EUROPEAN UNION REPORT CONSIDERS SYRIA AS REFORM AND DEMOCRATIC ORIENTED COUNTRY

On 9 May 2011, Professor Anton Caragea , President of European Council on International Relations has presented a comprehensive report on Anti-Syria revolution. The truth behind the lies.

The report had stressed the fact that in Syria there is now revolution in making ,but a classical coup d`etat ,supported by old colonialist powers. ″ Syria is the least possible target for a so called revolution. In front of the country is a leader of undoubtedly huge popularity: Bashar Al Assad. Young, western educated, modernist, reform minded- his rule of just 11 years is miles away from the decrepit autocracy of Hosni Mubarak or Zine El Abidine Ben Ali.

Bashar Al Assad is having a clear track of successes: opening Syrian society, release of all political prisoners, fighting corruption, opening internet, accepting a western style society and creating a huge social and political base for his government ″ appreciates Professor Anton Caragea .

The reports emphasize the fact that Syria is a viable democracy an open society, in full process of reforms and modernization on all sectors of life, and the main target is just the independent foreign policy that the country is pursuing .  The main vectors for this attack on Syria are according to professor Caragea evaluation : ″the Syrian-Iran alliance it is targeted here. Iran was not attacked yet, because of just one reason: an attack on Iran, will instantly inflame the Middle East ,with Syria supporting Iran and Hezbollah in attacking Israel.

Now, taking Syria out of the equation, will mean the dissolution of Hezbollah, the dismantle of Lebanon and the end of any retaliation possibility for Iran.

The destruction of Iran alliances it is not the only thing at stake in the aggression on Syria.

In the last years Turkey had becoming a worrisome partner for West and Ankara`s  main partner in a new policy toward Arab states and Islamic community is Syria. With Syria, Turkey resolved border issues pending from more than 80 year ago, opened frontiers, resolved the disputes on Euphrates water and opened markets.

This was a success story of unmatched efficiency and now, if Syria collapsed , Turkey new policy will also collapsed and in the Arab world eyes will be just another partner of western aggression and the dream of a Turkey-Arab alliance will be shattered″ .

In this climate of conspiracy and pressure by dint of media manipulation and terrorist attacks the foreign power realized that :″ being impossible to create a revolution inside, Syria was targeted by a media war off unthinkable intensity. Photos and videos from Bahrain where presented on Al Jazeera and western stations as BBC and CNN as images from Homs or other Syrian cities , protest in Alexandria , with Egyptian flags, where portrayed as demonstrators in Latakia and the list could go on indefinitely  .

While in Syria there was no protests, groups of armed gangs where crossed from southern Syria and sent to kill civilians in Deraa, Homs, Hama , Latakia hoping to provoke a civilian reactions against so called army and police atrocities . This had failed one more time, as in Syria everybody knows that the army  will never fire on  protestors or civilians. The high regards that army is having in popular minds blocked this new attempt of spreading chaos″ .

In front of all this failed plots and attack the report of professor Anton Caragea is ending in a brighter light :  ″ people of Syria will always stead fast on their dedication to build an independent and free country by dint of honesty and refusal of compromise .

Syria will always prevail″concluded professor Anton Caragea

HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL DECIDES TO ENDORSE SYRIAN GOVERNMENT . VICTORY FOR SYRIA

On 29 of April 2011 a special session of the Human Rights Council was convened at United States pressure to discuss a so called emergency situation in Syria.  Despite the organizer`s intention the séance has transformed in a strong show of world diplomatic community support for Syria.

Professor Anton Caragea, President of European Council on International Relations stated in a declaration issued prior to debates that: This discussion will forge the future of the United Nations Human Rights Council  for years to come, as tomorrow UNHRC must prove that is an independent body in the service of humanity, of peace and of human rights and not in the service of some western countries interests.

UNHRC must prove that is belonging to the world and not to some nations, is in the service of truth and not of warmongering. Syrian Arab Republic it today under an unfounded and bias media attack sustained by forgeries, manufactured evidence of so called human rights abuses and pure lies.

Today Syria is protecting his citizens with legal and lawful intervention of Syrian security forces against terrorist attacks in order to protect the life and property of Syrian people. Syrian security forces had only done their duty with honor and professionalism repealing the aggression and invaders from Syrian territory.

