 

We should all loudly proclaim that whoever kills or injuries a human being by naming God, commits the worst blasphemy! 

The second principle that I would like to leave with you to reflect upon is that co-existence – between peoples or between the citizens of any one country – must aim to develop a sense that we all belong to a society. And to humanity. 

No one, no matter where in the world, can kill or strike another human being in the name of God. Anyone who does so betrays the principles of their religion. Great religious traditions bear a message of peace and respect for others, not one of conflict and violence.

I wish to entrust this message to you, being sure that you will continue to be inspired by those values of co-existence, dialogue and mutual understanding that are inherent to the religious dimension (of any religion). Only the triumph of these values will enable us to establish a truly democratic global society and guarantee and protect the peace and security of our world against all manifestations of extremism and fanaticism. 

The International Symposium on Religion & Cultural Diplomacy will focus on "The Promotion of World Peace through Interfaith Dialogue & the Unity of Faiths" and highlight the importance of religious interchange as a vehicle for World Peace. The potential role religion plays in the promotion of global peace and stability will be outlined, with the aim to exemplify the positive and demonstrative effect it can bear in impacting society. 

Religion can be used as a major force of unification between divergent factions; through the analysis and promotion of inter-faith dialogue, the Symposium will illustrate the key role religion plays in facilitating mutual understanding and tolerance of varying spiritual affiliations. The overall objective of the Symposium will be to demonstrate how inter-faith dialogue can be used as an effective tool in promoting global peace and reconciliation, and the power of religion to bring varying groups together in order to establish and maintain constructive channels of communication and sustainable collaboration. 

READ THE AGENDA

Symposium Speakers & Delegates

Speakers and Delegates during the Symposium will include religious and spiritual leaders, leading politicians and diplomats, senior academics and other dignitaries from around the world.

Symposium Locations

Based in Rome & the Vatican City, the Symposium will be hosted at a number of important political, historic, and cultural locations across the city, and will consist of excursions to the country's top institutions and landmarks. Sioi will host several sessions.

Symposium Participants

Participation in the Symposium is open to governmental & diplomatic officials, civil society practitioners, young professionals and students as well as other interested individuals from across the world.

The international conference is part of the European Citizens for European Foreign Policy project, which is supported by the Europe for Citizens Programme of the European Union. The conference was granted high patronage of the European Parliament and organised under the auspices of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Slovenia.

Franco Frattini attended the conference moderating the panel EU Foreign Policy: European Parliament and EU citizens, with the participation of  Ivo Vajgl, MEP (Slovenia), Tanja Fajon, MEP (Slovenia), Davor Ivo Stier (Croatia). 

Franco Frattini's quotes:

Frattini: Lampedusa is not Italy's problem, Lampedusa is a door to Europe. 

Frattini: Freedom of movement (Schengen or visa-free regime) is the most tangible message that Europe is there. 

Frattini: foreign policy is not just a thing of elites. If sub-Saharan Africa explodes, Europe's security will be affected.

Frattini: In Libya we won the war, but are losing the peace. 

Frattini: Right to happiness is having an optimistic view despite problems. Combined with firm action, this leads to a good future.

Franco Frattini at Chatham House debate on "International Security Challenges and the future of NATO"

Listen or watch the record on Youtube

Copyright:  Salvatore Mancuso SM PhotoNewsAgency

Copyright:  Salvatore Mancuso SM PhotoNewsAgency

La NATO sempre più cruciale per le nuove sfide post 2014

Il candidato alla Segreteria Generale a Londra per Chatham House e incontri

Non si puo' prescindere dall'Alleanza Atlantica, non adesso e non dopo il 2014 quando il suo principale impegno, in Afghanistan, cambiera' definitivamente pelle. Ma la Nato ha davanti a se' numerose sfide che deve essere in grado di raccogliere e cui deve adeguarsi, da un nuovo approccio geostrategico alla cybersecurity, che la rende piu' importante che mai. 

 Da questo parte Franco Frattini, candidato italiano alla carica di segretario generale della Nato, per spiegare -in un intervento oggi a Londra presso Chatham House- i motivi per cui ha deciso di 'correre', in un momento in cui tra l'altro la Nato non gode del piu' alto livello di popolarita' presso l'opinione pubblica internazionale. Intanto, spiega Frattini, cruciale sara' ''la capacita' di lavorare con i paesi partner''. 

