The Prospect of Gandhi in Middle East (Fri, 19 Oct 07, 18.00) EP 1C47
“Violence” and “Middle East” belong together – that is the general perception. The few attempts for nonviolent civil-society based activities stay marginal. Due to raising consciousness of innovative people on the ground and funding of the EU, the Heinrich Böll Foundation and other concerned foundations changed a little bit the setting. In 1998 the NGO “Holy Land Trust” was founded: to promote nonviolence as a means to end the occupation, to plant the seeds for a future democratic Palestinian state and support this internationally – all based on the principle “recognition of the equal right of the other to exist”. Destiny (more preciseley: the EUVP visitors programme) brought Sami Awad, the Founding Director of this NGO, for bi-lateral talks in the Commisson, Council and EP to Brussels.

Therefore we have invited him for an informal meeting:

Friday, 19 October 2007, 18.00-20.00
Sami Awad (Director Holy Land Trust)
“The Prospect of Gandhi in Middle East”
EP, Batiment Spaak, 1st floor, PHS 1C47

To facilitate the organisation, please confirm your participation via email fschwalbahoth@yahoo.de.

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European Parliament, ASP 1 G2

China’s rapid economic growth since the end of the Cold War has played an important role in its emergence as a major force in international politics. Concurrently with its economic growth, the country is going through a rapid social transformation, as a result of economic liberalisation and globalisation. To launch negotiations for a new Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA) Commissioner Benita Ferrero-Waldner has visited China last week. The EU insisted that its arms embargo against China will remain until China’s human rights record improves, despite the two sides agreeing to expand their strategic partnership. »»»

Culture gap between spirit and evil spirit. Development of civil society in Iraq, a socio-political reflection – Impressions, photos, presentation and discussion with Andrea Eleonore Vermeer

Wednesday, 24 January 2007, 18.30-20.30h
European Parliament, Paul-Henri-Spaak Building, 1st floor, Room PHS 1C47 (just behind Espace Menuhin)

The situation in Iraq has reached a crucial point. To be able to judge what should be done with a sufficient degree of confidence, we need witnesses from within the country. However, it has proven to be difficult, given the security situation, to travel safely and unimpeded within Iraq. »»»