We must state clear that in Syria there is no revolution, in Syria a democratic reform process organized by President Bashar Al Assad is giving to every person the right to freedom of expression and human rights and dignity are provided for making useless any revolution.

On 29 of April 2011 will be under question the fundamental values that human rights are speaking for: freedom, independence, national unity and non-interference in internal affairs. If this principles will be forgotten not only Syria`s security will be under question but any other state existence will be subject to debate.

FAYSAL KHABBAS HAMOUI (Syrian Arab Republic), speaking as a concerned country, said it was astonished at the convening of the Special Session and the use of artificial motives, including the pretext of humanitarian intervention, to take the world back to the era of colonization. The States that had convened this Special Session should respect dialogue to guarantee human rights and not intervene in internal affairs to overthrow a government.

Syria’s Ambassador to the UN in Geneva Dr. Fayssal al-Hamwi

OSITADINMA ANAEDU (Nigeria), speaking on behalf of the African Group, said that the African Group recognized the importance of the Council being cautious and never setting a precedent that would destabilize Member States of the United Nations. The African Group said that in accordance with the provisions of General Assembly Resolution 60/251, all initiatives in the Human Rights Council should be universal, impartial, objective and non-selective.

Numerous speakers said that the convening of this Special Session violated the principles of impartiality and non-selectivity on which the Human Rights Council was based and showed the prevalence of a double standard in the Council. Many States also expressed the belief that the Special Session represented an attempt by some States to interfere in the internal affairs of another UN Member State on humanitarian grounds, and the Council should not be used for such purposes. Many speakers noted that Syria had begun to address some of the demands raised by protesters including the rescinding of the state of emergency, the abolition of the high security court, and a law promulgating the right to freedom of peaceful assembly, and that the Council should engage in constructive dialogue with Syria in order to continue these reforms and promote and protect human rights in the country.

Finally exceeded by the strong show of support for Syrian Government the organizers have to settle to send a find finding mission to investigate further and no condemnation was issued.

Syria obtained an important diplomatic victory showing that despite United States maneuvers , Syria had only succeeded in strengthening his position on world stage.

EUROPEAN UNION STATEMENTS ON SOUTH SUDAN INDEPENDENCE

Catherine Ashton -High Representative for Foreign Policy and Security of European Union

“This is a historic moment for Sudan. The European Union (EU) commends the people of Southern Sudan and the Sudanese parties to the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) on the peaceful and credible conduct of the Referendum on self-determination for Southern Sudan.

Despite many obstacles, the Sudanese Referendum authorities were able to organise a referendum in a timely and credible manner as witnessed by the EU Electoral Observation Mission. An overwhelming majority of registered voters participated and resoundingly expressed their determination to establish an independent state.

The EU fully respects the outcome of the Referendum as a true reflection of the democratically expressed wishes of the people of Southern Sudan. The EU looks forward to further developing a close and long-term partnership with Southern Sudan which is set to become a new state once the CPA expires in July 2011.

The EU welcomes the commitment of the Government of Sudan to respect the outcome of the Referendum.

In the coming months, the EU will continue to support the efforts of the parties to reach agreement on all outstanding CPA issues and the key post-referendum arrangements that will sustain the North-South relationship in the long term.

The EU remains committed to engage both North and South Sudan in the promotion of democratic governance, respect for human rights and a peaceful and prosperous future for all Sudanese people. In this context, the EU will step up its dialogue with both North and South and is ready to play its part in underpinning the development of two viable states.”

Professor Anton Caragea- PRESIDENT OF EUROPEAN COUNCIL ON INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

I  have received with enormous interest the official results regarding South Sudan Referendum on Self Determination . The people of South Sudan have spoken and have spoken with clarity on their desire to achieve independence. I congratulated the people and government of South Sudan on this historical result and I express my sincere appreciation on the peaceful and honorable way in which the referendum was organized and hosted. I also congratulate the President of Sudan H.E. Omar Al Bashir for the immediate and unconditional recognition of the South Sudan Referendum results.

I call upon all parties to manage a peaceful transition and to negotiate a comprehensible and honest agreement in order to build as President Omar Al Bashir underlined a brotherly relation between the two countries.