Quelli che non sono membri dell'alleanza ma con i quali la collaborazione e' fondamentale per garantire sicurezza, per poter investire nell'institution building. Quest'ultima, una delle attivita' cui l'Alleanza dovra' dedicare piu' energie, nella consapevolezza che la Nato ''non puo' essere poliziotto globale''. Secondo l'ex ministro degli Esteri italiano, inoltre, e' necessario un approccio geostrategico che abbia come priorita' la dimensione mediterranea. 

E in questo senso emerge l'importanza che il ruolo dei partner europei puo' avere nell'ambito dell'Alleanza, perche' - sottolinea - ''l'America non puo' guidare ovunque nel mondo''. 

Cosi' ''la Nato e' e rimarra' il pilastro numero uno per la sicurezza transatlantica'', ma perche' funzioni, perche' sia efficace rispetto alle nuove sfide, deve essere capace di coordinarsi anche con le altre istituzioni, quelle Ue per esempio che possono mettere in campo il loro 'soft power'. A Londra Franco Frattini ha in agenda incontri anche con ministri britannici di Esteri e Difesa, William Hague e Philip Hammond.

Fonte ANSA

ENGLISH VERSION

Interview of President Franco Frattini

Radio Parliament

Young people protesting in Kiev, because of President Ianukovic refusing to sign the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement between EU and Ukraine, are peaceful demonstrators and, by consequence, they must be protected. We’re talking about young people who are carrying the message of entire Ukraine: to approach an European space that is widening increasingly. The point is not to become a EU member – extremely long process – but it rather is to open to a chance for greater integration, and not to be sucked only into the influence of the Russian Federation. It's clear that in international politics everyone seeks his own interest, but in this case Ukrainian interests are to get closer to EU.

I believe that the Tymoshenko case should continue to be one of the key priorities of the European political families’ agenda: in particular EPP has repeatedly stressed that the detention of Yulia can not be tolerated.

I am all for leaving the European door open for Ukraine, but if violence continues, and if repression is the reaction chosen by the government, then Europe should continue along the road of sanctions, as was done with other serious matters. I was pleased that EU and U.S., once again, found themselves in harmony: I have read, for example, a recent and important release by Mrs Victoria Nuland (Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs at the United States Department of State). It is fully tuned with what many EU countries have declared. Europe sides with peaceful protesters: we want they to express their freedom and right of choice and thought.

The memory of Nelson Mandela should be in the heart of all men living in a free world. We're talking about a person who has both made and changed history, not only of his country. Europeans cannot forget that in 1993 Mandela received the Nobel Peace Prize, and that nearly two decades after European Union has equally been awarded: it means that there is a common ground that links our commitments.

We always talk about GDP, economic crisis, but we should also talk, more and more, about rights. Europe must appeal the question of rights and freedom without imposing our models, but making sure that the rights of democracy sprout from the ground. I refer to a human dimension that means putting human beings first.

Una leggenda non muore mai. E Nelson Mandela è, e resta, un’autentica leggenda. Tant’è che l’annuncio della sua morte ha fatto il giro del mondo in pochi minuti stravolgendo l’informazione e provocando profondo dolore. 

D’altronde, non ci si poteva aspettare altro in ricordi di un politico, ma soprattutto dell’uomo che per eccellenza ha interpreto la lotta per le libertà; colui che più di ogni altro è stato simbolo mondiale di speranza e dialogo. 

Un eroe del nostro tempo, ma anche un maestro per tutti coloro che ogni giorno si impegnano nella società civile e nelle istituzioni per ergere scudi democratici a protezione dei diritti delle persone e dell’uguaglianza. 

Nel momento in cui sono ancora molti, purtroppo, i Paesi del mondo in cui i diritti continuano ad essere violati, noi vogliamo ricordare con commozione un uomo libero che ci ha insegnato a conoscere e a riconoscere i diritti dei popoli. Un uomo al cui modello di libertà dovrebbero guardare molti leader del mondo, per riportare diritti, umanità e legalità in cima alle agende degli organismi internazionali e dei governi. 

Il ricordo di Diario Italiano di Franco Frattini

THE WORLD REMEMBERS NELSON MANDELA

My best quotes of Nelson Mandela

For to be free is not merely to cast off one's chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.

There is no easy walk to freedom anywhere, and many of us will have to pass through the valley of the shadow of death again and again before we reach the mountaintop of our desires.

Money won't create success, the freedom to make it will.

Let freedom reign. The sun never set on so glorious a human achievement.

Only free men can negotiate; prisoners cannot enter into contracts. Your freedom and mine cannot be separated.

