This document was introduced as the first of its kind in the Arab world containing a formal pledge of political parties to their constituencies and governments to uphold and safeguard democracy whether in power or in opposition. Putting this document into perspective, Hafez Abu Saada, Secretary General of the Egyptian Organization for Human Rights (EOHR) and partner of FNF said: "We need to have mechanisms that prevent fundamentalists from abolishing freedom and democracy when they come to power."

The conference participants also engaged in discussions regarding their role in pushing the political reform process. While governments and opposition groups broadly agree that political reforms are due, their positions regarding the scope and the quality of such changes differ. According to Muhamad Shtat, the legal consultant of the Egyptian Ministry of Solidarity, a lack of confidence between the government and civil society exists. Therefore, he said, confidence building was essential. He added that his government would "use the recommendations of the conference as guidelines."

On the sidelines of the conference, the book "Guidelines for the Right of Association and Assembly in the Arab World" was presented to the public. The 320 pages volume examines the existing laws for political parties, NGOs and labour unions in Egypt, Palestine, Jordan, Lebanon and Syria. It contains policy papers that summarize intensive debates in focus groups and other meetings pertaining to the state of and the prospects for freedom of association in the Arab world.

"This volume fills a void in the literature about this important topic", said Dr. Ronald Meinardus, Regional Director of FNF. We hope, he continued, that this book may become "a useful tool to promote political dialogue and foster liberal solutions."