I also expressed to President of Southern Sudan H.E Salva Kiir Mayardit, upon his request, the openness of  European Council on International Relations to support the South Sudan efforts   on the path of independence and on building an open and free society, a democratic model for countries of Africa.

I also express our shared vision with High Representative for Foreign Policy and Security of European Union Catherine Ashton as it was laid out in the 7 of February European Union Communiqué that underlined the fact that : EU remains committed to engage both North and South Sudan in the promotion of democratic governance, respect for human rights and a peaceful and prosperous future for all Sudanese people. In this context, the EU will step up its dialogue with both North and South and is ready to play its part in underpinning the development of two viable states.

EUROPEAN UNION DELEGATION IN TURKMENISTAN

European Union delegation visit in Turkmenistan .

Between 10 and 15 of December 2010 a European Union delegation from the European Council on International Relations was paying an official visit in the Republic of Turkmenistan at the invitation of Turkmenistan President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov.

The European Union attended the International Congress marking the 15-th anniversary of proclamation of Turkmenistan neutrality. On this occasion professor Dr. Anton Caragea, President of European Council on International Relations  and his delegation where received by Turkmenistan President that emphasized his desire for a closer relationship with European Union  . During the talks was re-issued the invitation for Turkmen President to pay an official to European Council on International Relations in 2011. The President of Turkmenistan accepted greatfully the invitation

Also on the side lines of the Conference prof.Dr.Anton Caragea, President of European Council on International Relations has discussions with Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkey ,Ahmed Davutoglu  , Sergei Lebedev , Executive Chairman of Community of Independent States , Elmar Mamedyarov, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan , Vladimir Norov , Minister of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan and other personalities from Republic of Moldova , Belarus , OSCE, ECO and CIS etc.  On this occasion the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan addressed an official invitation for Professor Anton Caragea, President of European Council on International Relations to carry an official visit in Uzbekistan in 2011.

Professor Anton Caragea , President of European Council on International Relations and President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov of Turkmenistan

The European Union delegation was received by Turkmen Parliament Presidency and hold talks at Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Economy of Turkmenistan. The parties had agreed on intensifying the bilateral relation, the political relation being considered as excellent and was emphasized the need to foster economical cooperation dimension on bilateral relations. Also was decided to make efforts in balancing the economical trade deficit between European Union  and Turkmenistan by increasing imports of European Unions  goods by Turkmenistan. Also the parties had agreed to support the opening of Turkmenistan presentation stores in Paris , Berlin and Bucharest in 2011.

The European Union delegation also visited important cultural and economical institution from Turkmenistan as: Turkmen Academy, Ashgabat University, Archeological excavation site of Nyssa, Carpet National Museum, National Museum of History, and energy sector of Turkmenistan. On this occasion the Turkmen National Television filmed and broadcasted a documentary about the international activity of Professor Anton Caragea, President of European Council on International Relations and the significance of his visit in Turkmenistan.

The visit of European Union delegation in Turkmenistan was a resounding diplomatic success in fostering bilateral relations and in increasing the quality of European Union -Turkmenistan relationship bringing a plus of visibility and prestige to European Union diplomatic activity in Central Asia region.

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES EXHIBITION CONQUERS EUROPE

Wednesday 16 June was celebrated at EXOTIQUE art gallery the Grand Opening of Art Exhibition: ORIENT COMES TO ROMANIA and as we can without a doubt say: Romania was falling in love with the Orient. The proofs are countless : over 250 participant at the Grand Gala , over 22 diplomatic mission`s participating and at the place of honor the ambassadors of Qatar, Japan, Palestine , Tunisia, Macedonia, Algeria etc. and the special appearance of His Royal Highness Quinn Anne of Romania.

His Royal Majesty Quinn Anne of Romania

The opening speech of the art exhibition was that of President Emil Constantinescu who appreciated the efforts of Mrs. Pusa Hack the owner of Exotique brand to bring this art show in Romania and to offer to the event an original oriental flavor. I was traveling the Orient as President and in this exhibition I can guarantee you that I can find all the charm, the wealth and the glamour of the Orient said the former President.