I have cherished the ideal of a democratic and free society in which all persons live together in harmony and with equal opportunities.

There is no such thing as part freedom.

The Serbian government has invited Franco Frattini, former Vice President of the European Commission and Commissioner for Justice, Freedom and Security and former Italian Foreign Minister, to help Serbia on its path to the EU. Owing to his outstanding and long experience at the highest level in European and world institutions and his credibility in the international community, Frattini will help the Serbian government in the process of European integration, especially in the negotiations on chapters 23 and 24. The Serbian government is convinced that Frattini will offer his wholehearted help and support to Serbia on its path to the EU with his suggestions and activities. Frattini has accepted the invitation of the Serbian government and he will carry out his activities free of charge and through personal contacts with First Deputy Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic, reads a statement issued by the Office of the First Deputy Prime Minister.

Belgrado, 7 ottobre 2013 – Il Governo della Repubblica di Serbia ha invitato Franco Frattini, l'ex vicepresidente della Commissione europea e commissario per la giustizia, libertà e sicurezza ed ex ministro degli Esteri dell'Italia, ad aiutare alla Serbia nel suo viaggio verso l'Unione europea. Grazie alla straordinaria e lunga esperienza al più alto livello nelle istituzioni europee e mondiali e la credibilità nella comunità internazionale, Frattini aiuterà al Governo di Serbia nel processo delle integrazioni europee, specie a proposito dei capitoli 23 e 24 dei negoziati di pre-ammissione.  Il Governo di Serbia è convinto che Frattini con le sue proposte e attività offrirà ogni sussidio e appoggio alla Serbia nel processo dell'adesione all'UE. Frattini ha accettato l'invito del Governo di Serbia e lui condurrà le sue attività senza la compensa e tramite i contatti personali con il primo vicepresidente del Governo di Serbia Aleksandar Vucic, si dice nella dichiarazione dell'Ufficio del primo vicepresidente del Governo di Serbia.

Фратини прихватио позив Владе да помогне Србији у процесу европских интеграција

Београд, 7. октобар 2013. године – Влада Републике Србије упутила је позив Франку Фратинију, бившем потпредседнику Европске комисије и комесару за правосуђе, слободу и безбедност и бившем министру спољних послова Италије, да помогне Србији на њеном путу ка Европској унији.

Захваљујући изузетном и дугогодишњем искуству на највишем нивоу у европским и светским институцијама и кредибилитету у међународној заједници, Фратини ће помоћи Влади Србије у процесу европских интеграција, посебно у вези са поглављима 23 и 24 приступних преговора. Влада Србије је уверена у то да ће Фратини својим предлозима и активностима свесрдно пружати помоћ и подршку Србији у процесу придруживања ЕУ. Фратини је прихватио позив Владе Србије, и он ће спроводити своје активности без накнаде и путем личних контаката са првим потпредседником Владе Србије Александром Вучићем, наводи се у саопштењу Кабинета првог потпредседника Владе Србије.

“In a world where security threats are transnational, the EU’s foreign policy commitments are going to be needed more than ever”

Europe's world: The Journal

Until a few years ago, the world was a very different place. Europe had for so long played a key role in most spheres, developing new foreign policy capacities and becoming a more global player economically, culturally and socially. Then the financial and economic crisis struck, forcing the EU’s member countries to reflect on the need for new priorities.

We are, of course, still embroiled in a political and economic crisis that is changing the role of Europe; but at the same time we Europeans cannot use this as a pretext for re-thinking our foreign policies, or still worse, for cutting back on our security goals and defence strategies.

In a world where security threats are transnational and where foreign policy has a direct impact on the security and prosperity of our continent, the lesson we must never forget is that the EU’s foreign policy commitments and our strategic defence planning and investment in modern capabilities today are going to be needed more than ever, for all the austerity pressures for cuts as a result of the global crisis.

Put another way, the worldwide economic crisis must not be allowed to affect the primary goal for the EU of the security of its member states and their citizens. That security is what will ensure that although Europe is changing, it will remain competitive and will continue to be reliable in terms of prospective new members, strategic partners and NATO.

NATO is the embodiment of the transatlantic partnership between Europe, the United States and Canada. It’s a partnership based on shared and enduring values of democracy, individual liberty and the rule of law. It also represents our shared interest in ensuring the defence and well-being of all our countries by projecting security and stability internationally.

