[12/January/2004] SANA'A, Jan 12 (Saba)- Foreign minister Abu Bakr al-Qirbi said that all participants in the conference considered it as an initial step towards building democracy in the region.

He said in a news conference that Sana'a regional conference on democracy, human rights, and the role of the International Criminal Court has gained its importance from the high level of participation as 52 countries took part in the conference.

He said all participants agreed on Sana'a declaration, calling for more chances for dialogue with each other.

The foreign minister pointed out that the conference would lead to strengthening the concepts of democracy and freedom as well as
human rights in Arab states.

For her part, founder of the Italian 'No Peace Without Justice' organization Emma Bonino pointed out that the outcomes of the conference would bolster the role of NGO's to practice democracy and openly deal with issues
related to human rights.

She said that the conference came out with commitment of all participating countries to approve the International Criminal Court.

AH/NS




SABA