President Emil Constantinescu ( 1996-2000 ) speeking at the Opening Ceremony

Mrs. Pusa Hack, the owner of Exotique brand has emphasized the fact that for here the Orient is not a recent discovery but a life time experience and passion and a continuous pleasure. Everything that is in this art gallery and in my Exotique stores and implicit this exhibition is the result of long searches in the most hidden places, in the forgotten towns and art craft centers in a continuous search for beauty. I want Romania to love Orient as I love him and to look them from my point of view, concluded Mrs. Pusa Hack.

Mrs. Pusa Hack the Exotique Brand Owner speeking at the Opening Ceremony

His Excellency Ambassador Yacoub Yousef al Hosani from United Arab Emirates, country that generously offered his high patronage to the Oriental Art Exhibition stated that: I wish that United Arab Emirates will be better known and understood in Romania with their tradition, with the feeling of openness and generosity and the joy of sharing everything with friends feeling that is part of the United Arab Emirates way of life. For this we share everything today: knowledge, art, beauty with our Romanian friends today, we want to be known better and this exhibition is realizing exact that: Is building bridges of friendship between United Arab Emirates and Romania.

His Excellency  Ambassador Yacoub Yousif Al Hosani from United Arab Emirates opening remarks at the Grand Opening

 The Romanian Member of Parliament Catalin Nechifor has addressed the Parliament congratulatory message for this: exceptional cultural activities that are making our country a center of culture and originality.

Catalin Nechifor , Member of Romanian Parliament adressing the congratulation message of the Parliament. 

Professor Anton Caragea, director of Institute of International Relations and Economic Cooperation, co-organizer of the exhibition declared that is a moment of national pride for Romania to be able to host and organize an event of such magnitude and glamour that underlines the importance of Romania in the world.

Professor Anton Caragea , director of IRICE adressing the opening speech.

The exhibition tour had lasted two hours, time for visitors to receive the story and the information’s regarding the treasures of the art exhibition from the two of most qualified guide’s: His Excellency Ambassador Yacoub Yousif Al Hosani and Mrs. Pusa Hack. The two encouraged the visitors to travel from United Arab Emirates to India and Indonesia, a world of mystery and charm. Finally the visitors could also taste the magic of the Oriental cuisine in an exquisite food show offered by the Embassy of United Arab Emirates. The exhibition has ended in a festive atmosphere  when EXOTIQUE brand has received a new recognition of his cultural efforts being selected for the high honor of being the official partner for diplomatic activity organized by Institute of International Relations and Economic Cooperation and His Excellency Ambassador of United Arab Emirates,  Yacoub Yousif Al Hosani was publicly awarded for his sustained efforts in developing cultural, economic and political ties between Romania and United Arab Emirates with the ROMANIA MEDAL OF HONOR as a public demonstration of the importance that United Arab Emirates is holding in Romanian public life.

The Art Exhibition ORIENT COMES TO ROMANIA will remain open to the public interested in the values and culture of the Orient until 21 of June being considered in unanimity as the most important cultural and diplomatic event in 2010 so far.       

Among the high personalities present where:

His Excellency Ambassador of State of Qatar , Salem Al Jaber 

His Excellency Ambassador of Japan , Natsuo Amemiya

His Excellency  Ambassador of Palestine Ahmed Aqel

His Excellency Ambassador of Tunisia Mrs. Saloua BAHRI

His Excellency Ambassador of Algeria , Habib Chawki Hamraoui

Mrs. Pusa Hack , President Emil Constantinescu , H.E. Ambassador Yacub Yousif Al Hosani, Professor Anton Caragea

EUROPEAN COUNCIL ON INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS SUPPORT BUCHAREST CONFERENCE ON OSCE 2010

Bucharest host the Conference : OSCE 2010. A decisive year for Europe. Kazakhstan Presidency.

On 24 February 2010 Bucharest will host the Conference : Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe in 2010. A decisive year for Europe. Kazakhstan Presidency, the conference is supported by European Council on International Relations as a moment to mark Kazakhstan Republic assumption to OSCE Chairmanship . Professor Anton Caragea , the President of European Council on International Relations will also attend the Conference on OSCE meeting and will have a welcoming speech. 