That’s why defence cuts, whether unilateral or not, would undermine the security of our citizens and our privileged relation with Europe’s transatlantic partners. Europe will certainly undergo much change by 2038, but change doesn’t mean we should abandon the policy cornerstones and priorities that have served us so well in the years of Europe’s unity and strength.

Franco Frattini

President of the Italian Society for the International Organisation (SIOI) and Italian Foreign Affairs Minister (2008-11)

Franco Frattini's blog

SHIFT IN PERCEPTIONS NEEDED TO FURTHER EU-TURKEY TIES

The panel on EU-Turkey ties at the Bled Strategic Forum, dubbed "The EU and Turkey – Where do we go from Here?", saw broad-based agreement that partnership is the only option, in whatever form, since Turkey is a firm part of Europe. But in order for Turkey to actually join the EU as a full-fledged member, a change in public perceptions is needed on both sides while internal divisions in Europe need to be tackled.

Mr Murat Bilhan, Director of the Foreign Policy Platform at the Istanbul Kültür University, said the best scenario looking forward would be to turn existing relations into some sort of partnership, whereby Turkey's expectation is full membership of the EU.

"None of the partners has the luxury of denying the existence and influence of the other," he said, suggesting that the EU stood to lose more if the relationship sours. Europe cannot have a continuous anti-Turkish policy or policy of ignoring Turkish interests forever.

The representative of the Turkish government on the panel, Mr Mehmet Hasan Göğüş, Deputy Undersecretary for European Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, noted that there was frustration in Turkey over the delays in the accession process.

Public support for the EU is still over 50%, but confidence has dropped to 14%, Mr Göğüş said in view of the accession negotiations being stalled due to political, not technical objections.

President Franco Frattini, President of the Italian Society for International Organisation, noted that there were three main assumptions with which to analyse EU-Turkey relations: Turkey is already part of Europe; Europe's interest in Turkey joining the EU is just as strong as Turkey's interest; and the question of what Turkey should do to get closer to the EU and what the EU should do in practical terms.

Proposing possible solutions going forward, Pres. Frattini said Turkey should continue the implementation of reforms, which are needed for the good of the Turkish people, not for the sake of Brussels. The people should be convinced that Turkey will benefit, not that requirements are being imposed upon them.

Europe, on the other hand, should offer Turkey more solidarity, including by helping it deal with the Syrian refugee crisis, liberalising visas and convincing Cyprus that it cannot veto everything regarding Turkey.

Mr Roman Jakič, Minister of Defence of the Republic of Slovenia, agreed with Mr Frattini and pointed out that the EU cannot have double standards. "I'm not saying countries should enter the EU without fulfilling criteria, but we cannot have double criteria."

Mr Jakič, who emphasised that Slovenia was a strong advocate of accession in general and of Turkey joining in particular, noted that Turkey was being paradoxically called a bridge between East and West, but in Europe conservatives and liberals are divided exactly on that line.

Mr Gergely Prohle, Deputy State Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Hungary, who stressed Central and Eastern European member states were staunch supporters of Turkey's membership, also noted that Europe's internal divisions ought to be addressed.

He said such debates needed to take into account the domestic policies of individual member states. "We are a community of democratic states, we have to convince the people," he pointed out as he addressed the opposition to Turkey even in the face of strong arguments in favour of its EU membership.

During Bled Strategic Forum 2013 Pres. Franco Frattini met the Slovenian Minister for Foreign Affairs and the Minister for Defence

All the pictures from Bled are published on Franco'Frattini's FLICKR page (link)

Franco Frattini's interview to Adnkronos-Aki tv

Egypt: ‘Future govts must include Muslim Brotherhood despite failure of political Islam’ 

Rome, 30 July (AKI) – The Muslim Brotherhood shows that political Islam has failed, but the Islamist movement cannot be excluded from Egypt’s democratic transition, former Italian foreign minister Franco Frattini told Adnkronos International (AKI) on Tuesday. 

“Morsi represents the failure of political Islam,” Frattini told AKI, referring to Egypt’s ousted Islamist president Mohammed Morsi, who was removed by the army on 3 July after millions took part in protests against his rule. 

''But this doesn’t signify the exclusion of the Muslim Brotherhood, who must be involved in the transition to democracy,” he added. 

Hardline Islamic groups could fill a power vacuum left by the Muslim Brotherhood’s exclusion from politics, Frattini warned. 

''A country like Egypt with a population of 80 million people cannot be left in the hands of Salafite extremists, who could get the upper hand,” he said. 

Morsi rose through the ranks of Egypt's Muslim Brotherhood, an Islamist movement that was banned for decades, becoming chairman of its political wing, the Freedom and Justice Party. 

