The recent Conference of the Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats made the following recommendations

To promote Regional Economic Cooperation and Global Free Trade

1.       By advocating the development of trade between nations instead of increasing development aid to address the rising poverty which continues to hound the world today. Trade is not a zero sum-game but a mechanism through which all can benefit. However, it should be recognized that fairness should also be prioritized, and efforts should be made to encourage openness also in areas in which poorer countries have resources – viz, labour markets should also be opened up, in parallel with markets for goods and capital.

2.       By supporting the revival and strengthening of the World Trade Organization. The failure of recent discussions should however be examined in terms of the concerns expressed, to ensure negotiations that might renew the principles of the Doha round. We note that multilateral trading arrangements are superior to bilateral arrangements particular for developing countries. But negotiation should focus in particular on the development of acceptable rules which promote market access, since this would help weaker economies.

For their part, WTO-member countries should learn to use the advantages that the multilateral trading system provides in order to ensure that their populations also receive these benefits. Governments must play the important role of providing a conducive business environment so that SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises) can grow. And at the same time, government should encourage private sector innovation and development.

3.       By communicating to the broader public the benefits of the multilateral trading arrangement and the benefits that WTO-member countries have derived from it, in an effort to counteract the organised voice of the anti-globalisation movement.

4.       Moreover, by asking democratic governments not to trade with undemocratic ones. Trade should could with political openness and democratic accountability.

To develop co-operation between Asia and Europe, in particular in the light of the forthcoming CALD-ELDR meeting scheduled for November 2004

1.       By stressing that this should not be just economic cooperation, which involves trade and investment as well as aid, but also cooperation to promote human rights and democracy. Commitment to principles is important on both sides, and in this regard the activism of the European Parliament was welcomed. This should be encouraged so that both the European Commission and European National Governments advocate basic principles in their dealings with Asian countries

2.       By strengthening cultural and intellectual exchanges, particularly people exchanges in order to promote mutual understanding

To strengthen both Security and Civil Liberties, in responding to the Terrorist Threat

1.       By urging a multi-dimensional, multilateral and multi-agency approach to address terrorism, given the complexity of the related problems. It should be noted that home-grown political, economic and social concerns have to be addressed, and blanket condemnation of peoples and movements should be avoided, even while terrorist activity must be forcefully condemned and prevented. Particular notice should be taken of the fundamental grievances that underlie armed Muslim rebellion in various parts of the world, and these should be addressed.

2.       By advocating clear identification of terrorist groups through an international process as opposed to one that is simply imposed on the international community. This will help to link individual country efforts and promote concerted regional efforts in these areas. Widely acceptable policies that address the rising proliferation of arms and weapons of mass destruction should also be developed.

3.       By ensuring that civil liberties are not undermined by policies that use the guise of security measures to facilitate authoritarian tendencies.

To recognize the importance of Minority Rights and Autonomy in specified areas whilst responding to Separatist Threats

1.       By promoting acceptance of the principle that the liberal framework of primordial respect for human rights best addresses the interests of minorities the world over.

2.       By recognising that local autonomy, though one way of addressing the needs of minorities, is not necessarily the best option.

3.       By urging mutual respect and ownership of the process of negotiations as important elements in talks amongst dissenting groups in nations.

To deal with Challenges and Threats to Democracy

1.       By understanding the special challenges and threats to democracy in the post-911 and increasingly globalising world. It should be noted however that there is no alternative to democracy, and therefore adherents of democracy in Asia must remain steadfast in their pursuit of the liberal and democratic ideals of human rights, the rule of law and the free market economy.

Prepared by Raul L. Cordenillo

CALD Programme Officer