The Conference is organized by the Diplomatic Mission of Republic of Kazakhstan in Romania and the Institute of International Relations and Economic cooperation in order to mark the assumption to OSCE Chairmanship by the Republic of Kazakhstan . The Republic of Kazakhstan has proposed an ambitious project to reform the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe under the for T banner: Trust, tradition, Transparency and Tolerance.

The well constructed plan to reform OSCE and the present day situation of the organization perceived in an European and Romanian perspective will be the main objectives on the conference agenda.  Bucharest Conference will have video message from Kazakhstan Republic President H.E. Nursultan Nazarbaev , Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan and Office Chairman of OSCE ,H.E. Kanat Saudabayev . Will debate the important theme`s on the agenda H.E. Emil Constantinescu President of Romania (1996 -2000 ) , H.E. Ion Iliescu, President of Romania ( 1990-1996;2000-2004 ) , Mr. Ioan Cezar Coraci , president of UGIR-1903 , Mr. Nechifor Catalin Ioan , parliamentary , vice-president of Romanian- Kazakhstan Parliamentary Friendship Group. Also the participants will be welcomed by the speeches of H.E. Kairat Aman- Diplomatic Mission of Kazakhstan Chief and Professor dr. Anton Caragea- director of Institute of International Relations and Economic Cooperation.

The Conference on OSCE 2010. A decisive year for Europe , is one of the events that demonstrate that Romanian contribution to world debates and European policy creation is still appreciated and also the conference marks the profound cooperation between Romania and Kazakhstan in tackling the new European security architecture

EUROPEAN COUNCIL ON INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS INVITED AT UNITED ARAB EMIRATES INDEPENDENCE CELEBRATION

EUROPEAN COUNCIL ON INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS INVITED AT UNITED ARAB EMIRATES  INDEPENDENCE CELEBRATION

Between 19 to 24 November 2009 Professor Anton Caragea, president of European Council on International Relations (EUCIR)  was invited to participate at the 38 Celebration of National Day of United Arab Emirates. This was the first participation from European Council on International relations to the National celebration of United Arab Emirates.

The invitation was issued by the National Media Council of United Arab Emirates and was destined to support an increase in bilateral relations and mutual knowledge. The program for the visit was very dense and full with high level meeting destined to offer to participants a deep knowledge of the United Arab Emirates prominent place in today`s world. The delegation has meet with His Highness Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President of UAE, Prime-minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai, H.E. Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan – Minister for Higher Education and Scientific Research, H.E. Dr. Anwar Gargash, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, H.E. Sheikh Lubna Al Qasimi, Minister for Foreign Trade, Sultan Al Jaber CEO- Masdar etc.  Also the delegation received a complimentary tour of the most successful projects of United Arab Emirates as Yas Island- the place for a real estate revolution and Saadiyat Island, a project of the most complex cultural and green city in the region. Without a doubt  the most important moment of the visit was the reception hosted by His Highness Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President of UAE, Prime-minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai   that expressed his willingness to make all the necessary efforts to assure the brightest future to united Arab Emirates, to increase economic capacity of the country and to foster relations with all the of European Union and with a special emphasis on European markets as a hub for United Arab Emirates products and technologies invested in Europe. The participation of  professor Anton Caragea as representative of European Council on International Relations at this important anniversary of 38 years of independence of United Arab Emirates was in itself a symbol of the willingness from both side to create what Professor Anton Caragea, EUCIR president  declared a strategic partnership between European Union and United Arab Emirates.

 

 European Council on International Relations delegation in audience with His Highness Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President of UAE, Prime-minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai

 

His Highness Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President of UAE, Prime-minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai

 

Professor Anton Caragea along side Mr. Saoud Al Harthy, director Government Communication, receives explanation about Saadiyat Island Project –  a Cultural Vision

 

Professor Anton Caragea , Director IRICE- Romania and H.E. Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan – Minister for Higher Education and Scientific Research-UAE

 

Professor Anton Caragea speeking about investment opportunities in European Union and political environment

PRESS RELEACE- EUROPEAN COUNCIL ON INTERNATIONAL RELATION

PRESS RELEACE.

Between 15-16 august 2009 in Viena was held the first meeting of EUROPEAN COUNCIL ON INTERNATIONAL RELATION ( EUCIR) the leading EU think tank.