He narrowly won the presidential vote in June 2012, becoming Egypt's first democratically elected president. That election, which was generally considered free and fair, followed a turbulent period of military rule after long-time leader Hosni Mubarak was ousted in February 2011. 

Mideast: Italy has unique role to play in region and offers example of balance says ex-minister 

Rome, 30 July (AKI) – Italy plays a “unique role” in the Middle East, where it shows the same friendship to Palestinians Israelis and Turks and Egyptians alike, according to Italy’s former foreign minister Franco Frattini. 

“It is one of the very few European countries that can talk with the same degree of friendship to Palestinians, Israelis and Turks,” Frattini told Adnkronos International (AKI). 

“Italy can talk to Egyptians, but at the same time can deploy a contingent in Lebanon to guarantee that Hezbollah doesn’t engage in arms proliferation to the detriment of Israel,” he said, referring to the militant Shia group. 

“It’s a unique role,” added Frattini, who is president of The Italian Society for International Organization (SIOI), a non-profit organisation operating under the auspices of the Italian foreign ministry.

Italy plays a strategic role in the region and a leading one in the areas of health and water resources, he stressed. 

“I think that Italy offers a good example for a balanced Europe that is not just on one side.” 

Mideast: Former Italian foreign minister says information on region ‘vital’, lauds Adnkronos International news agency 

Rome, 30 July (AKI) – As Israeli and Palestinian negotiators began intensive talks in Washington on Tuesday aimed at reviving the moribund peace process, ex-Italian foreign minister Franco Frattini said information on the Middle East was vital and praised Italian news agency Adnkronos International (AKI)’s role in this regard. 

“Today the world’s destiny is being played out in the Mediterranean region,” Frattini told AKI in an interview in Rome. 

“AKI adds value and through it, cultural institutions and embassies, it is true to say Italy is the region’s natural partner, with which our Arab friends can work,” said Frattini. 

“Information is an important and delicate topic. The so-called Arab revolutions are being spawned by young, courageous bloggers including women who have denounced oppression,” Frattini stated. 

Political Islam has failed precisely because it has fallen short of the expectations of its supporters and has failed to bring about change at the speed they hoped for, Frattini argued. 

“News travels faster than policy and the bloggers who thought they had won their dignity have been disappointed by the politicians.” 

“They have taken people’s votes and gained the backing of the World Wide Web but once in power they have not wrought the rapid change that mainstream and social media demanded,” he said. 

While western countries can’t formulate a model of democracy for the Arab world, information is key to this process, according to Frattini. 

“Information is the most important means of transmission of ‘positive messages’, for example on the role of women and the integration of young people in society. Only with an incessant flow of information can cultures develop,” he concluded. 

He is president of The Italian Society for International Organization (SIOI), a non-profit organisation operating under the auspices of the Italian foreign ministry and served as foreign minister in two governments led by former premier Silvio Berlusconi. 

Tunisia: Frattini urges strong commitment to democratic transition model 

Rome, 30 July (AKI) – The international community is calling on Tunisia for a strong commitment to the transition to democracy after the slayings of two opposition leaders former Italian foreign minister Franco Frattini said on Tuesday. 

“We are urging a strong commitment and view Tunisia as a ‘positive model’ in the process, Frattini told Adnkronos International (AKI). 

“It is important that the government has called elections on 17 December,” he added. 

The outcome of the so-called Arab Spring which brought Islamist parties to power in Tunisia and Egypt had been “very disappointing”, Frattini said. 

“The only positive aspect is that dictators have fallen who traded security with the West and crushed human rights.” 

The Arab Spring, began with the Tunisian revolution that ousted longtime president Zine El Abidine Ben Ali in January 2011 and led to the overthrow of longtime rulers in Libya and Egypt the same year. 

 ''Mi riconosco pienamente nelle parole del Presidente Enrico Letta. Non dobbiamo dubitare sul fatto che gli Stati Uniti chiariranno al piu' presto il caso 'Datagate', fornendo le informazioni richieste alle istituzioni europee e alle cancellerie degli Stati membri''. 

Lo precisa, in una nota, l'ex ministro degli esteri Franco Frattini, sottolineando che ''non si dovrebbe fare nessuna retorica su un caso cosi' delicato. Soprattutto, la fiducia verso gli Stati Uniti d'America ed il Presidente Barack Obama non puo' assolutamente essere messa in discussione'', aggiunge Frattini.