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"We are trying to Egyptianize the liberal Discourse," says Foundation’s Regional Director in Newspaper Interview

In an interview in the Egyptian Economic Daily El Mal published on February 16, 2009, Friedrich Naumann Foundation’s Regional Director Dr. Ronald Meinardus clarified a range of issues reaching from the Foundation’s relationship with specific political parties in Egypt, the prospects of liberalism in this country and the perspective of reforms.

Asked whether the Foundation funds activities of specific political parties, Dr. Meinardus reiterated the clear position that this is not the case as the Foundation in all cases respects the laws of the host nation and abides by the strict German regulations which prohibit financing of political parties. However, he added that the Foundation as an institute of liberal political education and training sponsors numerous programs of Egyptian civil society organizations which specifically target liberal individuals and also members of liberal political parties.


Almal journalist interviewing FNF-Regional Director Dr. Ronald Meinardus

As a liberal political Foundation with projects in 60 countries of the world and close relations to major international liberal organizations, FNF is supportive of the efforts of liberal Egyptian forces to strengthen their bonds with the global and European bodies.

Dr. Meinardus also talked about FNF’s efforts to promote liberal discourse in Egypt by "Egyptianizing" the liberal concepts. The Foundation has started a series of Arabic publications authored by liberal intellectuals and activists in an effort to popularize liberal ideas in the local society.

Read the full text of the interview in El Mal newspaper
 
Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Liberty in Egypt : www.fnst-egypt.org