The meeting was concentrating in shaping the future of the organisation for the next year 2009/2010 and to establish the main goal of the organisation. Professor Anton Caragea has read the manifest of EUROPEAN COUNCIL ON INTERNATIONAL RELATION : RISE UP EUROPE, a call for an independent European diplomacy and voice.

In his speech professor Anton Caragea has drow attention on the fact that : From the end of the Second World War Europe had suffered the cold war, the iron curtain and military occupations. This historical conjecture made it impossible for Europe to assert his unity as a continent, connected by history, culture, economic and culture legacy. The end of the Cold War change all this and Europe is enjoying one more time the chance of creating a common house for all his people. This opportunity must not be missed and EUCIR is promoting first and foremost the opportunity of creating a Europe, united by his legacy and history and not divided. Also EUCIR is the house for all does who think that Europe voice was silent for too many years on international arena. For too much the Europe position was not heard on key issues on international arena and humanity agenda. We at EUCIR believe that Europe is having the chance of asserting his voice, the power to claiming a new world direction, the economic resources to create the force in the world for a new tip of policy and the diplomatic and intellectual resources for a new world construction with equal opportunity for all, equilibrium of power and respect for United Nations. We at EUCIR we believe that Europe could be a force for good in the world , a force for promoting democracy , social responsible free economy and to create a climate of international détente and cooperation necessary to tackle the important humanity issues. We at EUCIR believe in an independent European voice of all nation that with a historical legacy and cultural connection build in the last two century could create new relation`s with all the major geopolitical areas of the world.

The meeting has concluded with the election of a new Board of EUROPEAN COUNCIL ON INTERNATIONAL RELATION .

http://www.eucir.com

THE SYRIAN REVELATION by Vlad Hogea, vicepresident of Conservative Party

THE   SYRIAN   REVELATION

I spent a week in Syria, with a media delegation chaired by Professor Anton Caragea, director at the European Council on International Relation .

I knew some things about that part of the Levant especially that the Romanian-Syrian links have been extremely tight over the last 40 years: do not forget that 35.000 Syrians (3 of them – are being ministers in office in the Damascus Government along with many other officials!) studied at the universities in our country. Some of them got married with Romanian women and formed mixed families. Thousands of companies in Romania are owned by Syrian citizens. The Romanians built refineries and other important landmarks in Syria.  So we have in common things linked to our recent past, to continuous present and consequently there are the premises for a good cooperation in the future.
 I set out this journey hopping that Syria is a country to be discovered and I came back with the satisfaction of a true revelation. None of the stereotypes promoted by some journalists having the wrong information or bad intentions is valid. On the contrary, I have gladly traveled across a wonderful country from all the points of view. Syria has a long and glorious history (don’t forget that Damascus is the oldest capital in the world, and it remained like this until these very days) but it is also opened to the new and to the modern civilization (this is to be seen even in its infrastructure) in the context of political stability honorably represented by the President Bashar al Asad (the son and the spiritual heir of Hafes al Asad), the BAAS party and the National Progressive Front.
I saw the place where Saul of Tarsus got the message from God on the road to Damascus and became a Christian, being later known as Saint Paul. I entered the Umayyad Mosque (where lies the head of Saint John the Baptist also honored by the Islamic religion). I touched the Tomb of Saladin (the famous conqueror of Jerusalem and unifier of the Arabic tribes), but we didn’t miss the monasteries built to honor Saint Takla and Saint Serge and Bacchus (no connection with the god of wine). I visited the Azem palace, the Alep and Crac de Chevaliers fortress, the ancient vestiges from Ugarit, the magnificent area of Latakia, the Roman Amphitheatre from Bosra (much better preserved than the Colosseum in Rome) – the city where Mohammad met a Christian monk who told him that he would be the great prophet of a new religion. I went to Golan Heights, at Quneitra, the city completely destroyed (according to the conclusions of the international commission) by the Israeli troops in 1973 between the moment of signing the armistice and that of the partial retreat. Of course the official meetings at the ministerial and political level offered us the privilege to find out many interesting things about today’s realities and about Syria’s role as “part of the solution not of the problem in the region” (as stated by the president of the country).
We were welcomed and well treated everywhere. It’s a real friendship widely expressed by the Syrians. A friendship built and consolidated during decades of mutual trust, a friendship that nobody has the right to ignore or to denigrate.

