MEDIA
RELEASE PLATFORM
FOR DEMOCRATIC GOVERNANCE IN THE ISLAMIC WORLD HIGHLIGHTS VALUES
OF TOLERANCE, JUSTICE AND PARTICIPATION "Principles of Islamic culture and values include tolerance, justice and participation, together with peace," the platform states. These principles provide the basis for democratic governance and a more peaceful and prosperous world." The delegates met in Istanbul April 12-14 to discuss their personal experiences with democratic governance, highlight progress made in many predominately Muslim countries, and address challenges that face the movement toward democratic reform. The gathering was conceived nearly two years ago by a group of leading democratic reformers from predominately Muslim nations, with principal support from the United Nations Development Programme, the National Democratic Institute and the Turkish Democracy Foundation. "We believe that all nations and all individuals who follow the principles of this Platform will contribute to human dignity, social cohesion, economic prosperity, and security while promoting understanding and peace between all peoples," the platform concludes. "We commit ourselves to give concrete expression to these principles through follow-up initiatives and a network of democrats from the Islamic world." The full text of the Platform follows this release. |
CONGRESS IN THE NEWS Press Release: 4-13-04(pdf) Zaman
Daily Newspaper, Turkey
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