ABSTRACT
The need to make the Mediterranean a region of peace, prosperity and understanding between cultures and peoples has become more pronounced and more pressing in the aftermath of the September 11 terrorist attacks on New York and Washington. Enhanced political dialogue and cultural cooperation have been called for amongst various measures to combat terrorism and to promote further democracy and peace in the region. These objectives have constituted an integral part of the political and security basket of the Barcelona Declaration establishing the Euro-Mediterranean Partnership (EMP) since its inception in November 1995. Indeed, one of the several proclaimed aims of the EMP’s political and security basket has been to promote democracy and democratic principles and respect for human rights and the rule of law in the southern Mediterranean.