Honduras coup d’état: will Latin America return to era of military dictatorship? By Professor Anton Caragea

Honduras coup d’état: will Latin America return to era of military dictatorship? By Professor Anton Caragea 

                                                           

At the early hours of 28 of June 300 military enter the Honduras Presidential Palace, disarmed the Presidential Guard and arrest the President Manuel Zelaya. The President was quickly exiled to Costa Rica while the landlords Parliaments appointed a poppet president    , one of the richest men in the country.  The first word of the deposed President: this is a coup d’état not only against Honduras but the world? Is he right?

Why was ousted Manuel Zelaya?

In only 3 years after winning the presidential poll in 2006 Manuel Zelaya has being the champion of three major reforms in his country that made him powerful enemies. The first of his planned reforms is a land reform, necessary in a country where 7.000 people (around 0, 1 percent of country population) are owners of 80% percent of the land. The social problem in Honduras is dramatically, with 50% percent of the population below poverty line and unemployment of more than 1, 7 million people the situation is critical. The land reform program was destined to increase little farm, to support city poor from slams to engage in agriculture or alternative economic sectors. But the land owners fight with ferocity to blocked this initiative of President Zelaya as they opposed social program for building roads, sanitation and social houses in the poorest area of the country as they claimed this project where economic unrealistically.

Second project of Zelaya was the constitutional reform needed in a country with social problems, economical unfair system and under an oligarchy rule for more than 50 years. Let’s not forget that the current Constitution was forged under the watchful eye of the military dictatorship and was a condition of the military leaders to restore civilian rule after 20 years of military rule. Zelaya had tried to transform his country in a participative democracy with popular referendum, local’s consultation, extended presidential term and social and economic support for the poor. These changes in the constitution will empower president to make economical reform to improve the living standards of life in the poor stricken country.   The Honduras elite quickly turn into a trans-party alliance of the rich and started to plot the unseat of the president. The decisive moment was the announcement of a non-binding referendum that will prove to the world the Honduras people will for change and constitutional reform. As poll suggested that the referendum will give a more than 70% percent backing to the presidential plan  the opposition launch the coup d’état at the first day of the referendum and burn the ballot boxes.

The third project that created distrust in the President was the moral project, a campaign destined to disclose high pay for the official, to launch corruption enquiry in high state official fortune. This measure cost the president the support of his own Liberal Party made of influential characters many with strong economic ties, the board of the party decided that Zelaya is a loose cannon and a danger to his own party and redrew support for his projects.

The coup will decide Latin America future.

If the coup d’état will work this will be a signal for Latin America that the old days of military dictatorship are back. Already there are frictions between the army and the head of state in Ecuador, Bolivia and Argentina. Bolivian president Evo Morales just survive an attempt to his life mounted by extreme right in Bolivia and a military plot was uncover in 2008. Venezuela’s Hugo Chavez was already a victim of a coup d’état attempt in April 2002 and Rafael Correa of Ecuador was also under threat of military intervention. If Honduras attempt will be a successful one will launch a string of military intervention across Latin America destabilizing the region. Already the European Union expressed a strong support for President Zelaya and Organization of American States expressed recognition for Zelaya as the sole president of Honduras. Strangely enough the US reaction was equivocal voicing only concern for Constitutional rule, an expression that the coup leaders will take as a support of the Constitution and Zelaya`s supporters also as a support of their call for democracy.  In the light of this feeble response questions are poring: was possible that the Honduras military, a long time allied of US to mount a coup d’état without Washington knowledge or consent? Was possible that leaders of the opposition with CIA connection did not ask for support and council for the CIA head quarter before moving to oust the president?  Only the future statements from the White House and a clear and sever condemnation of the coup leaders will fade away this worries.

Will Latin America intervene?

The Honduras coup d’état is a threat to the stability in Latin America announced Hugo Chavez in Managua together with his Nicaragua, Ecuador  and Bolivia counterparts , also this was expressed by European Union representatives voicing support for the people of Honduras who rise against the military took over the country. Now the major issue is, will be Latin America strong enough and united enough to topple the military regime in Honduras? On this question the future of the region hang in balance.